Dealer-related Information in Kentucky

We can't train you to be a motor vehicle dealer; however, with this section, along with our Licensing Requirements and Dealer Forms sections, we can help you by giving you the tips and tools to get you headed in the right direction.

Statutes and Regulations

There are currently four statutes and two regulations that direct the manufacture and sale of motor vehicles in Kentucky. Below is a brief summary of each.

Now That You're a Dealer

Once you've been issued your dealer license and are open for business, there are still certain requirements you must meet and rules you must follow. Along with the above-mentioned statutes, take a look at these requirements.

Confining Activities

Once you receive your license, you must make sure that all business activity takes place only within your licensed location; otherwise, you risk having your license suspended or revoked. Offsite sale and display permits are available for such business activity.

Location or Ownership Changes

A change in the location of a dealership requires notification to the commission before the change and an application for commission approval of the new location.

A change in the ownership of a dealership requires a new application and fees.

Displayed Licenses

Licenses for dealers and sales personnel must be displayed in the dealership's office area, and sales personnel must remember to carry a copy of their licenses with them during work hours.

Used Car Rule

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has provided a guide of rules for sellers and buyers of used cars, the Used Car Rule . The guide includes information about the dealer, the vehicle, and the warranty, as well as information about violations and penalties.

Previous Owner Information

By law, all used cars must include a notice in bold face type reading:

  • NOTICE: KENTUCKY LAW REQUIRES THAT, IF REQUESTED, WE SHALL FURNISH YOU WITH THE NAME, ADDRESS, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER, IF AVAILABLE, OF THE PREVIOUS CONSUMER-OWNER OF THIS VEHICLE.

Advertising

Whether you're advertising consumer credit terms or consumer lease terms, the FTC has certain regulations to which you must conform.

  • Advertising Consumer Credit Terms
  • This online manual covers both open-end and closed-end credit disclosures as well as general information about who must comply, oral disclosures, violation liability, and general requirements.
  • Advertising Consumer Lease Terms
  • This online manual provides both general and specific requirements, as well as violations and penalties.

Midwest Region

Kentucky is included in the Midwest Region of the FTC. Contact the FTC office at:

  • Consumer Response Center
  • Federal Trade Commission
  • 600 Pennsylvania Ave., NW
  • Washington, DC 20580
  • (877) 382-4357
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