Service Description Fees
FIRST TIME TITLE AND REGISTRATION OF A NEW BOAT

The following documents and information are required:

  • manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin properly assigned to the buyer by the selling dealer
  • application for title/registration (BTR; TC-96-184)
  • Title Lien Statement (TLS) if a lien is to be filed. NOTE: Outboard motors require separate filings.
  • Owner/Buyer personal ID
  • social security number for each party appearing on the title or federal ID tax number for companies
  • boat trailers must also be titled

NOTE: Additional fees apply if the application is prepared and notarized by the County Clerk’s office

Current Filing Fees:
Kentucky Title Fee – received within 4-6 weeks $9.00
Record Lien: $22Title Lien Statement Preparation Fee: $2.00

Title Application Preparation: $3.00

The maximum registration fee for twelve months is $28.00 and is calculated according to the length of the boat and the type of motor.

OUT OF STATE BOAT – NEW TITLE AND REGISTRATION

The following documents and information are required:

  • Original Title -Some states do not issue boat titles. If your state does not title boats, you will need to supply the County Clerk with your current registration.
  • Application for title/registration (BTR: TC-96-814)
  • Title Lien Statement if applicable
  • Owner/Buyer personal ID
  • social security number for each party appearing on the title or federal ID tax number for companies

NOTE: Additional fees apply if the application is prepared and notarized by the County Clerk’s office.

Current Filing Fees:
Kentucky Title Fee – received within 4-6 weeks $9.00
Record Lien: $22Title Lien Statement Preparation Fee: $2.00

Title Application Preparation: $3.00

The maximum registration fee for twelve months is $28.00 and is calculated according to the length of the boat and the type of motor.

TRANSFER OF A KENTUCKY TITLED BOAT

The following documents and information are required:

  • original title with the assignment of title properly completed. NOTE: Photocopies of the title document are not acceptable. Boats cannot be transferred if there are any liens on the title that have not been released. NOTE: Kentucky began titling boats in 1990.
  • title application properly signed and notarized. NOTE: Titles that contain AND (instead of OR) between the names of the owners require that ALL owners sign this document.
  • buyer and seller personal ID
  • social security number for each party appearing on the title or federal ID tax number for companies

PROPERTY TAX
Every boat titled in Kentucky is assessed by the property valuation administrator as of January 1 of each year. The tax rate is set by each taxing jurisdiction (county, school board, fire protection, etc.). The tax liability for the year is placed on the owner of the record for each boat as of January 1. Taxes are due upon renewal or registration change. If a boat is transferred prior to renewal, the owner of the record as of January 1 is liable for the taxes for that boat. To avoid having a delinquent account, taxes should be paid immediately upon transfer. Delinquent taxes owed by either seller or buyer may prohibit transfer until the taxes are paid.

NOTE: Additional fees apply if the application is prepared and notarized by the County Clerk’s office.

Current Filing Fees:
Kentucky Title Fee – received within 4-6 weeks $9.00
Record Lien: $22

Title Lien Statement Preparation Fee: $2.00

Title Application Preparation: $3.00

The maximum registration fee for twelve months is $28.00 and is calculated according to the length of the boat and the type of motor.

OUT OF STATE TRANSFER OF A KENTUCKY TITLED BOAT

The following documents and information are required:

  • Affidavit of Non-Exchange, Form #TC-96-167 must be submitted for all boats sold or transferred out of state. This form must be signed by the registered owner or an individual possessing Power of Attorney for the owner. A copy of the Power of Attorney must be submitted with the Affidavit of Non-Exchange. The signature on all forms must be notarized or the affidavit cannot be accepted.
  • Current ad Valorem taxes must be paid
  • If your boat was registered in Kentucky on January 1st of the current tax year, you will be liable for the taxes under Kentucky law (KRS 134.810). If the sale or transfer occurred before January 1 of the said tax year, a copy of the new title or a copy of the bill of sale will be required in order to exonerate the tax assessment.
RENEWAL OF A KENTUCKY BOAT REGISTRATION

Renewal reminders will be mailed as a courtesy the month prior to the scheduled renewal month. It is your responsibility to renew your decal during the correct renewal month, even if you do not receive a renewal reminder in the mail.

The following documents are required:

  • Original certificate of registration
  • social security number if an individual or federal tax ID number for companies
  • boat registrations are renewed yearly with the issuance of a decal. Boat registrations expire in the month of April.

A courtesy notice showing tax and registration fees due is mailed by the Department of Revenue the month prior to expiration.

PROPERTY TAX
Every boat titled in Kentucky is assessed by the property valuation administrator as of January 1 of each year. The tax rate is set by each taxing jurisdiction (county, school board, fire protection, etc.). The tax liability for the year is placed on the owner of the record for each boat as of January 1. Taxes are due upon renewal or registration change. If a boat is transferred prior to renewal, the owner of the record as of January 1 is liable for the taxes for that boat. To avoid having a delinquent account, taxes should be paid immediately upon transfer. Delinquent taxes owed by either seller or buyer may prohibit transfer until the taxes are paid.

MAIL-IN SERVICE
While vehicle renewals must be processed in the county of residence, they may be processed either in person at the County Clerk’s office or by mail. If renewals are processed by mail, simply mail the required documents with the appropriate fees including the postage and handling fees to the clerk’s office. Your renewal will generally be returned to you within 2-3 days.

NOTE: Expired registrations cannot be renewed by mail.

Current Filing Fees:

Based on Length:

  • Class A (less than 16 ft in length): $21.
  • Class 1 (16 ft to 25 ft): $40.
  • Class 2 (26 ft to 39 ft): $50.
  • Class 3 (longer than 40 ft): $65.
    • Inboard boat registration (all sizes): $43.
    • Registration for boats with an electric (or trolling) motor only: $10.

    Based on Motors:

    • Trolling Motors $15.00
    • Inboard and inboard/outboard motors $40.00

    Mail-in Service: $2 postage and handling

     

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