Kentucky Car Bill of Sale: Form TC 96-182 + Requirements
Kentucky requires a notarized title for private vehicle transfer. The bill of sale itself doesn't require notarization. Kentucky uses a Motor Vehicle Usage Tax (MVU) rather than a traditional sales tax.
Is a bill of sale required in Kentucky?
Recommended but not strictly required. Kentucky's title-transfer process focuses on the title (which must be notarized) and Form TC 96-182 (Application for Title and/or Registration).
Notarization
The title signature must be notarized in Kentucky. The bill of sale itself is not strictly required to be notarized.
State-specific form
Form TC 96-182 (Application for Title/Registration) is the standard Kentucky title transfer form. Available at drive.ky.gov.
The bill of sale should include:
- Seller's full legal name, address
- Buyer's full legal name, address
- Vehicle year, make, model, body type, VIN
- Odometer reading
- Sale price
- Date of sale
- Both signatures
Sales tax implications
Kentucky charges a Motor Vehicle Usage Tax (MVU) of 6% of the higher of (sale price OR trade-in book value). Different from a traditional sales tax structure.
The buyer pays at the county clerk's office at title transfer.
State-specific seller disclosures
- Odometer disclosure: federally required for vehicles under 20 years old
- No statewide emissions testing: Kentucky doesn't require periodic emissions inspection
- Salvage title disclosure: required if branded
- Notarized title signature: required (this is the unusual KY requirement)
Where to file
The buyer files at the county clerk's office in their county of residence within 15 days of sale.
For a more complete national reference, see the national bill of sale guide and our Louisville guide.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a bill of sale in Kentucky?
Recommended. The bill of sale itself doesn't need to be notarized; the title does.
Does Kentucky require a notarized title?
Yes. The seller's title signature must be notarized in Kentucky.
What's the Motor Vehicle Usage Tax in Kentucky?
6% of the higher of (sale price OR trade-in book value). Kentucky's version of sales tax for vehicles.
What form do I use?
Form TC 96-182 (Application for Title/Registration), available at drive.ky.gov.
Where do I file the bill of sale in Kentucky?
At the county clerk's office in the buyer's county of residence. Within 15 days of sale.
Does Kentucky require emissions testing?
No.
What if I lost the title in Kentucky?
Apply for a duplicate at the county clerk's office.
Should I disclose flaws on the bill of sale?
The "as-is" disclosure covers most. Disclose salvage or rebuilt status and major defects.
Selling a car in Kentucky?
Generate a Louisville-, Lexington-, or Bowling Green-ready listing for Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and Cars.com from one upload. About ten minutes total.
For Louisville specifically, see our selling in Louisville guide.