Titling a Car in Kentucky After Moving From Another State
Last verified: November 2026 against Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and DOR sources
When you move to Kentucky, you convert your out-of-state title to a Kentucky title before you register the car and get Kentucky plates.
Here is what to bring and what you pay.
Step by step
- 1
Get Kentucky insurance
You cannot drive the car in Kentucky until it has Kentucky insurance. Bring proof with an issue date within 45 days.
- 2
Pass the sheriff’s inspection
A vehicle brought into Kentucky from another state needs a passed sheriff’s inspection.
- 3
Complete Form TC 96-182
Fill out the Application for Kentucky Certificate of Title (TC 96-182). Bring your signed-over out-of-state title, or the registration or bill of sale if your state issues only those. The signatures must be notarized.
- 4
Go to your county clerk
The Cabinet’s new resident page says to title and register within 10 days of establishing residency, and elsewhere on the same page gives 15 days to apply for registration after bringing a vehicle in. Plan on 10.
- 5
Pay the usage tax and fees
The 6% usage tax is due, but you get credit for tax paid to another state with a substantially identical tax (KRS 138.460). The title is $9 and registration $20.50.
What to bring
- Proof of Kentucky insurance issued within 45 days
- Proof of a passed sheriff’s inspection
- Form TC 96-182 and your signed-over out-of-state title
- Your Kentucky driver’s license, Kentucky ID card, or Social Security card
- Proof of any tax paid to your old state, for the credit