Kentucky Bill of Sale Requirements
As of 2026, Kentucky strongly recommends a signed bill of sale for private vehicle transfers. Kentucky requires notarization — both parties must sign in front of a licensed notary public.
Required Fields
- 1Full legal names and addresses of buyer and seller
- 2VIN (17 characters)
- 3Year, make, model, and color of the vehicle
- 4Odometer reading in miles (required)
- 5Sale price in numerals and written form
- 6Sale date
- 7Signatures of both parties plus notary stamp (required in Kentucky)
Kentucky-Specific Requirements
⚠️ Kentucky requires notarization for a valid bill of sale.
Official Kentucky Form
Kentucky has an official form: Bill of Sale (TC 96-182). Obtain from the Kentucky DMV.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a bill of sale required in Kentucky?▾
Kentucky strongly recommends a bill of sale for all private vehicle sales. While a signed title alone may technically complete the transfer, a bill of sale protects both parties from disputes over the sale price, odometer reading, and vehicle condition.
What must be on a Kentucky vehicle bill of sale?▾
A Kentucky vehicle bill of sale must include: buyer and seller full legal names and addresses, the VIN, year, make, model, odometer reading, sale price (written and numeric), sale date, and signatures of both parties — notarized.
Does Kentucky require an emissions test for private sales?▾
Yes — Kentucky requires an emissions or smog test before the buyer can register a vehicle. Check with the Kentucky DMV for specific requirements in your county.
Create a Kentucky-compliant bill of sale
Create Kentucky Bill of Sale →More Kentucky guides
- How to Transfer a Car Title in Kentucky
- How to Write a Bill of Sale in Kentucky
- How to Sell a Car Privately in Kentucky
- Does Kentucky Require Notarization for a Bill of Sale?
- Kentucky Title Transfer Fees & Vehicle Taxes
- Kentucky car bill of sale generator
- Kentucky bill of sale (all vehicles)
- Bill of Sale Requirements — all states
- All bill of sale guides