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.
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 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.
The average mileage of a Kentucky driver every year is 16,305 miles.
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.
There are over 150,000 traffic accidents in Kentucky annually. In 2023, 734 fatal car crashes in the state resulted in 806 deaths.
In 2023, the state had more than 4,500 speed-related crashes that resulted in 148 fatalities.
In 2022, the state had 3,594 alcohol-related traffic crashes, resulting in 111 deaths.
In 2022, 15,897 accidents involved teenage drivers in the state.
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:
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:
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:
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
Potential used car buyers in Kentucky will benefit from a VIN check for the following reasons:
There are several ways that a person can look up a vehicle's VIN in Kentucky. They include:
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.
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.
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.
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:
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:
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.