VEHICLE INSPECTIONS
Kentucky law requires all vehicles purchased in another state 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 whereas the owner is going to reside in Hopkins County, and would like to obtain a Hopkins County license plate. Your vehicle must comply with the provisions of KRS Chapter 189 pertaining to vehicle equipment. Simply put, your vehicle must be in a safe condition for operation upon the highway and capable of transporting both persons and contents in a safe manner. This would include, but not limited to, the brakes, steering, headlights, horn, rear lights, brake lights, mirrors in place, and turn signals in place and fully operable. Additionally, all window glass must be in place and the vehicle must be equipped with operable front windshield wipers.
WHAT WILL BE INSPECTED?
A Hopkins 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. This information, along with the vehicle’s mileage (visible on the odometer), is recorded on a Kentucky Application for Certificate of Title/Registration Form. After the vehicle has passed inspection you must then take this completed form to the Hopkins County Clerk’s Office at 24 Union St., Madisonville, Ky. 42431. Their office hours are 7:30 to 4:30 Monday-Friday.
WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?
- Vehicle Title or Certificate of Origin
- Your Drivers License (must be KY)
- $5.00 (cash or check only) $10.00 additional if you want us to come to you
WHAT IS THE COST?
The fee for the inspection is $5.00 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 $10.00 will apply.
LOCATIONS TO GET AN INSPECTION:
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office
56 N. Main St. | Madisonville, Ky. 42431
8am-4pm, Mon-Fri
*Please try to have your vehicle at the office for inspection by 3:45pm if possible.
Hopkins County Judicial Center
120 E. Center St. | Madisonville, Ky. 42431
8am-4pm, Mon-Fri
*Please park in the closest legal parking space to the front doors of the Judicial Center
Please call 270-821-5661 with questions about salvage titles, golf carts, scooters, trailers, mopeds etc., as often there are specific requirements for specific vehicles that fall outside of the usual out of state transfer and registration.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Q: What if I don’t have a title?
Then you will need to go to the Hopkins County Clerk’s Office at 24 Union St., Madisonville, Ky. 42431. Their office hours are 7:30 to 4:30 Monday-Friday.
Q: Do I need my insurance card?
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.
Q: May I use a driver’s permit?
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.
Q: Does my vehicle have to be brought to the Sheriff’s Office?
No, if you prefer that a Deputy come to your location to complete the inspection just call the office at 270-821-5661. There is an additional trip charge of $10.00 for this service in addition to the $5.00 per vehicle inspection fee- cash or check only (if paying in cash you must have the exact amount as deputies do not carry change for this purpose). 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.
Q: Can I get my vehicle inspected in all types of weather?
Torrential rains, severe weather, lightning, hail, or other potentially dangerous weather conditions may cause a delay in the inspection process.
*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
