More FAQ's
Mandatory Insurance Reporting - FAQ's
Please click here for more information on personal plates, registration renewal, county clerks, forms, and license plates.

Q:     Does the lien holder hold the title in Kentucky?
A:     No.  The title is sent to the owner.

Q:     What vehicles have to be inspected in Kentucky before titling?
A:      Kentucky does not have a vehicle safety inspection requirement. However, all cars entering Kentucky must have the vehicle identification number inspected by the sheriff in the county in which they are to be registered. The only exception belongs to new cars handled by Kentucky dealers which do not have to be inspected.

NOTE:
Unlike some states, in Kentucky license plates remain with the vehicle.  Registration for passenger cars and 6,000-pound trucks expire the last day of the owner's birth month.

Q:     Does Kentucky require proof of insurance?
A:     A Kentucky law enacted in 1984 requires the County Clerk to take up documentary proof of liability insurance before renewing or transferring a registration of a motor vehicle.  This does not apply to trailers.  Your insurance company will provide this document for you.

Q:     I am out of state and unable to get my vehicle back to KY before I apply for a title and registration. How can my vehicle be inspected?
A:     Motor vehicles purchased in another state by persons who are residents of Kentucky but are temporarily residing out of state for at least thirty (30) days, but not longer than nine (9) months, may have the vehicle inspected by the state police, a local law enforcement agency, or the vehicle inspection program of another state. Vehicles owned by members of the armed forces may be inspected by the provost marshal or similar officer. The form needed for an out of state inspection can be found here: Form TC 96-229

Q:     How do you register and title a vehicle from a foreign country?
A:     Here are the three main countries we deal with.
         Canada: Submit a Canada registration and HS-7 or 7501 from US Customs.
         Germany: Need vehicle title documents as ownership and HS-7 or 7501 form from US Customs.
         Switzerland: Registration only. Need registration and HS-7 or 7501 form from US Customs.
All registrations will have to be translated.
All other countries please call Vehicle Licensing at 502-564-2737.

NOTE: If a vehicle coming from any foreign country that the vin number starts with a 1 or if the year of the vehicle is more than 25 years of age, they do not require a HS-7 or 7501 from US Customs.

E-Mail: MVL Help Desk for more information.

Motor Vehicle Licensing Home Page