If you’re buying, selling, or otherwise transferring ownership of a car in Kentucky, you must complete a title transfer. You can do this at your local DMV for a fee of just $9.

Congrats, you have a new car! Now you need to do a little paperwork to make it official. When you buy or sell a vehicle, completing a title transfer is as important as kicking the tires and handing over the keys.

In Kentucky, this is a fairly straightforward process—but it’s important to do it properly to be compliant with the DMV and state law. In this article, the

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What is a title transfer?

A car title states who owns the vehicle. When you transfer the title of a car, you’re transferring its ownership.

Transferring a title consists of two steps:

The seller must sign the title to release ownership of the car

The buyer must take the signed title to the DMV, where the state will issue a new title and registration

The process may vary between states. Some require additional paperwork to complete the title transfer process, such as a bill of sale or transfer of ownership form. You may also need to provide basic vehicle information like the sales price and current odometer reading.

Who does the title transfer?

The

responsibility for the title transfer

depends on whether you’re buying or selling a vehicle privately or from a dealership.

If it’s a private purchase, it’s up to the buyer and seller to complete the title transfer process. When you buy a car from a dealer, they handle all the paperwork and send the vehicle title to you by mail.

Reasons for a title transfer

There are a variety of reasons why you might need to complete a title transfer for a vehicle. The most common include a change of residency or buying or selling a car.

Here are some other reasons for a title change:

Donating a vehicle

Gifting a vehicle

Inheriting a vehicle

Paying off a vehicle loan

Key Takeaway A car title is the document stating who owns the car. When buying or selling a vehicle, the title must be transferred to the new owner.

Car title transfer in Kentucky

In Kentucky, the vehicle buyer can complete a title transfer through the DMV. It must be done within 15 days of the change of ownership.

If the owner of the car doesn’t reside in Kentucky, the vehicle will be registered with the County Clerk of the county where the car is principally operated.

Here’s what you need:

Proof of insurance

Identification— if the name on your title is different than your ID, you must provide an affidavit showing they are the same

Completed Kentucky Certificate of Title and signed title—registration or bill of sale is fine if your state doesn’t issue titles (signatures must be notarized)

Inspection certificate if you’ve brought the vehicle into Kentucky from another state

The title transfer fee is $9.

Registering a car in Kentucky

After a title transfer, you’ll need to register the vehicle. Registration is proof that you can legally drive on the streets and is done annually.

In Kentucky, registering your vehicle costs $21 per year. Additional fees apply for registration completed online or by mail.

Fee	Amount
Online registration fee	$5
Mail-in registration fee	$2

Finding insurance for your vehicle

In Kentucky, you’ll need to show proof of insurance within 45 days of purchasing a new vehicle. To find affordable coverage, check out the

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MORE:

Kentucky car insurance laws—all you need to know

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FAQs

What if my car has a loan?

A title transfer requires extra steps if the car still has a loan. Call your lender and find out how to sell a vehicle that is still being financed and how the transaction should be handled.

Where do I sign to transfer the title?

The title will have a line that says “seller’s signature.” If two people are on the title, then both will need to sign on the same line. There is a separate line for the buyer’s signature. Sign your name exactly how it appears elsewhere on the title.

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