Deal with a vehicle in Kentucky

You need to continue regular car payments, maintain vehicle registration, and then transfer the car's ownership. You cannot drive the car unless you have proper registration, and penalties will be charged if this is not done on time.

1) Call your local county clerk’s office to learn about the necessary documentation. You can find their contact details here: https://drive.ky.gov/Pages/County-clerks.aspx

2) While the process differs by county, generally, you will need:

  • Title

  • Valid identification

  • Valid insurance

  • Completed Application for Kentucky Certificate of Title or Registration (TC-96-182): https://transportation.ky.gov/Organizational-Resources/Forms/TC%2096-182.pdf

  • A small fee

  • Notarized death certificate

  • One of the following:

    • Will

    • Letters of Administration/Testamentary

    • A sworn affidavit stating that such documents do not exist. The affidavit must also state that there is no other claim on the vehicle(s). Have the death certificate and sworn affidavit notarized/authenticated by the same Notary. You can find a Notary here: Notary Public / Justice of the Peace.

    • A declaration from the court declaring that the car is able to have its ownership transferred or sold

  • If there is a bank lien registered on the vehicle, first obtain “notice of lien removal” from the lending institution before the transfer of ownership

Additionally, if you need help dealing with the driver’s license, license plates, or disabled person placards of the deceased, please click here.