Kentucky Title & Paperwork Guide

The Golden Rule: No Ownership, No Sale

The most common misconception in the junk car industry is that "junk" means "no rules." In reality, selling a vehicle for scrap is a regulated transfer of ownership. Titling in Kentucky is overseen by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC), Division of Motor Vehicle Licensing, and title transfers and registration happen at your county clerk's office. Following those rules protects you, the seller, from liability.

Does your car have a title?

This is the first question we ask. The answer determines which legal process we use.

Scenario 1: You Have the Title

This is the standard and easiest route. If you have the original, legible Kentucky Certificate of Title in your hand and it is issued in your name, the process is simple.

How to Sign a Kentucky Title

1. Flip the title over to the back. 2. Locate the seller's assignment section. 3. Print your name exactly as it appears on the front. 4. Sign your name on the line labeled for the seller's signature. 5. If there are two owners joined by "AND", **BOTH** must sign. 6. Fill in the odometer reading. 7. Fill in the **sale date** and **sale price**. 8. **DO NOT** use white-out. If you mess up, leave it and call us.

Scenario 2: Selling WITHOUT a Title

We understand that people don't keep paperwork for 15-year-old beaters.

Missing Title in Kentucky

If the title is lost, you can apply for a duplicate title through your county clerk's office. Once the duplicate arrives, the sale works like any other. For qualifying older vehicles, we can often buy with a valid ID, the registration, and a signed bill of sale.

Scenario 3: Liens & Loans

A lien is a legal claim on ownership by a lender.

• **Active lien:** we cannot buy the car. It technically belongs to the bank.
• **Paid off (with letter):** if you paid it off but the title still shows a lien, you need a **lien release** from the lender. We accept this along with the title.

Scenario 4: Estate & Deceased Owners

You cannot sign a deceased person's name. Instead, you must act as the estate's personal representative.

Required Documents

• **Certified copy of the death certificate.**
• **Letters of Administration** from the probate court.
• **Small estate affidavit** where applicable.

License Plates: Keep Them or Surrender Them!

In Kentucky, license plates belong to the **person**, not the car. When we tow your vehicle away, **take the plates off.**

1. **Liability:** If someone uses the plates, you could get the bill. 2. **Reuse:** You can transfer them to your next car. 3. **Cancel registration:** Notify your county clerk to end registration and avoid future fees.

Kentucky-Specific Tips

• **Out-of-state titles are accepted.** If your vehicle was titled in another state, we can still purchase it as long as the title is properly signed. Kentucky may require a VIN inspection (sheriff or county clerk) before it is re-titled.
• **Salvage and rebuilt titles** are handled through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. A rebuilt vehicle generally requires an inspection.
• **Minimum liability insurance** is required in Kentucky. Cancel your coverage only after the vehicle is picked up and paid for.
• A **bill of sale** is recommended for every sale, even when the title is signed.