To clear a salvaged vehicle title in Kentucky, follow the Kentucky Revised Statutes. Get the vehicle road-ready, have it evaluated by a certified vehicle inspector and fill out the proper paperwork. Take the paperwork to your county clerk's office or the Department of Transportation's Division of Motor Vehicles in Frankfort and submit an application for a new title.
Obtain and Complete Paperwork
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You'll need two forms to clear a salvaged title and obtain a new one. The TC96-215 is for previously salvaged vehicles, while the TC96-182 form is the standard application for new registration, according to Drive.KY.gov. Both forms can be obtained at one of Kentucky's county clerk offices, online or from the Department of Transportation in Frankfort.
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Consider also: How to Fill Out the Kentucky Car Title When Buying a Vehicle
Document Repair Work
Provide a notarized statement from the person who worked on the vehicle and original receipts for purchased parts along with the application for title. This statement needs to include a description of the work done and any parts repaired and replaced.
If used parts were purchased from an individual, this seller will need to complete a written statement describing the parts and providing the VIN number from each vehicle from which the parts were taken. If the seller cannot provide a VIN number, the seller will have to prepare an affidavit stating why a VIN is not available. This affidavit will also have to be notarized.
Consider also: The Differences Between Salvaged & Rebuilt Titles
Request a Vehicle Inspection
A certified vehicle inspector must approve the vehicle before the owner can apply for a new title. County sheriffs' offices across the state offer inspections and state law makes it clear that these inspections must be performed by sheriff staff. You cannot hire a private mechanic to complete this inspection. Contact the sheriff's office in your county to clarify their policies on inspections and to schedule an appointment.
As of April 2022, the cost of these inspections is $5 for cars brought to the sheriff's department and $15 for inspections performed elsewhere, according to Kentucky Revised Statute 186A.115 as posted on Legislature.KY.gov. The certified inspector will fill out the inspection section of the TC96-182 form, the application for registration and title.
Submit Required Documents
A notary public must attest to the information and owner's signature on the forms. This can be completed when submitting the application, if necessary.
Both the TC96-182 and TC96-215 can be taken to the local county clerk or to the DMV's One-Stop-Shop, Rebuilt Section in Frankfort. The office is located in the Transportation Cabinet Office Building on Mero Street. Questions prior to submitting the application can be directed to 502-564-1257.
Complete the Process
After filing the paperwork, the vehicle owner has 60 days to obtain a new title and license tag for the vehicle. If the deadline is not met, the application process must be repeated. Kentucky laws require that after a salvage title is cleared, the vehicle must have a metal plate attached to the inside opening of the driver's side door stating that the vehicle was rebuilt. Get this done as soon as possible.
Consider also: What Is a Car Title?