Overview
Selling or buying a used vehicle in Kentucky? A bill of sale is your proof of the deal — it records who sold what, for how much, and on what date. Kentucky transfers ownership through the signed title (the seller's signature must be notarized) and the Application for Title/Registration, Form TC 96-182, but a bill of sale protects both sides: it locks in the price, the exact handover date, and the fact that the seller is no longer responsible for tickets, tolls, or accidents once the keys change hands.
Kentucky requirements
Is a bill of sale required in Kentucky?
Not strictly. Ownership transfers through the signed, notarized title and Form TC 96-182 at your County Clerk's office. But a bill of sale is strongly recommended — it proves the price and sale date and shows you're no longer liable for the vehicle.
Does it need to be notarized?
The bill of sale itself does not need to be notarized. Kentucky does, however, require the seller's signature on the title to be notarized, and the price-attesting section of Form TC 96-182 must be notarized when used in place of a separate affidavit.
Title transfer deadline
The buyer must apply for a new title and registration (Form TC 96-182) at the County Clerk's office within 15 days of the purchase. Waiting past the deadline can lead to penalties, so transfer it promptly.
Motor vehicle usage tax
Kentucky charges a 6% motor vehicle usage tax, paid by the buyer at the County Clerk's office. For used vehicles it's based on the total consideration paid or the current average trade-in value in the NADA guide, whichever the state applies.
Odometer disclosure
Federal law requires the odometer reading at the time of sale for vehicles under 20 model years old. Record it on both the bill of sale and the title.
How to fill it out
- 1
Enter the sale date and the Kentucky county where the sale takes place.
- 2
Add the seller's and buyer's full legal names and addresses.
- 3
Describe the vehicle — make, model, year, color, and 17-character VIN.
- 4
Record the odometer reading and the federal odometer disclosure.
- 5
Enter the purchase price and choose 'as-is' or add warranty terms.
- 6
Both parties sign — then the buyer files Form TC 96-182 at the County Clerk's office within 15 days.
Ready to create your Kentucky bill of sale?
Fill the form, watch it build live, and download the PDF — free, no signup.
Open the free builderWhat to include
- Seller & buyer names and addresses
- Make, model, year, color & VIN
- Odometer reading + federal disclosure
- Purchase price & sales-tax note
- “As-is” statement or warranty terms
- Date of sale and signatures
Kentucky bill of sale by vehicle type
The same Kentuckybuilder works for more than cars — pick your vehicle and the form adapts: the right ID number (a VIN, a boat's HIN, or a serial number) and an odometer reading only where one applies.
- Car bill of sale
- Truck bill of sale
- SUV bill of sale
- Van bill of sale
- Motorcycle bill of sale
- ATV bill of sale
- RV bill of sale
- Camper bill of sale
- Trailer bill of sale
- Boat bill of sale
- Jet Ski bill of sale
- Snowmobile bill of sale
- Golf Cart bill of sale
- Tractor bill of sale
A few differ: boats and jet skis use a Hull ID Number (HIN) instead of a VIN and have no odometer; trailers, campers, snowmobiles, golf carts, and tractors have no odometer either; and boats, ATVs, and snowmobiles often register with a different agency (such as a wildlife, boating, or parks department) rather than your local County Clerk's office. Confirm the details with your local County Clerk's office.
Kentucky bill of sale FAQ
Does a Kentucky motor vehicle bill of sale need to be notarized?
No. Kentucky does not require the bill of sale itself to be notarized. The legal transfer happens through the title — where the seller's signature must be notarized — and Form TC 96-182 at your County Clerk's office. Notarizing the bill of sale is optional and only adds extra proof.
Do I need a bill of sale to sell a car in Kentucky?
It isn't legally required to transfer the title (the notarized title and Form TC 96-182 handle that), but it's strongly recommended. It proves the price, the sale date, and that you're no longer responsible for the vehicle after the sale.
Where do I transfer the title in Kentucky?
At your local County Clerk's office — not a state DMV counter. The buyer brings the signed and notarized title, a completed Form TC 96-182, proof of Kentucky insurance, photo ID, and payment for the title fee and usage tax.
How long do I have to transfer the title in Kentucky?
The buyer has 15 days from the date of purchase to title and register the vehicle at the County Clerk's office. Filing after the deadline can add penalties, so don't wait.
How much is usage tax on a used car in Kentucky?
6% — the motor vehicle usage tax is based on the total consideration paid or the vehicle's average trade-in value in the NADA guide, whichever the state applies. The buyer pays it at the County Clerk's office when transferring the title.
Do both the buyer and seller need to sign?
Yes. Both parties should sign and date the bill of sale, and each keeps a copy. If there are two buyers or two sellers, every party signs.
Is a handwritten bill of sale valid in Kentucky?
Yes — Kentucky doesn't mandate a specific bill of sale form, so a handwritten one is valid as long as it has the key details. A complete, typed document like this one is simply cleaner and far less likely to be questioned at the County Clerk's office.
Is this Kentucky bill of sale really free?
Yes — completely. Fill it in, preview it live, and download the PDF with no signup, no credit card, and no watermark. Unlike sites that charge a fee or push a subscription to download, there's nothing to pay here.