How to Get a Copy of Your Car Title in Kentucky

To get a copy of your car title in Kentucky, apply for a “duplicate title” through your County Clerk’s Motor Vehicle office by completing form TC 96-182, verifying your identity, and paying the required fees; you can apply in person or by mail, and if a lien is recorded, you’ll need a lien release or the lienholder must request the duplicate. This process is handled locally by county clerks under the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC), with optional expedited “speed title” service available in many counties.

Where to Apply

Duplicate titles are issued through your local County Clerk’s Motor Vehicle office—the same place that handles registrations and title transfers. Kentucky centralizes printing through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, but the transaction is initiated at the county level. You must generally apply in the county where the vehicle is titled or where you reside. Most clerks accept walk-ins; some offer appointments and mail-in processing.

What You Need Before You Apply

The following checklist outlines documents and information typically required to request a duplicate title in Kentucky. Having these items ready helps prevent delays or rejected applications.

• Completed Application for Kentucky Certificate of Title/Registration (Form TC 96-182), with the “Duplicate” box selected
• Valid government-issued photo ID for the titled owner(s)
• Vehicle details: VIN, year, make, model, and current Kentucky plate number (if available)
• Notarized owner signature(s) on the application (county staff can usually notarize if you apply in person; if applying by mail, have it notarized before sending)
• Lien release if a lien is on record and paid off (electronic release through ELT or a lien release document from the lender)
• Power of attorney if someone is applying on your behalf (must be notarized)
• Payment for fees (check with your County Clerk for accepted forms of payment and exact amounts)

If you are unsure whether a lien is still recorded, ask your County Clerk to check the title record before you apply. If a lien exists, the duplicate title is typically issued to the lienholder unless the lien has been properly released.

How to Apply: Step-by-Step

In-Person Application

Applying in person is the fastest method for most owners, especially if you need help notarizing your application or want to request expedited service where available.

1. Locate your County Clerk’s Motor Vehicle office (find contact details at drive.ky.gov under “County Clerk Offices”).
2. Complete Form TC 96-182, selecting “Duplicate,” and enter the VIN and owner details exactly as they appear on record.
3. Present a valid photo ID; all titled owners must sign. If the names are joined by “AND,” all owners must sign; if “OR,” one owner may sign.
4. Have the application notarized by clerk staff (bring your ID) or by a notary before you arrive.
5. If a lien was satisfied, provide a lien release. If a lien remains, the duplicate may be issued to the lienholder or denied to the owner until release.
6. Pay the duplicate title and applicable clerk/notary fees; ask about expedited “speed title” if you need the title urgently.
7. Receive a receipt and confirmation of processing; the title is typically printed and mailed, unless speed title service provides quicker pickup.

County staff can confirm whether your title will be mailed or available sooner via speed title service, if offered, and provide an estimated timeline.

By-Mail Application

Mail-in applications are useful if you are out of state, traveling, or unable to visit during office hours. This method requires careful attention to notarization and identification requirements.

1. Contact your County Clerk to confirm mailing address, current fees, and any county-specific instructions.
2. Complete Form TC 96-182, selecting “Duplicate,” and have the owner signature(s) notarized.
3. Include photocopies of owner ID(s) if requested by your clerk (requirements can vary by county).
4. Include a lien release if applicable, or confirm that the lienholder has submitted an electronic release.
5. Enclose payment (cashier’s check or money order is commonly required for mail-in; verify acceptable payment types).
6. Mail the packet using a trackable service and keep copies of all documents.

The clerk will process your request and the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet will print and mail the duplicate title to the appropriate party (owner or lienholder, depending on lien status). Timelines vary by county and workload.

Fees and Processing Time

Duplicate title transactions include a state title fee plus clerk and notary fees; exact totals vary by county and service level. Many counties offer an expedited “speed title” option for an additional state fee, producing a faster turnaround (often same or next business day availability, depending on the county’s capabilities). Standard processing typically results in mail delivery within several business days, though timeframes can vary by volume and mail times. Contact your County Clerk for current fees and processing estimates.

Special Situations to Consider

Some scenarios require extra documentation or have additional rules under Kentucky law. Review the following common situations before you apply.

• Active liens: If a lien is recorded, the duplicate title generally goes to the lienholder. To receive a title in your name, the lien must be released (electronically via ELT or via a lien release letter or stamped title lien statement from the lender).
• Electronic liens (ELT): Many Kentucky titles are held electronically by lenders; you won’t receive a paper title until the lender releases the lien.
• Leased vehicles: The leasing company (titled owner) must request the duplicate; contact your lessor for instructions.
• Deceased owner: You may need probate documents, an affidavit of inheritance, or court orders; ask the County Clerk which documents are required for your situation.
• Name or address changes: Update your records and bring supporting documents (e.g., marriage certificate or court order for name changes) to ensure the title is issued correctly.
• Out-of-state owners: If the vehicle is titled in another state, request the duplicate from that state. Kentucky can only issue duplicates for Kentucky-titled vehicles.
• Stolen or destroyed title: A police report is typically not required; you simply apply for a duplicate and attest to the loss.

If your case involves unique circumstances—such as court-ordered ownership, bonded titles, or corrections—call your County Clerk in advance to confirm the exact paperwork required.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

These frequent errors can delay your duplicate title. Reviewing them in advance can save time and extra trips.

• Missing or incorrect VIN on the application
• Signatures not notarized for mail-in applications
• Applying under the wrong ownership structure when the title shows “AND” vs. “OR”
• Unresolved liens without a lien release
• Sending payment in an unacceptable form for mail-in requests

A quick phone call to your County Clerk to verify requirements—especially for notarization, payment types, and lien status—can help ensure a smooth process.

Who to Contact and Where to Find Forms

Form TC 96-182 (Application for Kentucky Certificate of Title/Registration) is available from any County Clerk and at the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s site: drive.ky.gov. For office locations, hours, and fee details, see your county’s Clerk website or the statewide County Clerk office directory linked from drive.ky.gov. For general questions, you can also contact the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, Division of Motor Vehicle Licensing.

Bottom Line

In Kentucky, getting a copy of your car title is a county-level process using form TC 96-182, valid ID, and—if necessary—a lien release. Apply in person for the smoothest experience or by mail if you can’t visit. Expedited “speed title” service is widely available for an additional fee, and resolving any outstanding lien before you apply will prevent delays.

Summary

Apply for a duplicate Kentucky title through your County Clerk using form TC 96-182, proper ID, and a lien release if applicable. You can file in person (often with on-site notarization) or by mail (with notarized signatures enclosed). Fees and processing times vary by county, with optional expedited “speed title” service available in many areas. Always verify lien status and county-specific requirements before submitting your application.

How much is a lost title in KY?

fee structure:

Duplicate Title	$6.00
Notary (If Applicable)	$2.00
Lien Filing (If Applicable)	$22.00

How can I get a copy of my car title fast in Kentucky?

​Take the following items​ to your local County Clerk’s office to apply for a duplicate title:

1. ​Form (TC96-182), properly completed, including the owner and vehicle identification sections.
2. Title number OR license plate number.
3. $6.00 (U.S.) plus the cost of a notary.
4. Picture ID or driver’s license.

How long does it take to get a title in the mail in Kentucky?

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

How do I obtain a duplicate title for my car?

California. This state allows applying for a replacement title by mail or in person at a DMV office.