How duplicate titles and temporary tags work in Kentucky.
Dealer-focused reference for Kentucky duplicate title requirements, temporary tag rules, and title submission deadlines. Administered by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet – Division of Motor Vehicle Licensing.
Always confirm current fees and forms at the official state site linked below.
Duplicate title: $6Temp tag: 60 daysDealer title deadline: 15 days
TC 96-182 (Application for Duplicate Certificate of Title)
Where to file
County clerk's office
Turnaround
Same-day at county clerk; 1–2 weeks by mail
Notarization required
No
Temp tag duration
60 days
Dealer title deadline
15 days after sale
Temporary tags / permits
Kentucky temporary tag rules
Temporary tags in Kentucky are valid for 60 days from the date of issue.
Temporary dealer plates valid 60 days
Dealers in Kentucky must submit title paperwork within 15 days of the date of sale.
Stacking temporary tags — issuing a second consecutive temp tag to extend a vehicle's operation beyond the initial permit period without resolving the underlying title — is prohibited.
Dealer playbook
Keep a title-pending log sorted by temp tag expiration date. Review it every Monday.
Flag any vehicle where the title has not been applied for within half of the allowed deadline (Kentucky's window is 15 days).
Never issue a second temp tag as a workaround for an unresolved title problem — this is prohibited and auditable.
If you receive trade-ins with no title in hand, start the duplicate process immediately rather than waiting for retail sale.
Kentucky state quirk
Kentucky requires dealer title paperwork within 15 days of sale — one of the shorter windows nationally. The $6 duplicate fee is among the lowest in the country.