Selling or junking a car in Kentucky

How do I sign over a car title in Kentucky?

The seller signs the back of the title in front of a notary, so notarization is required. When a title lists two sellers joined by AND, both must sign. The buyer then takes the signed title, proof of Kentucky insurance, ID and the fees to the County Clerk. Titles issued before 2000 may also need form TC 96-182. The title must be transferred within 15 days of the sale. Odometer: under KRS 186A.215, the seller must complete the assignment and the federal odometer disclosure on the title. If the title has no room for this, the seller uses the TC 96-182 application instead. Only the seller can correct a mileage entry, using the Affidavit of Mileage Correction (TC 96-322). Do not use white-out on a title or cross anything out. If a correction is needed, attach a signed, notarized affidavit.

Can I sell or junk a car without a title in Kentucky?

There is no general exemption from having a title. KYTC says every vehicle used on Kentucky roads must be titled, and a normal sale needs the signed, notarized title. The exception is a 'hulk vehicle' under KRS 186A.215(5): one that is rusted, wrecked, dismantled and inoperable, or has an apparent value under $200. The normal title-transfer steps in that section do not apply to hulks. Kentucky's scrap-metal purchase rules exempt vehicles sold through a legitimate title transfer or a junk title (KRS 433.904(6)(d)). If the title is lost, get a duplicate first.

How do I get a duplicate title in Kentucky?

File form TC 96-182 at your local County Clerk's office. Fill in the owner and vehicle sections and give the title number or plate number. Bring a photo ID and pay $6.00 plus the notary cost (KRS 186A.245). A speed title is not available for duplicates.

Do I need to file a release of liability in Kentucky?

Kentucky has no routine notice-of-sale form. The seller's protection is to have the buyer transfer the title at the clerk within 15 days. If the buyer does not do that, the seller files the Affidavit of Incomplete Transfer (TC 96-3) with the County Clerk in the seller's home county. TC 96-3 must be signed before a notary or attesting official. The clerk then blocks any registration on that vehicle until the transfer goes through (KRS 186A.215(4)). If you sell to an out-of-state buyer, tell your County Clerk the buyer's name and state, and file TC 96-3 if the vehicle is not transferred within 15 days.

What do I do with the plates after selling a car in Kentucky?

Plates stay with the seller. This has applied since January 2024 under KRS 186.190 and the KAVIS system. If the registration has not expired, the seller can move the plate to another vehicle they own of the same class for a one-time $11 fee. If the registration expires at the end of the month the transfer is processed, the seller must renew it to keep using the plate, or turn the plate in at the County Clerk. If the registration has already expired at transfer, the plate must go back to the County Clerk. Personalized plates are the exception: the owner keeps the right to that plate for one year after expiration. If you sell to an out-of-state buyer, return the Kentucky plate to your County Clerk.

What happens to the title when a car is junked or salvaged in Kentucky?

Destroyed vehicles fall under KRS 186A.295, effective July 15, 2026. A vehicle counts as destroyed if it cannot be repaired commercially for less than its retail value, or if 2 or more VIN-bearing parts have been removed. The owner must then surrender the title to the County Clerk where the vehicle is located. Used-parts sellers and salvage or recycling businesses have the same duty. Surrender is due within 10 working days of receiving or destroying the vehicle, or of removing the second part. The clerk accepts it free and cancels the title. Only damage to the suspension, motor, transmission, frame or unibody, and structural parts counts toward repair cost. Cosmetic damage does not count. If that calculation means the title does not have to be surrendered, the title is branded salvage instead. A salvage title is required when repairs would exceed 75% of retail value (KRS 186A.520). The owner applies to the clerk within 15 days, and a salvage-titled vehicle cannot be registered for road use. Rebuilding requires forms TC 96-215 and TC 96-182 (both notarized), TC 96-353, parts receipts and an inspection. The vehicle then gets a 'rebuilt vehicle' title brand (KRS 186A.530).

What can I do about an abandoned vehicle on my property in Kentucky?

For involuntary tows, a towing company must notify the registered owner by certified mail within 10 business days of the tow, or it loses storage fees after that point. If towing or storage charges go unpaid for 45 days, the vehicle may be sold. The proposed sale notice goes by certified or registered mail to the owner and anyone with an interest at least 10 days before the sale. If a lien is recorded, the company must also publish a legal notice twice within 7 days in a local newspaper. The buyer titles the vehicle with an Affidavit of Motor Vehicle Sale (TC 96-159). Vehicles impounded by a local government are covered by KRS 82.630. They are deemed abandoned 45 days after notice and may be sold for scrap.

Official sources

1. KYTC Drive - Vehicle Titling
2. KYTC Drive - Keep Your License Plate
3. KYTC Drive - Rebuilt/Salvaged Titles
4. KRS 186A.215 Procedures for transfer of vehicle ownership
5. KRS 186A.245 Duplicate certificate of title - Fee
6. KRS 186A.295 Owner to surrender title on destroyed vehicle
7. KRS 186A.520 Salvage titles
8. KRS 186A.530 Rebuilt, water-damaged, and junk vehicle titles
9. KRS 433.904 Secondary metals recycler purchase requirements
10. KRS 82.630 Vehicle deemed abandoned (local government impound)
11. KYTC Forms Library (TC 96 series)
12. KYTC TC 96-159T Towing and Storage Lien Statutory Requirements (Rev. 11/2025)
13. KYTC TC 96-3 Affidavit of Incomplete Transfer

This guide summarizes public rules and is not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, Division of Motor Vehicle Licensing (titles are handled at County Clerk offices) before you sell.