If you’ve just purchased a car in Kentucky from a private seller, you can’t legally drive it home on the seller’s plates. You need a temporary tag (also called a temporary registration plate) to legally drive the car while you complete the permanent registration process.
Many people search for how to get a Kentucky temp tag online. Let’s clear that up first: the online temporary tag system is for licensed dealers only.
For a regular person (a private-party buyer), getting a temporary tag is a simple in-person process that you must do at your local County Clerk’s office. This guide will walk you through the correct steps, the documents you’ll need, and the actual cost.
When Do You Need a Kentucky Temporary Tag?
There are two main reasons you would need a temporary tag:
- You Just Bought a Car (Private Sale): This is the #1 reason. You bought a car from an individual and need to legally drive it home, to your mechanic, and to the County Clerk’s office for permanent registration.
- To Get a Vehicle Inspected: You have an unregistered vehicle (e.g., one that has been in storage) and need to legally drive it to a repair shop or an inspection station.
Did you buy from a dealer? If you bought your car from a licensed Kentucky dealership, you can stop reading. The dealer is required by law to handle all your paperwork and will issue you a 30-day temporary tag on the spot.
How to Get Your 30-Day Temporary Tag (The Real Process)
This is the standard tag for a new private-party purchase. It is a walk-in service at your County Clerk’s office.
Step 1: Get the Car Insured
This is the real first step. You cannot get a temporary tag without proof of insurance. Call your insurance agent and add the “new” car (using its VIN) to your policy. You must have your valid, current KY insurance card.
Step 2: Gather Your Required Documents
Before you go to the clerk’s office, you must have this packet:
- Proof of Ownership: This is the most important part. You need:
- The original Vehicle Title, with the seller’s information and signature on the back.
- A completed Bill of Sale (Form TC 96-182) is also highly recommended.
- Proof of Insurance: Your valid Kentucky insurance card.
- Your Valid ID: Your Kentucky driver’s license or state ID.
Step 3: Visit Your County Clerk’s Office
- Go to your local County Clerk’s office (not a state-run KYTC driver’s license office).
- CRITICAL: You must go to your County Clerk, not a state-run “Driver Licensing Regional Office.” Those KYTC offices handle driver’s licenses by appointment only and cannot issue you a temporary tag. (If you need to book a license appointment, you can see our guide to scheduling your KYTC appointment here).
- Tell the clerk you have just purchased a vehicle and need a temporary tag to get it registered.
- They will have you fill out the Application for Temporary Kentucky Registration Plate (Form TC 96-209), or they may fill it out for you.
Step 4: Pay the Fee
- You will pay the official $21.00 fee for the 30-day temporary tag.
- The clerk will then issue you the paper tag and a temporary registration certificate.
You must display this tag in the rear window or license plate area of your vehicle.
What About Other Types of Temporary Tags?
Your original article mentioned 1-day and 7-day tags. Here is what those are actually for:
- 1-Day (Vehicle Inspection Tag): If you have an unregistered car that needs to be driven to a Sheriff’s Inspection, the clerk can issue this 1-day permit.
- 30-Day “Red Tag” (Salvage): This is a different 30-day tag issued for vehicles with a “salvage” title that need to be driven to/from inspections for rebuilding.
For 99% of people, the 30-Day Tag (Form TC 96-209) is the correct one.
FAQs
NO. This is illegal and a very bad idea. In Kentucky, the license plate belongs to the seller, not the car. The moment they sign the title, their insurance no longer covers that car. You could be ticketed, and the seller is at risk if you get in an accident.
No. If you are a new resident moving to Kentucky, you have a 30-day grace period to use your old, out-of-state plates. During that time, you must go to the County Clerk and follow the out-of-state registration process to get your permanent KY plates.
No. The 30-day tag is a one-time permit. It cannot be renewed or reissued for the same vehicle to the same owner within one year. You must get your permanent registration done within those 30 days.
The tag gives you 30 days to complete the full, permanent registration. This means you must:
1. Get the vehicle inspected by the County Sheriff (if it’s an out-of-state vehicle).
2. Go back to the County Clerk’s office (as a walk-in) with your title, insurance, and inspection certificate.
3. Pay the sales tax (6%) and your permanent registration fees to get your metal license plates.
No. The County Clerk will check your license status when you apply. You must have a valid, unexpired driver’s license to get a temporary tag. If your license is suspended, you cannot register a vehicle. You must first clear your suspension by following the official Kentucky license reinstatement process.
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