Motor Vehicles

MOTOR VEHICLES

Titling and Registration of a New Vehicle

KRS 186.020 requires a person who purchases a vehicle or
brings a vehicle into Kentucky from another state to make
application for title within fifteen (15) days. If the owner of a motor
vehicle does not reside in Kenctucky, the motor vehicle shall be
registered with the County Clerk of the county in which the motor
vehicle is principally operated.

The following documents and information are required:

Manufacturer's certificate of origin properly assigned to the
buyer by the selling dealer.
Application for title/registration (TC96-182).
The Total Consideration and Trade-In information section
on the Application for title/registration. Seller must also
complete bottom left section of application and have
signature notarized. If that is not available, the window
sticker or the manufacturer-to-dealer invoice which shows
the suggested retail base price plus options and
transportation charges.
Federally conforming odometer disclosure statement.
Certified inspection of the vehicle indentication number if
purchased outside Kentucky, with the exception of leased
vehicles operating on U-Drive-It Permits
Current Proof of Kentucky Insurance
Title Lien Statement (TC96-187E), if applicable.
Owner/Buyer personal ID.
Social Security number, or "Indiviual Taxpayer Identification
Number" for each party appearing on the title, or federal ID
tax number for companies.

Information on FEES and TAXES Click Here

*Vehicle Identification number inspections are done by the
Hopkins County Sheriff's Office, located at 56 North Main Street,
Madisonville, Kentucky.

Related Services

Motor Vehicle Fees

Titling and Registration of New Vehicle

Titling and Registration of Out of State
Vehicles

Insurance Proof Requirements

Registration Types

          --Non-Commercial
          --Commercial
          --D.O.T Numbers
          --Farm Trucks

Instructions to Apply for a Corrected or
Updated Kentucky Title

Instructions to Apply for a Duplicate
Kentucky Registration

Transfer of a Kentucky Titled Vehicle

Vehicles sold or Transferred out of the
State of Kentucky

Salvage and Rebuilt Vehicles

Surrendering Title

Renewal of a Kentucky Registration

Proof of Insurance Requirements

In State Renewals and Transfers:

Commonwealth of Kentucky insurance card.
Declarations page of Kentucky issued insurance policy.
Binder - must be dated and indicate that the coverage is
bound.

Requirements:

Name of insured must be the owner of record or the
transferee.
Vehicle identification number on the insurance card must
match the VIN# of the vehicle being renewed or transferred.
NAIC # must be printed on proof. (Commercial policies are
exempt)

Commonwealth of Kentucky insurance card. Out of State
insurance will not be accepted.
Declarations page of Kentucky issued insurance policy.
Binder must be dated and indicate that the coverage is
bound.

Requirements:

Name of insured must be the owner of record or the
transferee.
Vehicle identification number on the insurance card must
match the VIN# of the vehicle being registered or transferred.
NAIC # must be printed on proof. (Commercial polices are
exempt)

First Time Titling and Registration of out of State
Vehicles

KRS 186.020 requires a person who purchases a vehicle or brings a
vehicle into Kentucky from another state to make application for title
within fifteen (15) days. If the owner of a motor vehicle does not
reside in Kentucky, the motor vehicle shall be registered with the
County Clerk of the county in which the motor vehicle is principally
operated.

The following documents and information are required:

Certificate of Title (Photo copies not accepted), Transfer of
ownership requires a properly assigned certificate of title.
Proof of sales tax paid in a different state must identify type of
tax paid, dollar amount, serial number of vehicle and name of
the taxpayer, (canceled checks are not accepted). One of the
following will be accepted: Tax shown on title/registration or
Receipt or letter from taxing agency.
Application for title/registration (TC96-182).
Certified inspection of vehicle identification number (VIN) with
the exception of leased vehicles operating on U - Drive - It -
Permits.
Title Lien statement (TC96-187E) if applicable.
Current Proof of Kentucky Insurance.
Owner/Buyer personal ID.
Social Security number, or " "
for each party appearing on the title, or federal ID tax number
for companies.
Federally conforming odometer disclosure statement.
The Total Consideration and Trade-In information section on
the Application for the title/registration (TC96-182) if
purchasing a vehicle titled in another state. The seller must
complete the bottom left section of the application and have
their signature notarized.

Individual Taxpayer I.D. number

Buyer Beware!
Title and Serial Number Check

Before purchasing a vehicle, be certain the seller can give you a
valid title. Also check the title with the vehicle identification number
(VIN) found on the driver side top of the instrument panel, to verify
that the numbers match. If the numbers do not match do not
complete the transaction.

*Vehical Identification number inspections are done by the
Hopkins County Sheriff's Office, located at The Government
Center, 56 North Main Street, Madisonville, Kentucky.

Registration Types

Commercial – vehicles owned, operated and/or used for business
purposes.

Non-commercial – vehicles used for personal use regardless of
make, model or size. These vehicles are primarily designed for
carrying passengers and having provisions for not more than nine
(9) passengers, including the operator, pickup trucks, SUV’s and
passenger vans.

GVW (gross vehicle weight) – the actual weight of the vehicle plus
the load, hauled and/or towed.

GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating) – the operating weight of the
vehicle as determined by the manufacturer. (The GVWR sticker is
located on the driver’s side door panel of a motor vehicle. The
GVWR sticker on a trailer should be on the tongue of the trailer. If
there is not a sticker on the trailer then use the GVWR of the truck
plus the actual weight of the trailer).

The USE of the vehicle, not the weight, determines the registration
requirements

NON-COMMERCIAL REGISTRATIONS:

Passenger vehicles (cars), commercial and non-
commercial must be licensed with a passenger or
qualifying special license plate.
Any person applying for registration on a non-commercial
vehicle may apply for any non-commercial plate.

COMMERCIAL REGISTRATIONS:

A 10,000 lb. plate shall only be issued to commercial trucks,
SUV’s or vans (vehicle, load and pulled unit cannot exceed
10,000 lbs.). If a commercial truck is pulling a trailer, that
trailer must be licensed and must meet federal motor carrier
regulations (i.e. brakes*, tail lights, license plate).
Any full trailer, semi-trailer or pole trailer having a GVWR of
3,000 pounds or less must be equipped with brakes if the
weight of the towed vehicle resting on the towing vehicle
exceeds 40 percent of the GVWR of the towing vehicle.
Regardless of the ownership of a vehicle, if it is used in a
commercial application, it is subject to the requirements of
commercial registration. Example: a non-commercial truck
that is titled to an individual and licensed with a passenger
plate. The vehicle is loaned to a friend who attaches a trailer
and uses it for business purposes. This now becomes a
commercial vehicle and should be licensed as such.
Commercial vehicles, over 10,001 lbs., must be licensed
with a 14,000 lb. plate or greater.
Any commercial vehicle, whose GVW or GVWR does not
exceed 10,001 pounds, may be plated with any regular or
special plate for which they qualify.
Passenger vehicles (cars), commercial and non-
commercial, must be licensed with a passenger or
qualifying special license plate.

D.O.T. NUMBERS

If the combined or actual weight of a commercial truck, load
and trailer exceeds 10,001 lbs. or if the GVWR of the truck is
10,001 lbs. or greater, a DOT number is required.
(Regardless of the actual vehicle weight, if the GVWR is over
10,001 lbs., a DOT number is required).
Non-commercial vehicles over 10,001 lbs. DO NOT require
a DOT number.
An application for a D.O.T. number can be downloaded at
www.safer.fmcsa.dot.gov.

             - Select "FMCSA registration forms"
             - Select MCS-150 (Instructions included)
    4. Additional information can be obtained at 1-800-832-5660.
    5. There is no fee for a D.O.T. Number.

A D.O.T. Number serves as an identifier to differentiate between
companies with the same name.

FARM TRUCKS

Farm trucks are commercial vehicles but intrastate farm
trucks, bearing a farm tag, with a GVWR of 26,000 lbs. or
less are not required to have a DOT number.
All farm trucks that operate interstate and operate at 10,001
GVW or GVWR and over are required to have a DOT number.
Farm trucks that operate interstate with less than a 10, 001
GVW or GVWR do not require a DOT number.
Trailers pulled by farm trucks are not required to be licensed
unless the farm truck is registered with a “farm limited”
license plate.
Any person who registers a farm truck may apply for a
special Kentucky Horse Council license plate (KRS186.
1868). Intrastate and interstate safety regulations apply to
these vehicles as well.

Instructions to Apply for a Corrected or Updated
Kentucky Title

The following documents and information are required:

1. Application for Title/Registration (TC96-182) must be
completed in the following sections:

VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION SECTION, including
odometer reading and/or appropriate boxes checked.
AFFIDAVIT FOR REPLACEMENT SECTION, give
current title number and check reason for
updating/correcting the current title.
OWNER-BUYER SECTION, name of current owner
(s), address and Social Security number. Check the
appropriate boxes for the lien information. Owner's
signature and notary.

   2. Current title must be returned with the Application for Title.
   3. If you are requesting a name change on your title, Motor
       Vehicle Application for change of Name (FCC-84-256) must
       also be filled out, signed and notarized or bring a copy of
       court ordered name change.
   4. Application for Title/Registration (TC96-182) must be
       signed by the registered owner or an individual possessing
       Power of Attorney for the owner. A copy of the Power of
       Attorney must be submitted with the Application for Title. The
       signature on all forms must be notarized or the application
       cannot be accepted.
   5.If the application for an updated Title is for the purpose of
      applying for an additional loan, the owner will be furnished
      the goldenrod copy of the processed application for title. This
      goldenrod copy should be taken to the-lender for processing
      the Title Lien filing.
6. Completed form(s) and fee of $6.00 must be returned to the
     County Clerk's office for processing.

If returned by mail, send to:

Hopkins County Clerk

24 Union Street

Madisonville, KY 42431

NOTE: If the application is prepared and notarized by the County
Clerk's office, there will be an additional $3.00 application and
notary fee.

Instructions for Applying for a Duplicate Kentucky
Title

The following documents and information are required:

Form(TC96-182) Application for Title/Registration must be
completed in the following sections:

VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION SECTION, including odometer
reading and/or appropriate boxes checked.
AFFIDAVIT FOR REPLACEMENT SECTION, give current title
number and check lost.
OWNER-BUYER SECTION, name of current owner(s),
address and Social Security number. Check the
appropriate boxes for the lien information. Owner's
signature and notary.

    2. Completed form(s) and fee of $6.00 must be returned to
        the County Clerk's office for processing.

If returned by mail, send to:

        Hopkins County Clerk
        24 Union Street
        Madisonville, KY 42431

The new title will be mailed from Frankfort to the registered owner
within 3-4 business days of application. (If pending lien, the title
will not print for 30 days.)

NOTE: If the application is prepared and notarized by the County
Clerk's office, there will be an additional $3.00 application and
notary fee.

Acceptable Methods of Payment:
Cash, Certified Check, Cashier's Check, Money Order, Master
Card, American Express, Discover Card and most Debit Cards

Transfer of a Kentucky Titled Vehicle

KRS 186.020 requires a person who purchases a vehicle or
brings a vehicle into Kentucky from another state to make
application for title within fifteen (15) days. If the owner of a motor
vehicle does not reside in Kentucky, the motor vehicle shall be
registered with the County Clerk of the county in which the motor
vehicle is principally operated.

The following documents and information are required for the old
small (7"x 8")Kentucky titles printed through 2/28/2000:

Certificate of title with Assignment of Title properly
completed. Photocopies are not acceptable. Vehicles
cannot be transferred if there are any unreleased liens
appearing on the title.
Application for Title/Registration (TC96-182) properly
signed and notarized. Titles in two names joined by AND
require both signatures.
To be taxed on sale price complete the Total Consideration
and Trade-In Information on the Application for
Title/Registration.*(taxable value cannot be less than 50%
of the "trade in" NADA value) The seller must complete the
bottom left section of the application and have their
signature notarized.
Federally conforming odometer disclosure statement.**
BUYER must provide current proof of Kentucky insurance.
Buyer/Seller personal ID.
Social Security number or "Individual Taxpayer Identification
Number" for each party appearing on the title, or federal ID
tax number for companies.
TITLE ONLY transfers require that plates be surrendered to
the County Clerk and the purchaser may be required to sign
an Affidavit of Non Highway Use (72A007).

Certificate of title with Transfer of Title by Owner properly
completed on the back of the title. Photocopies are not
acceptable. Vehicles cannot be transferred if there are any
unreleased liens appearing on the title. (Dealer
Assignment sections on front only used by dealerships.) A
separate title application can not be accepted with new
titles.
Seller signs on left and signature is notarized. Buyer signs
on Right. Titles in two names joined by AND require both
signatures.
To be taxed on sales price complete the Total
Consideration and Trade-In Information section on the
back of title. Complete the Seller and Buyer sections , sign
and have notarized.*
Complete Odometer Disclosure section on back of title.
BUYER must provide current proof of Kentucky insurance.
Buyer/Seller Personal ID if Signatures being notarized by
County Clerk's Office.
Social Security Number, or "Individual Taxpayer
Identification Number" for each party appearing on the title,
or federal tax ID number for companies.
TITLE ONLY transfers require plates be surrendered to the
County Clerk and the purchaser may be required to sign an
Affidavit of Non Highway Use (72A007).

Buyer Beware!
Title and Serial Number Check

Before purchasing a vehicle, make certain that the seller can give
you a valid title. Also check the title with the vehicle identification
number (usually found on the driver's side above the instrument
panel) to verify that they match. If they do not match, do not
complete the transaction until the discrepancy has been corrected.

Penalty provisions for any person who willfully and fraudulently
gives a false statement as to the total and actual consideration
paid for a motor vehicle shall be guilty of a Class D felony and shall
be fined not less than $2,000 per offense.

nformation on FEES and TAXES

Click Here

Information on FEES and TAXES Click Here

Vehicles Sold or Transferred Out of the State of
Kentucky

The following documents and information are required:

Affidavit for correction/exoneration (62A044) for all vehicle
(s) sold or transferred out of state.
Taxes currently due must be collected.
Affidavit for Correction/Exoneration(62A044) must be
signed by the owner or an individual possessing Power
of Attorney for the owner. A copy of the Power of Attorney
must be submitted with the Affidavit for
Correction/Exoneration. The signature on all forms must
be notarized or the affidavit cannot be accepted. Mark the
appropriate box (vehicle was sold out of state or non-
resident of Kentucky) and complete that section. If you
have moved to another state, proof of non-residency is
required.
Completed form(s) and tax, if applicable, must be
returned to the County Clerk's office for processing.

If returned by mail, send to:

Hopkins County Clerk

24 Union Street

Madisonville, KY 42431

If your vehicle was registered in Kentucky on January 1st of the
current tax year, you will be liable for the taxes under Kentucky
law (KRS 134.810). If the sale or transfer occurred before
January 1 of said tax year, we will accept a copy of the new title or
a copy of the bill of sale in order to exonerate the tax assessment.

Information on FEES and TAXES Click Here

Salvage Process for Owners Retaining the Vehicle

You must surrender the current certificate of title and the
license plate for the vehicle to the county clerk and make
application for a " salvage title". The fee for a regular
salvage title is $9.00 or you may request a "speed title"
for $ 25.00.
A certified inspection is required to verify repairs to the
vehicle. This inspection cannot be completed until all
repairs have been made to the vehicle and you have
received your salvage title from the DOT. The fee for
inspection is $5.00 if done at our office or $15.00 if the
inspector comes to you. To arrange for an inspector to
come to you call the Fayette County Sheriff at 859 252-
1771.
Complete forms TC96-182 (Application for
Title/Registration) and TC96-215 (Affidavit of Motor
Vehicle Assembled from Wrecked or Salvaged Motor
Vehicles). Submit these forms and all receipts for repairs
to the Transportation Cabinet in Frankfort. Follow the
instructions on the back of the TC96-215 form carefully.
The Department of Transportation must issue written
authorization allowing us to register and title the vehicle.
You must provide a current proof of insurance. The title
fee is $9.00 and the fee for the plate will be determined
by registration length.

Surrendering Titles

Titles remain active in AVIS regardless of registration inactivity
and those active titles are liable for yearly personal property tax.
Owners of vehicles that will never be on the road again should
surrender the title, registration and license plate for that vehicle to
the county clerk. This process prevents future property tax
assessments for that vehicle. The fee for "junking" a title is $1.00.

Renewal of a Kentucky Registration
(Mail in or office visit)

The following documents are required:

Current certificate of registration (Not a copy)
Proof of current liability insurance (VIN # must match
registration)
Social Security number if individual, or federal tax ID
number for companies
If the original registration is not available, the current
registered owner must sign a replacement affidavit (TC96-
167) and have their signature notarized. There will be an
additional fee of $6.00 for the replacement.(if notarized
outside our office - $3.00)

Vehicle registrations are renewed yearly with the issuance of
either a plate and/or a decal. Most vehicles generally expire in the
owner's birth month with the exception of the following:

Weighted Trucks - expire March
Trailers (all) - expire March
Motor Homes - expire March
Handicapped - expire July
“Special” Plates - vary
Transferred Vehicles - expire decal month

A courtesy notice showing tax and registration fees due is mailed
by the department of revenue the month prior to the month of
expiration. A vehicle may be renewed no sooner than the month
before the month of expiration.

Property Tax

Every vehicle titled in Kentucky is assessed by the property
valuation administrator as of January 1 of each year. The tax rate
is set by each taxing jurisdiction (school board, etc.). The tax
liability for the year is placed on the owner of record of vehicle as
of January 1. Taxes are due upon renewal or registration change.
If a vehicle is transferred prior to renewal the owner of record as
of January 1 is liable for the taxes for that vehicle.

Renewal of a Kentucky Registration (On-line)

Requirements:

Vehicle must be currently insured with a company that is
registered with the Kentucky office of insurance to be
eligible to use this website.
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
our office and provide proof of insurance at that time.
If the Registration Renewal Request is submitted before
12:00 midnight EST, our office will receive the request
tomorrow morning for processing, otherwise it will be
received the following day.
If your information appearing on the screens is incorrect,
click "Cancel" and contact our office.
The vehicle(s) renewed must have unexpired registration
(s).
The owner of the vehicle(s) cannot have overdue property
taxes on any other vehicles.
The address on the registration renewal notice must be
your current address. (Registration materials will be
mailed to this address.) If your current address does not
match your registration renewal notice please contact our
office.
At this time, all standard passenger "Unbridled Spirit"
plates can be renewed on-line. * It is our goal to make it
possible for ALL PASSENGER plates to be renewable on-
line *
Leased vehicles cannot be renewed on-line.
A convenience fee of $5.00 will be charged for each vehicle
being renewed.
Payment can be made using Visa or MasterCard.

Click here to renew online

Instructions for Applying for a Plate and/or Decal
Replacement

The following documents and information are required:

Current ORIGINAL registration.
Replacement affidavit (TC96-167) must be signed by the
owner of the vehicle. If the vehicle is owned by a company,
an officer of the company must sign for the replacement.
The owner's signature must be notarized. The owner or
officer of the company must be present in our office in
order for us to notarize the signature.
Proof of Insurance.

Plate and/or Decal Replacement Fees

$6.00 - Affidavit notarized out of our office
$9.00 - Affidavit notarized by the County Clerk's office

More information Fees and Taxes

Instructions for Applying for a Duplicate Kentucky
Registration

The following documents and information are required:

Replacement affidavit (TC96-167)must be signed by the
owner of the vehicle. If the vehicle is owned by a company,
an officer of the company must sign for the replacement.
The owner's signature must be notarized. The owner or
officer of the company must be present in our office if we
notarize the signature.
Proof of insurance.

Duplicate Registration Fees

$3.00 - Affidavit notarized out of our office
$6.00 - Affidavit notarized by the County Clerk's office

Instructions for applying for a Personalized
License Plate

The following documents and information are required:

Form TC96-218, Application for Personalized License
Plate must be completed and signed.
The personalized plate cannot conflict with the State
number/letter system nor be offensive to good taste and
decency. The customer has the option of ordering a "new"
plate each year or renewing with a decal only.
The maximum number of characters permitted on a
standard issue personalized plate is six (6). One space or
one dash may be requested in addition to the six
characters.
The maximum number of characters permitted on a
personalized motorcycle plate is six (6). If all six
characters are used, an additional space or dash is not
permitted.
Completed form, and a fee of $25.00 must be returned to
the County Clerk's office for processing.

If returned by mail, send to:

Hopkins County Clerk
24 Union Street
Madisonville, KY 42431

A courtesy letter will be sent via mail upon receipt of the license
plate in the County Clerk's Office (normally 2-3 weeks).

Handicap Parking Permits

KRS 189.456 - On the application of any person who has a severe
visual, audio, or physical impairment, including partial paralysis,
lower limb amputation, chronic heart condition, emphysema,
arthritis, rheumatism, or other debilitating condition which limits
or impairs one's personal mobility or ability to walk, the County
Clerk in the county of the person's residence shall issue the
person with a disability an accessible parking placard. In addition,
any agency or organization which transports persons with a
disability as a part of the service provided by that agency or
organization shall receive an accessible parking placard upon
application to the county clerk for each vehicle used in the
transportation of persons with a disability.

The following documents and information are required to obtain a
handicap parking permit:

Section 1 of the Application for Disabled Persons Special
Parking Permit (TC96-204) must be completed and -
signed by applicant. If a licensed physician has completed
Section 3, the applicant's signature is not required to be -
notarized.
If the person seeking an accessible parking placard has a
license plate for a person with a disability as provided by -
KRS 186.041 or 186.042 or the County Clerk issuing the
permit can ascertain that the applicant is obviously
disabled, the application will not need to be signed by a
physician. In this case, the applicant's signature must be -
notarized.
For every agency or organization seeking an accessible
parking placard for a person with a disability, application
for the placard shall include:

A. Name of the agency or organization requesting use of

an accessible parking placard.

B. Number of vehicles being used in the transportation of

persons with a disability.

C. A statement from the director of the agency or

organization verifying the need for the parking placard

which must be on agency letterhead.

D. The agency must submit license plate numbers to the

County Clerk of all vehicles using the handicap placard.

The applicant may request a second permanent placard for an
additional fee.

The permits will be valid for two (2) years from the date of issue.
The placard may then be renewed twice (each for a two year
period) at no additional cost.

A temporary placard my be issued for three (3) months.* (surgery,
broken bones, etc.)

FEES - None

Any motor vehicle being operated by or for the benefit of any
disabled person and which displays a handicapped parking
permit may use handicapped parking spaces. Under Kentucky
law, handicapped parking spaces are for the exclusive use of
such vehicles and no other vehicles may use spaces so
designated.

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