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Commonwealth of Kentucky CALDWELL COUNTY SHERIFF

Vehicle Inspections

​​​​​​Kentucky law requires all vehicles purchased in another state OR a new vehicle to be inspected by the Sheriff in the county where the vehicle is to be licensed.

WHY DO I NEED AN INSPECTION?

An out-of-state inspection is only required when a vehicle is brought into Kentucky from another state or purchased in another state and has an out-of-state title and whereas the owner is going to reside in Caldwell County, and would like to obtain a Caldwell County license plate. Your vehicle must comply with the provisions of KRS Chapter 189 pertaining to vehicle equipment. The vehicle has to be deemed “road worthy” to be titled, being in a safe condition for operation upon the highway and capable of transporting both persons and contents in a safe manner. All window glass must be in place and the vehicle must be equipped with operable front windshield wipers.

WHAT WILL BE INSPECTED?

A Caldwell County Deputy or other certified vehicle inspector will check the vehicle identification number (VIN) and compare it to the number on the vehicle's Title or Certificate of Origin, as well as the odometer reading.

WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?

  • Vehicle Title or Certificate of Origin
  • Your Driver's License
  • $15.00 (cash or check only) and $20.00 additional if you want us to come to you

WHAT IS THE COST?

The fee for the inspection is $15.00 per vehicle and is payable by cash or check ONLY. We can also come to your location to complete an inspection. If we come to you an additional trip charge of $20.00 will apply.

LOCATIONS TO GET AN INSPECTION:

Caldwell County Courthouse

*A designated spot is on the corner of the west side and south side of the courthouse. Please make an effort to park around the courthouse and not on the street due to safety concerns

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

​You must have a title to have an inspection. Check with the Caldwell County Clerk's Office to see if your title was mailed there.​​

​Not for the inspection, but the clerk's office needs an insurance card to register or transfer the vehicle. Note: if you drive the vehicle on the roadway to the Sheriff's Office for the inspection you must have valid insurance on the vehicle.​​

​No, a valid operator's license is required when inspecting a car or truck. However, when having a motorcycle inspected a motorcycle operator's license or permit it acceptable.​​

​​​No. It is possible for a Deputy to come to your location/site for the inspection. Please call the non-emergency dispatch number of 270-365-2041 to notify them to dispatch someone to come to your location for inspection. Again, you must have your title available at the time of the inspection. There is an additional trip charge of $20.00 for this service in addition to the $15.00 per vehicle inspection fee- cash or check only. The deputies do not accept payment. You must bring your paperwork to the Sheriff's Office for completion of the form and payment. We will try to complete the inspection as quickly as possible; however, the patrol deputies complete these inspections in between their regular and emergency calls for service.​​

​Torrential rains, severe weather, lightning, hail, or other potentially dangerous weather conditions may cause a delay in the inspection process.​

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​*We must visibly locate the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to complete the inspection. The VIN is normally located on the dash of the vehicle. Before the inspection begins please locate your VIN and make sure it matches your title. PLEASE ASSIST THE INSPECTOR BY HAVING THE DASH AREA FREE OF DEBRIS, PAPERS, ETC​