by Armando Martinez
If you've recently moved to Kentucky or bought a car in a private owner car sale in Kentucky, you'll need to register it with the state within 15 days. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do just that.
Step 1: Gather the Required Documents
Before you can register your car, you'll need to gather a few documents. These include:
- The car's title properly signed over to you
- The bill of sale (if available)
- An odometer disclosure statement (if available)
- Proof of insurance
Make sure you have all of these documents before moving on to the next step.
Step 2: Get Your Car Inspected
In Kentucky, you are not required to get an emissions inspection to register and title your vehicle. However, you're required to get your car’s vehicle identification number (“VIN”) inspected and a safety inspection by your local sheriff before you can register it, if your vehicle was titled outside of Kentucky. You can have this done at any sheriff's office located in the county in which you will be registering your vehicle. The inspection is intended to insure that the vehicle is “roadworthy” and can be operated safely.The inspection will check things like your car's brakes, lights, horn, wipers, turn signals, mirrors, glass, tires, exhaust ,and other safety related components, so be sure such items are in good working order before you have the inspection done..The inspection results along with your vehicle’s mileage are recorded on your application for Title/Registration Form (TC 96-182). You will need to bring your vehicle’s title, your Driver’s License, a copy of the TC 96-182 form, and $5 cash or check with you to your inspection appointment.
Step 3: Complete the Registration Application
Once your car has passed inspection, you can complete the title and registration application at your county clerk’s office. A list of County Clerk’s offices can be found here.
Be prepared to provide information about yourself (bring your photo ID with you and Social Security Number for each owner), and the vehicle’s title signed off by the prior owner, Proof of Insurance, and any other documents relating to your vehicle with you. If your title is held by a lienholder, the County Clerk will need to request it from the lienholder.
Step 4: Pay the Fees
When you submit your title and registration application, you'll also need to pay the title and registration fees as well as a 6% road usage tax. The amount of the title, registration fees and tax you'll owe will depend on yourcar's purchase price and the county you live in. You can pay these fees with cash, check, or money order.
Step 5: Get Your License Plates
Once you've paid the fees, you'll receive your license plates in the mail. In Kentucky, license plates stay with the car, not the owner, so you'll need to attach them to your car before you can legally drive it.
Step 6: Get Your Car Insured
Before you can title and register your vehicle, you must have proof of insurance in Kentucky and present that to your County Clerk. Thereafter, to legally drive your car, you'll need to have it insured. You can purchase car insurance from any licensed insurance company in Kentucky. Make sure you have proof of insurance with you whenever you're driving your car.
Conclusion
Registering a car bought in a private owner car sale in Kentucky is a fairly straightforward process. Just make sure you have all of the required documents, get your car inspected, and pay the registration fees. Once you've completed these steps, you'll be ready to hit the road in your new car. For more information you may visit the Kentucky DMV website.
This article was written by Armando Martinez. Armando Martinez is among the nation’s experts on automotive titling, registration, DMV services and document operations. With nearly two decades of experience across a broad range of financial services functions and some of the largest names in auto, from Wells Fargo to Uber, Armando combines vision and ingenuity with a wealth of information so auto shoppers and sellers can learn from his experience.
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