Selling or buying a vehicle in Kentucky? The seller’s signature on the title must be notarized — and if it is not, the buyer pays 6% usage tax on the full NADA retail value instead of the actual purchase price.
This free template is formatted for Kentucky’s requirements and works alongside the notarized Certificate of Title at your county clerk’s office.
Click Get This Template below to open it in Google Docs, then click Use Template to save a copy to your Drive.
For templates for all 50 states, visit the Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale Templates →
On this page:
- What Is a Kentucky Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale?
- Is a Bill of Sale Required in Kentucky?
- Kentucky-Specific Requirements
- Free Kentucky Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale Template
- How to Fill Out the Template
- How to Transfer a Car Title in Kentucky
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Is a Kentucky Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale?
A Kentucky motor vehicle bill of sale is a written record of a private vehicle sale.
In Kentucky, the bill of sale works alongside the Certificate of Title. Title transfers are handled at the county clerk’s office — not a central state DMV. Both buyer and seller typically need to be present, or proper notarized documentation must be provided in their absence.
Is a Bill of Sale Required in Kentucky?
A bill of sale is not always strictly required if the title assignment is properly completed. However, it is strongly recommended and practically essential because:
If the seller’s signature on the title or Form TC96-182 is not notarized, the county clerk calculates the 6% usage tax on 100% of the NADA retail value — not the actual purchase price. A notarized bill of sale or notarized TC96-182 showing the actual price allows tax to be calculated on the lower purchase price.
Kentucky-Specific Requirements
1. 15-Day Deadline
The buyer has 15 days from the date of purchase to title the vehicle at the county clerk’s office. Penalties apply after 15 days.
2. ⚠️ Notarization Required
Kentucky requires the seller’s signature on the Certificate of Title to be notarized. If the title was issued before February 2000, Form TC96-182 (Application for Title) must also be completed, signed by all registered owners, and notarized.
Critical: If the paperwork is not properly signed and notarized by the seller, the county clerk will assess 6% usage tax on the full NADA retail value rather than the actual purchase price. Getting everything notarized at the time of signing protects the buyer from paying significantly more tax.
3. Where to Complete the Transfer
Title transfers are handled at the county clerk’s office in the buyer’s county of residence. Kentucky has 120 counties — each with its own clerk’s office. Many county clerk offices have notaries on staff, so notarization can often be completed at the time of the transfer.
4. Usage Tax: 6%
Kentucky charges a 6% road usage tax on the purchase price (with notarized documentation) or on the NADA retail value (without notarized documentation) — whichever is higher based on the documentation provided. All fees — including the $9 Motor Vehicle Title Application fee, notary fees, plate registration fees, and usage tax — must be paid at the time of transfer.
5. Delinquent Taxes Must Be Paid
Any delinquent ad valorem taxes on the vehicle being transferred must be paid prior to or as part of the transfer. Any delinquent taxes on other vehicles owned by the buyer must also be paid before a new title can be issued.
6. Joint Ownership
If the title shows “AND” between owner names, all owners must sign and notarize. If the title shows “OR,” any one owner may sign alone.
7. Proof of Insurance
Kentucky proof of insurance (not the policy page — the insurance card) in the buyer’s name is required at the time of transfer. The effective date on the insurance card must be no more than 45 days from the date of transfer.
Free Kentucky Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale Template
This template opens in Google Docs. Click Use Template to save a copy to your Drive, fill it out digitally, or print and complete by hand.
How to Fill Out the Template
Enter the seller’s name exactly as it appears on the Certificate of Title. Enter the buyer’s name exactly as they want it on the new title.
In Section 3, copy the VIN character by character. Enter the full agreed purchase price in Section 4 — this is the figure used to calculate the 6% usage tax if the documentation is properly notarized.
Both parties sign Section 11 — in the presence of a notary. Do not pre-sign before visiting the notary. Bring the unsigned printed form and sign there. Many county clerk offices have notaries on staff.
For a complete field-by-field walkthrough of every section, see: How to Fill Out a Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale →
How to Transfer a Car Title in Kentucky
For the Seller
Sign the back of the title exactly as your name appears on the front — and have that signature notarized. Make a copy of the front and back of the completed and signed title before giving it to the buyer.
Check with the county clerk’s office after 15 days to confirm the transfer has been completed. If the vehicle is still in your name, file Form TC96-3 (Affidavit of Sale).
For the Buyer
Within 15 days of purchase, visit the county clerk’s office in your county of residence with the notarized title, this bill of sale, Kentucky proof of insurance (effective within 45 days), valid Kentucky ID, and payment for the $9 title fee, notary fees, plate registration fees, and 6% usage tax.
Lost Title
Apply for a duplicate title at your county clerk’s office before proceeding with the sale. Contact the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet at drive.ky.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. The seller’s signature on the Certificate of Title must be notarized. If not notarized, the buyer pays 6% usage tax on the full NADA retail value instead of the actual purchase price — which can result in significantly higher taxes on a below-market sale.
15 days from the date of purchase. Penalties apply after 15 days. The transfer is completed at the county clerk’s office in the buyer’s county of residence.
6% of the purchase price (with properly notarized documentation) or 6% of the NADA retail value (without notarized documentation) — whichever is higher based on the documentation. Getting the seller’s signature notarized ensures tax is calculated on the actual sale price.
At the county clerk’s office in the buyer’s county of residence. Kentucky has 120 counties, each with its own clerk’s office. Many county clerk offices have notaries on staff, so notarization can often be completed at the time of transfer.
The buyer will be charged 6% usage tax on 100% of the NADA retail value rather than the actual purchase price. On a vehicle with a NADA retail value higher than the sale price, this can mean hundreds of dollars in additional tax. Always get the seller’s signature notarized.
Yes. Kentucky does not require a specific state-issued bill of sale form. Any bill of sale with the required information is acceptable alongside the notarized Certificate of Title. Having the bill of sale also notarized is strongly recommended to support the tax calculation on the actual purchase price.
This template and all information on this page are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Requirements vary by county. Contact your county clerk’s office or the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet at drive.ky.gov to confirm current requirements before completing your transaction.