Motor Vehicle Registration

Below you will find the laws and forms regarding Motor Vehicle Registration and Titling in the State of Kentucky

Taxes

A six percent (6%) motor vehicle usage tax is levied upon the retail value of vehicles registered for the first time in Kentucky. For new vehicles, this amount is the total consideration given (the total of the cash or amount financed and the value of any vehicle traded in) or 90% of the MSRP, including all additional equipment and destination charges.

On used vehicles purchased out-of-state, that retail price is based on total consideration given (the Total Consideration Statement on Title Application must be completed) or average retail value as listed in the National Auto Dealers Association (NADA) Official Used Car Guide. This does not apply to rebuilt vehicles or vehicles not listed in the automotive price reference manuals.

For vehicles brought into Kentucky by new residents, the taxable value is the average trade-in value as listed in the NADA Official Used Car Guide.

Exemptions:

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Charitable/Education Organization                     Military Exempt*

Corporation/Proprietorship (LLC)*                         Name Change

Corporation/Subsidiary (LLC)*                                Parent/Child

Court Order/Will*                                                           Repossession*

Dealer Registration                                                      State Government

Grandparent/Grandchild                                          Stepparent/Stepchild

Husband/Wife                                                                US Government

Local Government 

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Any person who willfully and fraudulently gives a false statement as to total and actual consideration paid for a motor vehicle shall be guilty of a Class D felony and fined not less than $2,000 per offense.

Property Tax(Assessed Yearly)

Every titled vehicle in Kentucky as of January 1 of each year is assessed a taxable value by the Property Valuation Administrator. The owner of the vehicle as of January 1 is responsible for the tax, which is due upon renewal and registration change. If a vehicle is transferred prior to renewal, the owner as of January 1 is liable for the taxes. It is not required that property taxes be paid at time of transfer, however it is not required

Delinquent Taxes

Any taxes not paid by the owner of the vehicle will prohibit the renewal of any vehicle owned by said owner. Delinquent taxes owed by either the buyer or seller of a vehicle could also prohibit the transfer of a vehicle.

The County Clerk is only the tax collector and therefore has no authority to exonerate taxes or change assessments. Questions regarding assessments should be directed to Property Valuation Administrator, at 473-7888.

Fees

Kentucky Title Fee: $9.00 (The title is mailed to the owner by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and should be expected in about 4-6 weeks.)

Kentucky Speed Title: $25.00 (A speed title is mailed to the owner the following business day by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet.)

Yearly Regular Automobile Registration Fee: $21.00

Specialized Automobiles: See https://secure.kentucky.gov/kytc/renewal

Farm Trucks: $31.00

Motorcycles: $18.50

Trucks (6000 lbs/non-commercial): $21.00

Sheriff Inspection Fee: $5.00