Kentucky VIN Lookup

Kentucky has nearly 350 used car dealerships. With the average price of a used vehicle in Kentucky just over $34,000, car buyers have a wide range of options, whether they’re looking for budget-friendly models or high-end pre-owned cars. However, regardless of the type of used car you buy, it will undoubtedly be a significant investment. Therefore, when purchasing a used car in Kentucky, buyers must perform their due diligence to ensure they get what they pay for.

Although Kentucky does have a lemon law, it only protects buyers and lessees of new and leased motor vehicles. Therefore, all used car buyers in Kentucky should consider performing a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) check before purchasing a used car, even when purchasing the vehicle from a licensed used car dealer. The VIN is a car’s unique 17-character identifier assigned to all vehicles, and a VIN check allows Kentucky used car buyers to conduct a thorough background check on any used car. Kentucky VIN lookups can uncover accident reports, inspection and maintenance records, and more. You can protect yourself against fraud and liability when you perform a VIN check before purchasing a used car in Kentucky.

Why Performing a Kentucky VIN Check Is Important

Performing a VIN check is a critical step in buying a used car. When making such a significant purchase, a Kentucky VIN lookup can give car buyers the confidence to make an informed decision and help them avoid scams. Kentucky VIN checks may provide you with access to the following information about the car you are considering for purchase:

• Verification of Registration and Title: Kentucky law states that cars must be registered within 15 days of purchase or moving into the state. The final cost will depend on the county where the vehicle is registered and the services needed, but the base fee is $30, which includes title, plate, and registration fees. The state also offers a “speed title” service, where a new car title is printed and mailed the same day. The cost for this service is $25. Failure to register a car within Kentucky’s 15-day window may result in late fees and additional registration complications. Kentucky VIN checks can reveal a car’s registration status and verify its title.
• Verification of Mileage: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that 450,000 cars are sold annually with false odometer readings. VIN checks help confirm a vehicle’s mileage, ensuring the odometer reading is correct. When you perform a VIN lookup in Kentucky, you can protect yourself from scammers who abuse the used car market and ensure you are paying a fair price for your car.
• Branded Titles: In Kentucky, branded car titles indicate that an event occurred that could affect a vehicle’s value or safety. This could include salvaged or rebuilt cars and cars with water or hail damage. VIN checks provide crucial information, including whether a title has been branded.
• Theft Checks: With roughly 284 car thefts per 100,000 residents throughout Kentucky, motor vehicle thefts should be a serious concern for used car buyers. It is not uncommon for a stolen vehicle to enter the state’s used car market, causing legal and financial headaches for unsuspecting buyers. VIN checks can reveal if a car has ever been reported stolen.
• Preventing Auto Fraud: Auto-related fraud makes up 4 percent of all fraud cases in Kentucky, signaling that unsuspecting buyers are being scammed by bad actors in the state’s used car market. A VIN check can help a buyer avoid becoming the next victim of an auto fraud scam.

How To Perform a Kentucky VIN Check

Although Kentucky offers a free online VIN/HIN lookup service, this search only reveals tax information about a vehicle. Used car buyers can use Kentucky’s Online Vehicle Information System (OVIS) to find more detailed information about a vehicle's history. For $75 annually, this Kentucky vehicle title inquiry can reveal the vehicle’s owner, title, registration, and lien information.

Other governmental VIN check services in Kentucky include:

The NHTSA VIN Decoder:

The NHTSA VIN Decoder can provide information such as a vehicle’s manufacturer, plant location, model year, engine and transmission details, safety features, safety ratings, and recalls. VIN checks can be performed using either a full or partial VIN.

NICB VINCheck:

VINCheck, a service of the NICB, reveals whether a vehicle has been reported stolen or salvaged. A full VIN is required for this free service, which users can only perform five times per day.

Free vs. Paid VIN Check Services in Kentucky

Although VIN checks provided for free through government agencies and nonprofits are useful, accessing a comprehensive vehicle history report may require a paid third-party VIN check service. Used car buyers have come to rely on trustworthy platforms like AutoCheck, iSeeCar, and GoodCar to perform VIN checks in Kentucky and access detailed vehicle information that includes:

• Title information, including any title brands
• Sales records
• Ownership history
• Vehicle specifications
• Mileage information
• Accident information
• Rebuild history
• Inspection information
• Service and maintenance records
• Recall information and crash test ratings

What Used Car Scams Are Common in Kentucky?

A former Kentucky used-car dealership employee recently pled guilty to conspiracy, wire fraud, and odometer tampering in a scheme to roll back vehicle mileage readings so buyers would pay more.

Other common scams affecting the used car market in Kentucky include:

Curbstoning:

Curbstoning is an illegal practice where an individual sells used cars without a dealer’s license, usually by posing as a private seller, to avoid fees, licensing requirements, and state regulations that protect used car buyers.

Title Washing:

This scheme removes a vehicle’s title brand to hide its stolen, damaged, or rebuilt status.

VIN Cloning:

When someone copies one car’s VIN and uses it on another to disassociate the vehicle with its branded title or a stolen vehicle report, the illegal practice is called VIN cloning.

Falsifying Vehicle Records:

Scammers create fake vehicle histories using fraudulent accident reports and doctored maintenance records to make a used vehicle appear more well-maintained and valuable than it is.

These scams are prevalent throughout Kentucky and nationwide, resulting in significant losses for victims. That’s why Kentucky used car buyers must be vigilant when shopping around. Here are some steps you can take to protect yourself:

1. Decide on the kind of car you want to buy and any preferred features, then get a clear estimation of its cost.
2. Avoid any “great deals” that are unrealistic.
3. Request and review all the vehicle’s relevant documentation.
4. Only buy cars without a written warranty.
5. Use websites like GoodCar that allow you to conduct a VIN check to obtain a full vehicle history before purchasing.

How Do I Check the Status of My Vehicle's Title in Kentucky?

The OVIS platform provides a way to check the status of your vehicle's title in Kentucky, but the annual $75 subscription fee may be cost-prohibitive for the average user. A more affordable option is to visit your local County Clerk's office for assistance.

How To Register a Brand New Car in Kentucky

When you purchase a vehicle from a licensed car dealer in Kentucky, they will typically handle the title and registration process and collect all sales tax, title, and license fees on behalf of the state. However, there may be situations, like buying a car from a private seller, where you must handle the process yourself. You can register a new vehicle in Kentucky through your county's County Clerk's office.

The base fee to register a brand-new car in Kentucky is $30. However, additional costs and taxes may include, where applicable, a 6% motor vehicle usage tax on the vehicle's retail price, a $2 notary fee, a $5 inspection fee, and a $22 lien filing fee.

What Are the Requirements for Registering a New Car in Kentucky?

Kentucky has nearly 1.5 million registered motor vehicles, all of which had to go through the same general title and registration process. Here’s what you’ll need to register a new car in Kentucky:

• A Kentucky photo identification
• Proof of insurance
• A Sheriff’s inspection (on vehicles brought into Kentucky from another state)

The registration and license plates must be renewed annually in Kentucky and usually expire in the owner’s birth month, with some exceptions, as follows:

• Cars with personalized plates: December
• Cars with commercial vehicles: March
• Cars with disabled plates: July

How Do I Get a Replacement VIN in Kentucky?

To get a replacement VIN in Kentucky, you must file an Application for Vehicle Identification Number (TC96-169) and submit it to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet or your local County Clerk's office. Typically, a replacement VIN plate can only be requested if the original VIN has been damaged, unidentifiable, or stolen.

Does Kentucky Require a VIN Inspection for an Out-of-State Vehicle?

Kentucky requires all out-of-state cars registered to undergo a VIN check to verify the vehicle’s identity. The sheriff’s office in the county where the car will be registered will perform the VIN check.