RegistryFee

Kentucky Vehicle Registration Fee Calculator

Kentucky registration is a flat $21/yr, but every vehicle also owes an annual ad valorem property tax at renewal: the car's value times a combined rate (state 45¢ per $100 plus county, school, and city levies) that runs about 1.1%–1.4%. Pick your county and enter your MSRP for the full bill. A 6% usage tax applies at purchase.

Verified against official Kentucky sources on 2026-07-21. How we verify fees.

Your vehicle

Estimated annual cost
$282.00/ year
  • Registration fee
    $21.00
  • Ad valorem property tax
    1.20% combined rate
    $261.00
One-time fees (first registration)
  • Title fee
    $9.00
One-time total: $9.00

Estimate only — actual fees are set by your state and county at the time of registration. Data last reviewed 2026-07-21.

Fees vary by county in Kentucky. See the county-by-county breakdown of local taxes, surtaxes, and emissions rules.By county →

Good to know

  • The value is estimated from your MSRP; Kentucky assesses the NADA trade-in value. City/independent-school-district residents pay more.

What determines vehicle registration cost in Kentucky?

  • Ad valorem property tax (value × combined county rate)
  • County (rates vary; cities pay more)
  • 6% usage tax at purchase

Frequently asked questions

How much is the Kentucky car tax?

The car's value times your county's combined rate — about 1.1%–1.4%. On a $20,000 car that's roughly $220–$270/yr, on top of the flat $21 registration.

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Vehicle Registration calculators for other states

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More Kentucky fees

Title transfer →Driver's license →Marriage license →Birth certificate →Divorce filing →Name change →LLC / business →Real estate transfer tax →Sales tax permit →Boat registration →Moped & scooter →Golf cart & LSV →Disabled parking placard →

vehicle registration in nearby states

Indiana →Ohio →West Virginia →Virginia →Tennessee →

Official Kentucky resources

Estimates here are informational — the state is the only source of an official quote.

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (drive.ky.gov) ↗☎ (502) 564-1257revenue.ky.gov — fee source ↗drive.ky.gov — fee source ↗

Data last reviewed 2026-07-21.