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Moving to Kentucky
I am moving to Kentucky from another state. What do I need to take with me when I go to my new county clerk's office? If you own your car (not leased), have no liens on the vehicle, and have possession of the title you will need:
Vehicle Transfers
I need to remove my ex-spouse from my title. What do I need to take to the county clerk's office?You will need to take:
When transferring a vehicle you will need to pay usage tax at 6% of the retail value of the vehicle OR 6% of the purchase price if a completed Affidavit of Total Consideration is presented OR 6% of the purchase price if the back of the new Kentucky title is completed. Also property tax may be required to be paid if it is due or past due.
General Questions
I paid off my vehicle. What do I need to take to the county clerk's office to get a clear title?You will need to bring the title and a termination statement from the financial institute.
Disabled Parking Permits
What is required to get a disabled parking permit?You will need a TC96-204 form completed by the applicant and signed by their physician.
Vehicle Renewals
What do I need to take with me to the county clerk's office to renew my vehicle?You will need to bring your Kentucky certificate of registration and money to pay the fees and applicable taxes.
You can renew your vehicle or boat by mail. You will need to mail in your certificate of registration, current original proof of insurance and money for fees and applicable taxes. You can view your county clerk's address information by clicking here. Once you have sent the above documents in your decal/license plate should arrive in 5-7 working days.
Internet Renewals
What information will I need to request a vehicle's registration renewal through the Internet?You will be asked to enter your license plate number, title number and your VISA or Master Card number. Your license plate number can be found on your registration notice you received in the mail or on the actual plate on your vehicle. Your title number can be found on last year's registration renewal certificate or on the title to your vehicle.
Only vehicles currently registered with standard issue passenger car plates and 6000 lb. truck plates can be renewed through the Internet.
You cannot request the renewal of the registration for your boat over the Internet.
Vehicles currently registered with personalized or other specialty issue license plates cannot be renewed through the Internet.
If your address is incorrect, you will not be allowed to request the renewal of your registration over the Internet. You will be required to contact or visit your county clerk to correct your address and renew your registration.
Your insurance will be verified through the Internet if you have insurance with one of the participating companies. If you have obtained insurance within the last 45 days your information may not be in our database. This could prohibit you from renewing your vehicle from this site. Please visit your County Clerk and provide proof of insurance at that time.
If your registration is expired or past due you cannot request your registration renewal through the Internet and will be required to visit your county clerk's office to renew your vehicle registration.
If the registration on your vehicle has been cancelled for any reason, such as non-compliance for insurance or vehicle inspection reasons, you will be required to visit your county clerk to renew your registration.
A convenience fee of $5 is charged for each vehicle registration renewal requested through the Internet to cover the cost of processing and mailing of renewal materials.
VISA or Master Card is accepted for payment of registration renewal requests through the Internet.
Your local county clerk will process your renewal and you should receive your registration renewal certificate and decal through the mail within 3-5 working days.
You will be given the opportunity to make contributions to the Child Care Fund and/or the Veterans' Assistance Fund as part of your vehicle registration renewal request.
Vehicle Registration Cancellations
I have sold my vehicle to an out-of-state resident. What do I do?You will need to notify your county clerk with the name and state of the new owner. You will also need to return the Kentucky license plate to your Kentucky county clerk's office. If you were a resident of Kentucky and owner of the vehicle January 1st you may have property taxes due on that vehicle.
If you were a resident of Kentucky on January 1st and owner of record taxes may be due on your vehicle. You will need to send a copy of your title or registration receipt to your former county clerk. You will also need to send the Kentucky license plate.
Vehicle Titling
What do I need to take to the county clerk's office to get a duplicate Kentucky title?To get a duplicate title you will need the following:
A speed title is processed overnight for an additional fee of $25.00. It can be mailed to the customer or picked up in Frankfort based on which option you choose at the time you are applying for the speed title. If the speed title is mailed to you it should be received in 3-5 working days. Otherwise, it can be picked up in Frankfort the following work day. If you choose to pick up your speed title in Frankfort, please allow 24 hours before any further transactions with your new title. If you want to pick it up in Frankfort it is strongly suggested that you call first (502) 564-2737. Some applications are not eligible for speed titles. They are listed below:
Personalized Plates
When do you renew the registration for a vehicle with personalized plate?Personalized Plate registrations are renewed each December, and they expire December 31st of each year.
No, a personalized plate character combination may only appear on one plate at any given time.
Each year, upon renewal of a Personalized Plate registration, the customer shall select the option of either receiving a plate with decal or a decal only for the next renewal. Periodically, typically once every five years, because the plates design changes, all customers will receive a new plate with decal.
No, whether a plate with decal or a decal only is received at renewal, the fee is still $40($25 personalized fee + $15 registration fee).
No, once a personalized plate is issued, it is reserved for the recipient each year. However, if a personalized plate registration is not renewed for the calendar year following the year in which it expires, the personalized plate is no longer reserved.
The customer may not request the same personalized plate number for the calendar year in which it was lost/stolen. However, application for the Personalized Plate number for the following calendar year will be accepted. Hence, in the calendar year in which the personalized plate was reported lost/stolen, the customer may elect to apply for a new Personalized Plate character combination or for some other type of plate.
Personalized plates are renewed each year in the month of December. The registration fee for a personalize plate renewal is $40.00. Upon completion of a renewal, the customer will receive a plate with decal or a decal only depending on the renewal option selected during the previous registration.
The customer shall return the damaged personalized plate to the county clerk's office in the county of residence. The county clerk will issue the customer a standard passenger car or 6,000 pound truck tag and submit a request to have the damaged personalized plate remade. The customer will be notified when the new personalized plate has been made and is available to be picked up in the county clerk's office.
The standard passenger car plate, standard motorcycle plate and the military issue plates may be personalized.
Personalized passenger plates may be issued to cars, vans, SUVs and pickup trucks while motorcycle plates may only be issued to motorcycles.
The customer shall return the personalized plate to the county clerk. Depending on the type of personalized plate returned (passenger or motorcycle) the county clerk will issue a standard passenger or motorcycle replacement plate. Subsequently, the customer may reclaim the returned personalized plate when requesting a personalized registration for another vehicle.
Typically, it takes four to six weeks from the time application is made in the county clerk's office for a personalized plate.
Personalized passenger plates may contain up to six alpha and/or numeric characters in addition to a space or a dash. Personalized motorcycle plates may contain up to five alphabetic and/or numeric characters in addition to a space or a dash or six alphabetic and/or numeric characters without a space or a dash. Character/number combinations, which could potentially duplicate an existing plate number, will be rejected.
Application for a personalized plate for use in the current year may be made in the county clerk's office from January through September. A personalized plate applied for after September must be for use in the next calendar year.
Application for a personalized plate for the next calendar year may be made in the county clerk's office from January through December.
Application for personalized plates may be made at the county clerk's office in the customer's county of residence.
The application fee is paid when the personalized plate is applied for. The registration fee is paid when the customer returns to the clerk's office to pick up the plate.
$25 personal plate application fee and $15 registration fee
Either at renewal, December, or at the time a vehicle is transferred.
The customer shall return the personalized plate assigned to the first vehicle to the county clerk. Depending on the type of personalized plate returned (passenger or motorcycle) the county clerk will issue a standard passenger or motorcycle replacement plate. The customer may then exchange the regular plate assigned to the second vehicle for the returned personalized plate.
The following license plate combinations conflict with existing and projected plate formats. A Personalized Plate cannot be issued matching any of the following combinations.
# = Any Number, 1 through 9
@ = Any Letter, A through Z.
#####T, ####@@, ####KT, ####KW, ###@@@, 1@@###, 1H@###, 2A@###, 2C@###, 2E@###, 2G@###, 3A@###, 3B@###, 3C@###, 3D@###, 3E@###, 4A@###, 4B@###, 4C@###, 4D@###, 5A@###, 5B@###, 5C@###, 5D@###, 5E@###, 8W####, C#####, CE####, CK####, CK@###, CL####, CL@###, CM####, CN####, CR####, CS####, CW####, D@####, E#####, E@####, F@####, F@@###, H#####, HC####, HCM###, HE####, HF####, HG####, HH####, HI####, HI@###, HJ####, HP@###, HS@###, HV####, K@####, L#####, L@####, M#####, MC####, MIL###, MOH###, NG####, NP####, NR####, O####@, O@####, POW@##, S#####, SC@###, SD@###, SF@###, SGH###, SGH##A, SGS###, SGS##A, SH@###, SM@###, SP####, SP@###, SS@###, SUH###, SUS###, SZ####, SZZ###, T#####, TT####, V#####, WX###, WX###@, X####, X####@, XM###, XM###@
Advalorem (Property) Tax
What is advalorem tax?The Motor Vehicle Property Tax is a constitutional advalorem (in proportion to the value) tax levied on personal property.
The Property Valuation Administrator of the county in which the vehicle is located is responsible for the assessment of the value.
The standard value of motor vehicles is the average trade-in value established by industry standard guides, provided to Property Valuation Administrators by the Kentucky Revenue Cabinet.
To adjust the value you will need to contact your local Property Valuation Administrator. Some reasons the value may need to be adjusted are: excessive mileage, damage, and identification.
The value is assessed as of January 1st and the "owner of record" at that time is responsible for that entire year's taxes.
Most advalorem taxes are due by the last day of your birth month. There are some exceptions to this such as historical vehicles, are due in December, and title-only vehicles, are due in July (This is a partial list of exceptions).
Yes, boats are assessed and taxed in a similar manner to vehicles, except boat taxes are all due by April 30th.
The boat, motor, and trailer values may be assessed as a unit or separately.
The tax rates are based on the location of the boat, so if the boat stays at a marina then the boat is subject to all property tax rates levied at that location.
The taxing districts set the rates based on limits that are stated in the statutes. The PVA is not responsible for setting property tax rates.
The Property Valuation Administrator is responsible for the tax districts, tax status on vehicles, and exoneration of tax.
The County Clerk in your county has the responsibility of collecting advalorem taxes on motor vehicles and boats, and maintaining current addresses.
Approximately 65% of the advalorem property tax on motor vehicles is returned to the local community, funding your local government, your public schools, your fire departments, your ambulance services, your libraries, etc. The remainder goes to the Kentucky General Fund.
Apportioned vehicles are those interstate motor carriers that operate commerce partially within Kentucky.
All billing and collecting of advalorem taxes on apportioned vehicles is handled through the Revenue Cabinet in Frankfort.
Kentucky law requires the registration of vehicles within 15 days from the date they are brought into Kentucky for use. To report someone abusing the system call 1-800-882-8990, or write Freeroaders, Kentucky Revenue Cabinet, PO Box 1190, Frankfort, KY 40602-1190. You need not identify yourself when calling or writing.
Usage Tax
I will be moving into Kentucky. What tax will be due?The 6% usage tax is due upon initial registration into Kentucky. If your vehicle was properly registered to you in the previous state, you will be given tax credit for what you paid to the other state on sales/usage/use tax.
You will not have to pay the usage tax again provided the ownership of the vehicle has not changed during that time. For example, if you owned the vehicle, sold it to a different owner in the other state, and then bought it back again, you will be required to pay the usage tax to Kentucky.
If the vehicle is properly registered to you in KY and you want to add your spouse/parent or child, the transaction would be exempt. Documentation is required.
Yes, if a non-relative's name is added, half of the tax would be due. The ownership would go from one owner to two owners.
The tax can be based on either 90% of the total Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) which includes all options and destination fees, or it can be based on the Affidavit of Total Consideration. The rate is 6%. If you buy a used vehicle, the tax can be based on the value from a prescribed price reference manual, or it can be based on the value shown on the Affidavit of Total Consideration. The Affidavit can be obtained from any County Clerk office, car dealership, or print it directly from this website.
This Affidavit is a form which requires the signature of both the buyer and the seller; it requires vehicle information, price paid and signatures must be notarized. Other forms are not accepted. If the Affidavit is not available, tax will be based on the "retail" value from the prescribed price reference manual. Vehicles received as "gifts" or for a nominal consideration, will be taxed on the trade-in value from the price reference manual.
If both vehicles involved in the trade have been previously registered, trade credit can be given. No Trade-in credit is available if buying a new vehicle. Only used vehicles qualify for trade credit.
The Affidavit of Total Consideration may be used or, if it is not available, values will be based on values from the price reference manuals.
No, only vehicles which have been plated for use on the highway pay usage tax so only those vehicles qualify for trade credit. Any tax charged on trailers, boats, farm equipment, ATVs etc. would not be usage tax. The tax collected on those items would have been Sales/Use Tax.
In most cases, yes you can when you register your vehicle in Kentucky, the County Clerk will examine your documents and determine if credit is due and, if so, how much is due. Tax credit applies only to tax you paid on the vehicle you are registering in Kentucky. In some cases, no additional tax is due Kentucky.
For registration information contact the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Registration at (502) 564-5301. For usage tax information contact the Kentucky Revenue Cabinet at (502) 564-4455.
Kentucky provides two methods for paying taxes on leased vehicles. The tax can be paid in full when the vehicle is registered at the County Clerk, or the owner can contact the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, U-Drive-It Section, at (502) 564-5301 to make arrangements to obtain a permit which will allow payments to be made on a monthly basis.
In most cases, yes; however, the returned vehicle cannot be "replaced" with another one and tax paid on only the difference in the value. The process must start with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet at (502) 564-5301. The title and registration will be cancelled, and Transportation will notify the County Clerk and the Revenue Cabinet. The Revenue Cabinet will then determine if circumstances call for a refund. If a refund is authorized, the County Clerk will contact the taxpayer and issue the refund from the County Clerk office.
No, time is not a factor. The usage tax is a tax for the right or privilege of using the highways, and is not based on actual use of the highways.
No. The actual price can be used if the Affidavit of Total Consideration is provided. If the Affidavit of Total Consideration is not used, tax will be based on the retail book value.
No, Motor Vehicle Usage Tax is a one-time only tax as long as you own the vehicle. If ownership is transferred to a different person, tax is due unless there is an applicable exemption under KRS138.470.
The Economic Development Cabinet administers the Enterprise Zone program; they can be reached at (502) 564-7670.
If the vehicle is a commercial vehicle and the company is exempt, no tax is due. If the vehicle is considered a non-commercial vehicle, tax is due.
No; if the vehicle is new, dealers are not exempt. If the vehicle is used (previously registered), dealers can claim a dealership exemption for the vehicles which is being held on the lot for resale or being driven for demonstration purposes by the customer. Business or personal use of the vehicle invalidates the exemption. The vehicle should not be rented, leased, or loaned to any person.
KRS 138.470 lists the exemption. Your county Clerk can assist you in this, or you may contact the Motor Vehicle Usage Tax Section of the Kentucky Revenue Cabinet at (502) 564-4455.
Specific information will need to be supplied: Is it new or used, Year, make, VIN, title number or plate number for a used vehicle. Also, has the vehicle been modified (dump, flatbed, tank, wrecker, tow truck, etc.)?
No. If the equipment is on the vehicle when it is registered and the Affidavit of Total Consideration is used for tax purposes, indicate the portion of the total cost that is for the equipment. It will be deducted from the total amount. For example: If $20,000 is paid for the vehicle including the accessibility equipment, which is valued at $5,000, the tax would be due on the difference, or a value of $15,000. If the Affidavit of Total Consideration is not used, tax will be based on the retail value from the prescribed reference manual.
If the Affidavit of Total Consideration is used, the minimum amount of $6.00 will be charged for each vehicle. If the Affidavit of Total Consideration is NOT used, the value of both vehicles will be based on the retail value from the prescribed reference manual and additional tax may be due.
The County Clerks do not have access to all manuals. Contact the Motor Vehicle Usage Tax Section at (502) 564-4455.
If the vehicle is legally registered to you in the other state and it is no longer listed in the older car guide used by the Kentucky Revenue Cabinet, the tax will be based on a value of $100. Tax would be $6.00.
When going from one owner to two owners, if the second party is a spouse, child, grandparent or parent there will be no additional tax due. If the other party is not a spouse, child grandparent or parent, half of the tax will be due.
Churches are not exempt from usage tax. The Sales/Use number does not apply to motor vehicles.
The $2.00 fee is collected for each vehicle in compliance with Kentucky Revised Statute 186.020(5). It is a postage and handling fee used to cover expenses associated with supplies such as postage and return envelopes. Many people believe the convenience of the mail-in service outweighs the cost.
The Boyle County Clerk's Office is required by Kentucky Revised Statute to collect the original proof of insurance during the renewal process. We are also required to keep this document on file for two years.
Insurance companies should send their customers two insurance cards. One is for you to keep in your car; the other is to give to the Clerk's Office at time of renewal. If you did not receive two cards from your insurance company, please contact them for replacements.
No, the notification card is just a reminder sent by the Revenue Cabinet in Frankfort and can be kept for your records.
To renew your vehicle you must have the registration certificate, current insurance card and payment (cash, check, money order, Master Card and Visa are accepted). Renewals can be processed at any of our Main Street location, or through our Mail-In Department.
The registered owner can receive a duplicate registration. The owner must bring a picture Identification and current insurance card. The cost is $3.00 for the duplication fee and $2.00 for the notary fee.
You must complete an Application For Disabled Persons Special Parking Permit from the Clerk's Office or go to the Motor Vehicle Forms site and print the application from your computer. Permanent parking permits are valid for six years and the fee is $8.00.
A licensed physician's original signature and license number are required when applying for a Disable Parking Permit.
According to KRS186A.095 a vehicle must be registered within 15 days after you establish residency or within 15 days of purchase.
It takes between 6 to 8 weeks to receive a personalized plate in our office from Frankfort.
A personalized plate costs $25.00 plus $15.00 registration fee. This amount does not include any taxes that may be owed at the time of purchase.
Checks should be made payable to: Boyle County Clerk.
In order to operate a dealership in Boyle County, you must first get a license through Frankfort by contacting MOTOR VEHICLE DIVISION, 114 West Clinton Street, Frankfort, KY 40622 (502-564-3750). Once you receive your license from Frankfort, bring the license to the County Clerk where you will complete 2 other forms. (These forms ask for addresses and SS# of your employees, so be prepared to have them on hand.) You will be issued your dealer plates at that time. Your master plate is $28.50 and each additional plate is $15.00. Temporary tags can then be purchased for $2.00 each.
Our method of payment is either by:
The license plates are designed by the Dept. of Transportation, Dept. of Tourism, and the Governor's Office.