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Kentucky VIN Lookup

Kentucky VIN Lookup

A quick VIN check before you finalize the purchase of a used car in Kentucky can save you from ending with a lemon. A VIN check provides the buyer with the vehicle's history. Therefore, the buyer will clearly understand the current condition of the vehicle.

Kentucky has some of the nation's best road conditions. With the beautiful rural settings, most people in the state prefer using pickup trucks to go about their day and move products to the city. On the other hand, in cosmopolitan cities, a person can find various car types, from used sports cars to everyday SUVs, if they want to make a purchase.

Potential buyers can use the state's Online Vehicle Information System (OVIS) to get a VIN check in Kentucky. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) and free and paid websites also provide VIN check services.

VIN Verification

VIN Verification

In Kentucky, VIN verification is a process used to confirm that a vehicle's VIN matches the information on official documents, such as the title or registration. This verification is typically required in various situations, including during the registration process of an out-of-state car or for salvaged vehicles.

VIN verification aims to ensure accurate documentation, prevent fraud, and keep the integrity of the state's vehicle records. The Sheriff's Office in each county conducts VIN inspection and verification. Individuals must present the car for verification at the inspection points. In addition, they must produce the original vehicle title, a valid driver's license, and a $5 service fee.

Kentucky Car Ownership and Driving Information

High Car Ownership Rate
Ownership Rate
93.0%
Registered Vehicles
1407.38 per 1,000 drivers

High Car Ownership Rate

Kentucky has a significantly high car ownership rate. 93.0% of households report having at least one vehicle. In 2022, the state had 1407.38 registered vehicles per 1,000 licensed drivers.

Average Annual Mileage
Miles Per Year
16,305

Average Annual Mileage

The average mileage of a Kentucky driver every year is 16,305 miles.

Popular Car Makes in Kentucky
Popular Car
Ford F-150

Popular Car Makes in Kentucky

The most popular car in Kentucky is the Ford F-150. Most Ford F-150 owners agree that it offers both recreational and work functions for balanced ownership. Other popular cars include the Toyota Camry, Chevrolet Malibu, and the Toyota Corolla.

Car Accidents
Crashes
734
Fatalities
806

Car Accidents

There are over 150,000 traffic accidents in Kentucky annually. In 2023, 734 fatal car crashes in the state resulted in 806 deaths.

Speeding Related Crashes
Crashes
4,500
Fatalities
148

Speeding Related Crashes

In 2023, the state had more than 4,500 speed-related crashes that resulted in 148 fatalities.

Alcohol-Impaired Driving
Crashes
3,594
Fatalities
111

Alcohol-Impaired Driving

In 2022, the state had 3,594 alcohol-related traffic crashes, resulting in 111 deaths.

Teen Safety
Crashes
15,897

Teen Safety

In 2022, 15,897 accidents involved teenage drivers in the state.

Kentucky DMV

The Kentucky DMV is under the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. The department handling driver and car owner services is drive.ky.gov. The brand provides driver services, vehicle services, and motor carriers. They include:

  • Vehicle titling: Provides services related to vehicle titling, which involves establishing legal vehicle ownership. This includes processing title transfers when a vehicle is bought or sold and issuing new titles when necessary.
  • Personalized plates: Allows drivers to choose a combination of letters and numbers (within certain guidelines) to create a unique and personalized license plate.
  • Driving history record: Provide a comprehensive overview of an individual's driving record. This includes information such as accidents, violations, license status, and any points on the driving record.
  • Credential update: Updating information on various credentials issued by the DMV, such as driver's licenses or identification cards. Updates could also include address changes, name changes, or other personal information updates.
  • Learning materials: Provides learning materials for individuals preparing for written exams to obtain a driver's license. These materials may include driver's manuals, practice tests, and educational resources to help applicants become familiar with road rules and regulations.
  • License registration and renewal: Facilitates the registration of driver's licenses, including the initial issuance and subsequent renewals.

Resources for Car Drivers/Owners

Resources for Car Drivers/Owners

For drivers in Kentucky seeking information on federal law compliance and environmental quality, several resources are available to guide regulations and practices. Here are some key resources:

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Buying a Used Car in Kentucky

Purchasing a used car in Kentucky is a multi-step process. These steps are necessary to ensure buyers comply with the state regulations and make good purchasing decisions:

Kentucky Buyers Rights

Kentucky Buyers Rights

In Kentucky, the Lemon Law only applies to new cars, not used cars. For a car to get covered by the Lemon Law, the state requires:

  • That the car is primarily used and operated on public highways.
  • That the car must be registered and licensed in Kentucky before use or operation.
  • That the car has its original title without having any title transfers.
  • That the car was either in the possession of a manufacturer, factory branch, wholesaler, distributor, or authorized vehicle dealer before someone bought it.
Check if the car is in good mechanical condition

Check if the car is in good mechanical condition

Buyers in Kentucky are advised to get the car inspected by a mechanic before purchasing. In addition, they may request information about the previous owner if readily available.

Conducting a VIN Check

Conducting a VIN Check

On top of getting the car inspected, car buyers should conduct a VIN check. It verifies the VIN and ensures the car is not involved in fraudulent activities.

Title Transfer and Registration

Title Transfer and Registration

The state requires car buyers to change the vehicle's title after purchase. The deadline is 15 days, and individuals may apply for the Kentucky Certificate of Title and Registration at the clerk's office in the respective county.

Sales Tax

Sales Tax

In Kentucky, the state has a 6% sales tax on all car sales. The sales tax applies to the sale of both new and used cars.

Reasons to Do a VIN Check in Kentucky

Reasons to Do a VIN Lookup in Kentucky

Potential used car buyers in Kentucky will benefit from a VIN check for the following reasons:

  • Insurance Purposes: Some insurance companies may request a VIN check to assess the risk of insuring a particular vehicle.
  • Salvage or Rebuilt Title Information: Identify if the vehicle has a salvage or rebuilt title due to significant damage or repairs. This information is crucial for assessing the vehicle's condition and value.
  • Accident History: Access information about the vehicle's involvement in accidents, including the severity of the accidents and any damage sustained.
  • Recalls and Safety Defects: Obtain information about any recalls or safety defects associated with the vehicle. Addressing recalls promptly is vital for safety and compliance.
  • Previous Owners: Obtain information about the vehicle's previous owners, which can provide insights into its history and potential issues.
  • Title Verification: Ensure that the vehicle's VIN matches the information on the title, verifying ownership and preventing fraud.

How to Lookup a VIN Number in Kentucky

There are several ways that a person can look up a vehicle's VIN in Kentucky. They include:

Using Kentucky's Online Vehicle Information System (OVIS)

A person can use Kentucky's OVIS portal to look up information on a car. OVIS is an online platform that provides access to state vehicle records, including owner details, registration, title, lien information, and dealer assignment category.

Using the National Highway Transportation Safety Authority (NHTSA) Portal

Additionally, Kentucky residents can use the NHTSA website to check if the car's VIN matches its information. The NHTSA holds information for all cars in the United States, including information regarding any recall the vehicle may have been included in, flood damage, salvage status, and ownership.

Using InfoTracer to Lookup a Kentucky VIN Number

Lastly, people looking to buy a car in Kentucky can also use the InfoTracer website to learn about a car's history. InfoTracer is a database holding copies of public records all over the country. This information also includes vehicle information, which a person can get using VIN or license plate lookup.

VIN Replacement in Kentucky

Kentucky provides assigned vehicle or hull identification numbers in case a person wants to replace or get a new VIN for their vehicle. The County Clerk's office is responsible for processing and providing the assigned replacement for the identification number.

When applying for an assigned vehicle or hull identification number, a person should have the following documents:

  • A completed Application for Motor Number or Vehicle Identification Number TC 96-169.
  • Notarized title, registration, or court order proving vehicle ownership.
  • If a person rebuilds a car, they should provide proof of rebuilt ownership.
  • Bill of Sale or receipt for any parts used to rebuild the vehicle.
  • A notarized statement stating why there is no VIN on the car.

New Vehicle Registration in Kentucky

To register a new car in Kentucky, a person should visit the nearest Office of the County Clerk. The state requires any new vehicles to be registered within 15 days after purchase or after a person becomes a resident of Kentucky.

During registration, a person should visit the County Clerk's office with the following:

  • A photo ID.
  • Current proof of car ownership.
  • Proof of valid Kentucky insurance.
  • A sheriff's inspection will be required if the vehicle was bought from out-of-state.
  • To pay fees and any applicable taxes in the county.

It is important to note that leased vehicles cannot be registered in Kentucky. Additionally, during registration, the vehicle must be insured for at least 45 days with the same insurance company for the Count Clerk's office to verify from their database.

How to Transfer VIN During a Sale in Kentucky

A car title is a legal document used to establish vehicle ownership. In Kentucky, the state requires a title transfer to the new owner within 15 days of buying a car. All car information, including the VIN, will be handed over to the new owner during the transfer.

The local County Clerk's office is responsible for title transfers in Kentucky. A person should have the following information if they want to perform a title transfer:

  • A photo ID.
  • A completed Kentucky title with both the buyer's and seller's signatures.
  • Valid Kentucky insurance that is more than 45 days old.
  • Bill of Sale
  • If the name on the certificate of title differs from the one on the identification card or license number, a person must provide a notarized affidavit showing the same, i.e., a marriage license.
  • If the car is registered out-of-state, a completed TC 96-182 form is needed.

What Would a Vehicle History Report Include in Kentucky?

Vehicle history report in Kentucky includes information on title and ownership history, accident records, odometer readings for mileage verification, any active liens or loans associated with the vehicle, details about a salvage or rebuilt title if applicable, recalls and safety defects, emissions compliance, and theft records.

How Can I Find a VIN by License Plate?

Some third-party services like Infotracer provide a convenient way to look up license plates. This check provides information such as the VIN and other information about the car.

Vehicle Inspections in Kentucky

Vehicle Inspections in Kentucky

Kentucky does not require vehicle inspections for emissions or any other reason. Vehicle inspections are reserved for used cars that come from outside the state. In this case, the vehicle must be present and roadworthy, have an odometer showing mileage, and have a valid VIN, among other requirements.

What Does the Vehicle Inspection Report Include in Kentucky?

The report comprehensively examines essential safety features such as brakes, lights, tires, steering, and suspension to ensure they meet regulatory requirements. Additionally, VIN verification is part of the process, confirming that the number matches the information on official documents.

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