Free Kentucky Car Bill of Sale
Kentucky car sales run on a title the seller signs in front of a notary, with Form TC 96-182 where required. The 6% motor vehicle usage tax is based on the NADA retail value unless a notarized Affidavit of Total Consideration attests the selling price — preventing under-declaration. The title transfer at the county clerk must happen within 15 days of the sale.
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First time selling a car privately? Our complete guide covers how to verify the buyer, which payment methods are safe, what paperwork the DMV actually needs, and the odometer disclosure mistake that can make a transaction legally void. Read: Car Bill of Sale: Complete Guide →
Kentucky Car Bill of Sale — What You Need to Know
Primary ID Field
VIN
Sales Tax
6%
Title Required
Yes
Kentucky title must be transferred at the county clerk within 15 days of the sale. Title is handled by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, not a standalone DMV.
Inspection
Not required
Sales Tax Details
Kentucky charges 6% motor vehicle usage tax, based on the NADA retail value unless the selling price is attested in a notarized Affidavit of Total Consideration (Form 71A100 or TC 96-182) and is at least 50% of the trade-in value. Buyers cannot simply under-declare the price.
Inspection Requirements
Kentucky does not require a state safety inspection or emissions test at time of sale.
Kentucky Car Sale — Step-by-Step Checklist
- Where required (for example, a title issued before 2000 or a vehicle from out of state), complete Form TC 96-182 with VIN, year, make, model, odometer and sale price.
- Seller signs the back of the title in front of a notary.
- Buyer takes the notarized title (plus TC 96-182 where required) and proof of Kentucky insurance to the county clerk's office within 15 days.
- Buyer pays 6% usage tax (on NADA retail value, or on the price attested in a notarized Affidavit of Total Consideration) + title fee + registration.
- Buyer: bring an insurance card issued within the last 45 days; the clerk will not accept an older one.
Common Pitfalls
- The 15-day deadline is strict — missing it results in a penalty.
- KY usage tax is assessed on NADA retail value unless the price is attested in a notarized affidavit — you can't under-declare.
- Title transfers happen at the county clerk's office, not a central Transportation Cabinet office.
- Odometer disclosure required on vehicles of model year 2011 or newer.
- Leaving your plate on the car. Under Kentucky's 2024 rule the plate belongs to the seller, so take it off at the sale and either move it to your next vehicle or return it to the county clerk.
Pro Tip
KY car: notarized title (+ TC 96-182 where required) + county clerk + 15-day deadline + 6% usage tax (NADA value unless a notarized affidavit).
Kentucky Car Bill of Sale — FAQs
What is Kentucky's motor vehicle usage tax?
Kentucky charges a 6% motor vehicle usage tax at the time of title transfer. It is based on the NADA retail value unless the actual selling price is attested in a completed, notarized Affidavit of Total Consideration (Form 71A100 or TC 96-182) and is at least 50% of the trade-in value — which prevents buyers from under-reporting the price.
Where do I transfer a car title in Kentucky?
Kentucky title transfers are processed at the county clerk's office — not a central DMV location. Bring the title signed before a notary, proof of Kentucky insurance, ID, and payment — plus Form TC 96-182 where required (for example, a title issued before 2000 or an out-of-state vehicle).
Does Kentucky require a bill of sale for a car?
Not for a car that already has a Kentucky title. The state's DRIVE site lists what the buyer takes to the county clerk: proof of Kentucky insurance issued within the last 45 days, a Kentucky driver's license, ID card or Social Security card, and the signed-over title with notarized signatures. A bill of sale is not on that list, but it is still a useful receipt for both sides.
Can I get a Kentucky title with only a bill of sale?
Only for a vehicle coming from a state that does not issue titles for it. Kentucky lets you bring that state's registration or bill of sale in place of a signed-over title. You also need Form TC 96-182, notarized signatures and a passed sheriff's inspection. These bill-of-sale titles cannot be done as a $25 next-day speed title.
Does the seller keep the license plate in Kentucky?
Yes, since January 2024. If the registration has not expired, the seller keeps the plate and can move it to another vehicle of the same class for a one-time $11 fee. If the registration has already expired, the plate goes back to the county clerk (personalized plates are the exception). The buyer needs a new plate, a temporary tag or a plate they already own.
What if I make a mistake while signing a Kentucky title?
Do not use white-out, scratch through it or erase anything on the title. Kentucky asks for a separate affidavit with the correct information, signed and notarized, to go with the title.
How does an out-of-state buyer drive a Kentucky car home?
A buyer who does not live in Kentucky can get a transit tag from the Motor Vehicle Licensing Division in Frankfort, by mail or in person. It costs $5 and is good for 15 days. Kentucky residents cannot use a transit tag.