How to Sell a Car Privately in Kentucky
Selling your car yourself in Kentucky comes down to a signed title, the right paperwork, and a few steps people often miss. This guide summarizes what the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, Department of Vehicle Regulation and state law say, so you and the buyer can finish the transfer cleanly.
Transferring the title
- The seller must sign the back of the title in the presence of a notary. drive.ky.gov
- The seller signs an assignment and warranty of title at delivery and gives the buyer the application with the certificate of title attached. apps.legislature.ky.gov
- The buyer takes the signed title, proof of Kentucky insurance, identification, and money for fees and taxes to the County Clerk in the buyer's county. drive.ky.gov
Notarization
- The seller's signature on the title must be notarized. drive.ky.gov
- The title application form has an attesting official who swears or affirms each party's signature and records a commission number and expiration. mvc.ky.gov
- The seller's affidavit of incomplete transfer (TC 96-3) must be signed and notarized. apps.legislature.ky.gov
Odometer disclosure
- Federal and Kentucky law require the odometer reading at transfer, recorded without tenths. mvc.ky.gov
- The seller certifies the reading is accurate unless checking a box for mileage exceeding mechanical limits or a reading that is not the actual mileage. mvc.ky.gov
- Only the seller can disclose the mileage when the title is updated, and if the title is already printed the buyer must have the seller complete an Affidavit of Mileage Correction (TC 96-322). drive.ky.gov
License plates
- When a vehicle with unexpired registration is transferred, the seller keeps the plate. drive.ky.gov
- If the registration expires at the end of the transfer month, the seller must renew it to use the plate elsewhere or return the plate to the County Clerk. drive.ky.gov
- If the registration had already expired at transfer, the plate must be returned to the county clerk, except personalized plates. drive.ky.gov
- The buyer needs a plate and registration before driving, using a temporary tag from a dealer or county clerk, a plate with unexpired registration the buyer already owns, or a new plate from a County Clerk. drive.ky.gov
- A seller who sells to an out-of-state resident returns the Kentucky plate to the County Clerk. drive.ky.gov
Taxes and fees the buyer pays
- Kentucky's motor vehicle usage tax is levied at six percent. revenue.ky.gov
- The county clerk collects the usage tax when ownership transfers or a vehicle is first registered in Kentucky, and the buyer must pay before the clerk registers the vehicle or issues tags. revenue.ky.gov
- The usage tax is paid in addition to transfer, registration and license fees. revenue.ky.gov
- A buyer registering in Kentucky needs proof of Kentucky insurance with an effective date within 45 days. drive.ky.gov
Easy-to-miss rules in this state
- The original title must not show erasures, alterations, or mutilations. mvc.ky.gov
- The application requires checking 'Rebuilt Vehicle' or 'Water Damage' if applicable, and giving the jurisdiction and title number of any prior brand not shown on the title. mvc.ky.gov
- A seller who was a Kentucky resident and owner on January 1 may owe property taxes on the vehicle when selling to an out-of-state resident. drive.ky.gov
- Suspected fraudulent title practices by private sellers can be reported to the Cabinet by email. drive.ky.gov
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a notary to sell a car in Kentucky?
The seller's signature on the title must be notarized. The title application form has an attesting official who swears or affirms each party's signature and records a commission number and expiration.
Is an odometer disclosure required when selling a car in Kentucky?
Federal and Kentucky law require the odometer reading at transfer, recorded without tenths. The seller certifies the reading is accurate unless checking a box for mileage exceeding mechanical limits or a reading that is not the actual mileage.
What happens to the license plates when I sell my car in Kentucky?
When a vehicle with unexpired registration is transferred, the seller keeps the plate. If the registration expires at the end of the transfer month, the seller must renew it to use the plate elsewhere or return the plate to the County Clerk.
Official Kentucky resources
- DRIVE: Vehicle Sale and Transfer (Vehicle Titling)
- DRIVE: Keep Your License Plate
- DRIVE: Vehicle Registration and Renewals
- KYTC form TC 96-182 (Application for Title or Registration)
- Dept. of Revenue: Motor Vehicle Usage Tax
- KRS 186A.215: Procedures for transfer of vehicle ownership
Next steps
Once you know the rules, create a free listing and print a QR code sign for the car window. For the general process, see our step-by-step private sale guide, the paperwork checklist, and how to get paid safely. Need paperwork? Use our free bill of sale generator.