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Register & Title a Motorcycle in Kentucky

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This page will cover the street legal requirements and registration and title process in Kentucky and provide some tips on how to register if you bought the motorcycle without a title.

Learn more about motorcycle title transfers in Kentucky.

Kentucky Title & Inspection Requirements for Used Motorcycles

  • Does Kentucky have an equipment/safety inspection?
    • Not required.
  • Does Kentucky require VIN Inspections for motorcycles bought out of state?
    • Required for out of state motorcycles.
  • Does Kentucky require a title for old motorcycles?
    • All motorcycles are titled.

How to Title and Register a Motorcycle in Kentucky

To register your motorcycle in Kentucky, you’ll need the following:

Find more information about Kentucky motorcycle registration and registration renewal.

Notarization Required on the following documents in Kentucky:

  • Bill of Sale
  • Title

Register a No Title Motorcycle in Kentucky

Option 1: Motorcycles from Kentucky

Before sale is complete, ask previous owner to get a duplicate title:

Learn how to replace a lost motorcycle title in Kentucky.

Option 2: Bikes from out of state

If the motorcycle was bought in a state that requires motorcycle titles:

Option 3: Register in a No-Title State

Register the bike in a non-title, no residency requirement, mail-in registration application state, such as Vermont.

Kentucky Street Legal Motorcycle Equipment Requirements

Kentucky motorcycles must have:

  • Left side rearview mirror.
  • Passenger footrest when riding with passenger.

Learn more about street legal motorcycle requirements.


This information was correct at the time of writing it, but state laws are subject to change.

More Kentucky Motorcycle Resources

4 thoughts on “Register & Title a Motorcycle in Kentucky”

  1. Daniel Banaszynski

    I bought a motorcycle from indiana and I live in Kentucky. Do I have to get it inspected when I get title and registration??

    1. motorcyclezombies

      Some counties in Kentucky require a VIN Inspection through the sheriff. Contact you local county clerk’s office for details on where you can go to get it done.

    1. motorcyclezombies

      Hi Bruce – You could try getting whatever the PO does have (i.e. old registration, old bill of sale) and try that as if it were an out-of-state bike. Otherwise, a no-title state registration may be your best bet.

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Content Editor: Ethan Orenstein

Ethan is not just any motorcycle enthusiast. With a decade of experience riding, maintaining, and restoring a range of motorcycles, Ethan brings a wealth of knowledge to the table. Many of the tips and tricks shared on this site are born from hours spent wrenching on personal bikes. Paired with his experience as a journalist covering DMV & insurance topics, MotorcycleZombies.com is a must-visit site for any home-mechanic. Every article has been carefully reviewed and edited to ensure accuracy, authenticity, and simplicity - all to help bring your bike back from the dead and onto the road.

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