📋 Kentucky Paperwork Guide
What Paperwork Do I Need to Junk a Car in Kentucky?
Just three things: your ID, your keys, and your title. The buyer handles everything else.
The Quick Checklist
Bring these to pickup:
- ✓Valid photo ID (matches the title holder)Required
- ✓Vehicle keys (all sets if possible)Required
- ✓Certificate of Title in your nameRequired
- ?Lien Release Letter (if lien was paid off but still on title)Required in some situations — see below
- ?Estate documents / death certificate (inherited vehicle)Required in some situations — see below
- ?Duplicate title (if your original is lost)Required in some situations — see below
When Each Document is Required
Standard Sale (most common)
If you have the title in your name, that's all you need beyond your ID and keys. The buyer fills out the bill of sale, you sign it, and the buyer handles the title reassignment through the county clerk and KYTC.
Lost or Missing Title
Kentucky requires a title to transfer a vehicle, so a lost title means ordering a duplicate first. Apply through your county clerk's office with your photo ID and proof of ownership, pay the duplicate title fee, and allow a few weeks. Once it arrives, sign it and we can complete the sale.
Inherited or Estate Vehicle
The estate generally has to be settled first. Bring the certified death certificate and the estate paperwork your county clerk requires so the title can be transferred. Once the title is in the estate's or heir's name, it can be signed over to the buyer.
Active Lien
If the title still shows an active lien, we cannot buy the vehicle — the lender holds a legal interest. If you've paid off the loan, get a Lien Release Letter from your lender. Many lenders file the release electronically; check with your lender or the county clerk.
Out-of-State Title
We accept titles from other states as long as they're properly signed over to us and match your valid ID. Kentucky generally requires a VIN inspection (handled by a sheriff or the county clerk, depending on the county) when transferring an out-of-state title.
What the Buyer Handles
As a licensed Kentucky motor vehicle buyer, we handle all of this for you at pickup:
- 📄 Bill of sale (we provide the form)
- 📄 Title reassignment (you sign the back, we handle the rest)
- 📄 Title transfer paperwork with the county clerk / KYTC
- 📄 Odometer disclosure (if applicable)
- 📄 Lien release handling (if you're bringing a lien release letter)
Your signature on the bill of sale and the title is the only thing we need from you. We do everything else.
License Plates: Don't Forget!
In Kentucky, license plates belong to you, the owner, not the vehicle. Before the truck leaves with your car:
- 🔧 Remove the plates from the car
- 🔁 Transfer them to your next vehicle (saves the cost of a new plate)
- 📬 Or surrender them at the county clerk's office
If you leave plates on, you can keep getting notices and liability tied to a car you no longer own.
Not sure if you're ready?
Call us at (502) 826-9666. Tell us your situation — we'll tell you exactly what to bring.
Get My QuoteRelated Resources
Looking for more detail? These related resources cover the most common follow-up questions from Louisville sellers: