How to Sell an ATV Privately in Kentucky (2026)
| Titling agency | Kentucky DMV ↗ |
| Transfer deadline | 15 days from sale |
| Sales / use tax | 6% (Motor vehicle usage tax applies to all sales) |
| Bill of sale notary | Not required |
| OHV permit required | No separate permit program |
| DMV title issued for ATVs | Yes |
| Lien release form | TC 96-132 |
How to Sell an ATV Privately in Kentucky — 8 Steps
- 1Locate the frame VIN — on ATVs the 17-character frame VIN is stamped on the frame near the engine, on the steering head, or on a stamped plate on the left side of the frame rail. Kentucky requires this on every bill of sale and the title.
- 2Note the engine displacement and class — ATV engines are sized in cc (cubic centimeters); youth ATVs under 90cc fall under separate Kentucky youth-rider rules and may have different registration paths than adult ATVs 250cc+.
- 3Clear any liens — if the ATV was financed, request a payoff quote and lien release letter. Kentucky uses TC 96-132.
- 4Gather documentation — clean Kentucky title (no liens), current registration card, maintenance records, manufacturer's owner's manual, and any OHV/trail permit stickers on the ATV.
- 5Price the ATV — check Kelley Blue Book Powersports, NADA Guides (ATVs), and recent Kentucky ATV Trader / Craigslist / Facebook Marketplace comps. Hours, condition, aftermarket parts (winch, plow, tires), and youth/adult class all affect value.
- 6Complete the bill of sale — frame VIN, year/make/model, engine displacement, hours (if tracked), sale price, sale date, and both parties' full legal names and addresses.
- 7Sign the title — endorse the back of the Kentucky ATV title with buyer info, hours (if title shows hours), and sale date. Kentucky requires odometer/hour disclosure for ATVs under 15 years old.
- 8Notify Kentucky DMV — buyer must title and register within 15 days of the sale. Seller files release of liability with Kentucky DMV to remove future liability.
Kentucky lien release procedure
- Obtain Form TC 96-132 from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet or the lienholder.
- Lienholder completes and signs TC 96-132 releasing the lien.
- Submit TC 96-132 with the existing title and title application at a county clerk's office.
- Pay the title fee and receive a clean Kentucky title.
Generate your Kentucky ATV bill of sale
Compliant with Kentucky DMV requirements. From $9 — instant PDF, no signup.
Start My Kentucky ATV Bill of Sale →Frequently Asked Questions — Kentucky
Do I need a bill of sale to sell an ATV in Kentucky?▾
Yes. Kentucky requires a written bill of sale for private ATV transfers to document the frame VIN, year/make/model, engine displacement, sale price, and both parties' signatures. The buyer needs the bill of sale to register the ATV with Kentucky DMV.
Does Kentucky title ATVs?▾
Yes — Kentucky titles ATVs through Kentucky DMV. The seller endorses the title to the buyer, and the buyer presents the endorsed title plus the signed bill of sale to title and register the ATV in their name.
What is the Kentucky ATV title transfer deadline?▾
Kentucky requires the buyer to transfer the ATV title within 15 days of the sale date. Missing the deadline can trigger late fees and back-dated registration penalties.
Is sales tax owed on a private ATV sale in Kentucky?▾
Kentucky charges 6% sales/use tax on private ATV sales. Motor vehicle usage tax applies to all sales The buyer typically pays the tax at Kentucky DMV when titling the ATV.
Do I need an OHV permit to ride a privately purchased ATV in Kentucky?▾
Kentucky does not run a separate OHV permit program. The buyer's title/registration plus the bill of sale is sufficient to operate the ATV on public OHV trails. Private-property use does not require additional permits.
Do I need a notary for a Kentucky ATV bill of sale?▾
Kentucky does not require notarization for a private ATV bill of sale. A signed bill of sale with both parties' information is sufficient for Kentucky DMV.
Source: Kentucky DMV ↗ · Last verified 2026-05-07