How Kentucky Handles Manufactured Home Titles
In Kentucky, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet — Division of Motor Vehicle Licensing (KY DMV) is responsible for issuing and transferring manufactured home titles. Kentucky processes manufactured home titles at the county level — specifically at the county clerk's office, not the state DMV directly. The Transportation Cabinet sets the rules and fees, but filings happen locally. Find your county clerk at kentucky.gov/county-clerks.
Before filing anything, call KY DMV at (502) 564-1257 and describe your situation. Their staff can confirm which current form version you need and whether your documents are complete — a 10-minute call that prevents weeks of delay from a rejected submission.
Required Forms
| Form | Purpose |
|---|---|
| TC 96-182 | Kentucky Application for Title — manufactured homes included |
| TC 96-167 | Odometer/Lien Disclosure Statement — used for lien recordings |
| Lien Release (lender form) | Required if a lender is listed on the current title — must be obtained from the lender and submitted with the transfer |
| Heirship / Small Estate Affidavit | Used when transferring after the owner’s death if the estate qualifies under Kentucky’s small estate threshold |
Step-by-Step: Standard Sale Transfer
- Obtain the current title from the seller — The seller’s name on the title must match their government-issued ID exactly. Check for any lienholder listed on the front of the title document.
- Have the seller sign the title assignment section — The seller signs the back of the title in the designated assignment area. If two names appear on the title, both must sign unless the title specifies survivorship rights (e.g., “or” vs. “and”).
- Resolve any liens — If a lender is listed, obtain a signed lien release before filing. KY DMV will not issue a clean title while an active lien is recorded.
- Complete the transfer application (TC 96-182) — Fill in all required fields. Download the current version from the agency’s official website on the day you file — forms change periodically.
- Submit to KY DMV — File in person at the appropriate office or by mail. Include all forms, the original signed title, and payment.
- Receive new title — KY DMV issues a new title in the buyer’s name. Store it securely — replacement titles take additional time and fees.
Fee Schedule (2025)
| Transaction Type | Estimated Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard title transfer (sale) | $9 title fee + county clerk fee |
| Duplicate / replacement title | Typically $10–$50 |
| Estate / heirship transfer | Same as standard transfer fee |
| Lien filing (new lender) | $2–$15 |
| Estimated total | $30–$80 |
Always confirm current fees with KY DMV at (502) 564-1257 before filing — fee schedules change.
Timeline in Kentucky
County clerk offices process in-person submissions in 1–3 business days. Mail processing: 2–4 weeks.
Documents Required for Every Transfer
- Current title document (original — not a photocopy)
- Completed TC 96-182 (downloaded from KY DMV website on day of filing)
- Government-issued photo ID for all signing parties
- Lien release from lender (if lienholder listed on title)
- Payment for fees
- For estate transfers: certified death certificate + signed heirship affidavit
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Kentucky charges an annual registration fee on manufactured homes through the county property valuation administrator (PVA), separate from the title. When transferring a title, verify registration is current or budget for back fees.
Kentucky allows a small estate affidavit for estates under $15,000 — one of the lower thresholds nationally. Estates above this typically require probate or a formal administration proceeding.
Never pay in full for a home with an active lien without a formal arrangement to clear it. The safest approach is to use an escrow: the seller's loan is paid off from the purchase price at closing, the lender releases the lien simultaneously, and only then does the title transfer to you. Contact KY DMV at (502) 564-1257 to confirm the lien status using the home's serial number before committing to any purchase.
File a duplicate title application with KY DMV using form TC 96-182 or the state's specific duplicate title form. You will need the home's serial number (found on the HUD data plate inside a cabinet or on the steel chassis frame), your photo ID, and payment of the duplicate fee. If there is a lienholder on the title, most states send the duplicate to the lienholder unless they provide written consent for you to receive it.
Related: After-Death Transfers · Lien Release Guide · Lost Title · Path Finder Tool