A Kentucky Bill of Sale is a legal document used to transfer ownership of a valuable item from one person to another based on the specific state laws of Kentucky (KY).
You should use a bill of sale in Kentucky if you’re buying or selling a car (or any vehicle), a boat, gun, motorcycle, trailer, or other item of value.
How to Register a Vehicle in Kentucky
To register a vehicle in Kentucky, you must provide a Bill of Sale, Application for Kentucky Certificate of Title/Registration (TC 96-182), Odometer Disclosure Statement (Form TC 96-5), vehicle inspection (if from out-of-state), proof of insurance, valid photo ID or driver’s license, and registration fees to the Office of the County Clerk.
Bill of Sale – By Type (5)
A form to buy or sell a motor vehicle in the state of Kentucky
Vehicle Bill of Sale
This form helps you transfer ownership of recreational water vehicles (such as motorboats, sailboats, yachts, and jet skis) in the state of Kentucky
Boat Bill of Sale
A document to buy or sell a trailer (or any non-motorized vehicle pulled by another vehicle) in the state of Kentucky and register it at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
Trailer Bill of Sale
A document that helps you transfer ownership of a gun (such as a handgun, rifle, or shotgun) in the state of Kentucky, and avoid legal or criminal issues involving the weapon after it is sold
Firearm Bill of Sale
This form records the transfer of a motorcycle in the state of Kentucky
Motorcycle Bill of Sale
Requirements
A bill of sale is proof of the transfer of ownership of a valued item. You may need it to register new property — a vehicle or a boat.
In most cases, to register a new vehicle, you must show proof of purchase.
Language, Notarization & Sales Tax Requirements
- Language: A Kentucky vehicle bill of sale must be in English.
- Notarization: You need a notarized signed-over title when buying or selling a vehicle between Kentucky citizens. A notarized bill of sale can be used if there is no title. A seal from a notary public adds credence to the bill of sale and makes it more difficult to contest in court.
- Sales Tax: Sales tax for the vehicle should be listed on the Kentucky vehicle bill of sale. Currently, the sales tax in Kentucky is 6%.
Vehicle Registration Forms
- Bill of Sale
- Application for Kentucky Certificate of Title/Registration (TC 96-182)
- Odometer Disclosure Statement (Form TC 96-5)
- Vehicle inspection (if the vehicle is from out-of-state)
- Proof of insurance
- Valid photo ID or driver’s license
- Registration fees
Boat Registration Forms
- Bill of Sale
- Certificate of Title
- A pencil tracing or photo of the boat’s Hull Identification Number (HIN)
- Valid photo ID or driver’s license
- The new owner’s Social Security number
- Motor Boat Transaction Record Application for Title/Registration form
Sample
Below is an example of a Kentucky bill of sale.
