Kentucky Title Transfer Guide (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 |
| VIN inspection (out-of-state) | Required · |
| Lien release form | TC 96-132 |
Kentucky title transfer in 8 steps
- 1Gather documents — original title (or duplicate if lost), valid government ID, current registration, lien release (TC 96-132) if applicable, and odometer disclosure for vehicles under 20 years old.
- 2Complete the bill of sale — record buyer + seller full legal names and addresses, vehicle VIN, year, make, model, odometer reading, sale price, and sale date.
- 3Sign the title — seller endorses the title assignment section on the back, fills in buyer info, odometer reading, and sale date. Kentucky requires odometer disclosure for vehicles under 15 years old.
- 4Complete VIN inspection — Kentucky requires VIN inspection for out-of-state vehicles. Schedule with Kentucky DMV or a licensed inspector.
- 5Buyer files at Kentucky DMV — within 15 days of the sale, the buyer brings the signed title, bill of sale, and ID to Kentucky DMV.
- 6Pay tax and fees — 6% sales/use tax on the sale price plus any local surtax, plus the title fee ($15-$50).
- 7Receive new title — Kentucky DMV issues a new title in the buyer's name (typically by mail within 2-4 weeks).
- 8Seller files release of liability — to remove future ticket/toll responsibility from the seller's record, file a notice of transfer with Kentucky DMV the same day as the sale.
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.
Inherited vehicle title transfer
Kentucky estate transfers require either a small-estate affidavit (for estates below the state threshold, typically $50,000-$150,000) or letters of administration from probate court. The successor presents probate paperwork plus the original title to Kentucky DMV.
Need a Kentucky bill of sale to complete the transfer?
Compliant with Kentucky DMV requirements. From $9 — instant DMV-ready PDF, no signup.
Create Kentucky Bill of Sale →Frequently Asked Questions — Kentucky
How long do I have to transfer a car title in Kentucky?▾
Kentucky requires the buyer to file the title transfer within 15 days of the sale date. Missing the deadline triggers late penalties (typically $25-$50) and accrued use tax.
What does a Kentucky title transfer cost?▾
Kentucky charges 6% state sales/use tax on the transfer price plus any local surtax. Motor vehicle usage tax applies to all sales The title fee itself is typically $15-$50 depending on vehicle class.
Do I need a bill of sale to transfer a title in Kentucky?▾
Yes — Kentucky requires a written bill of sale documenting the buyer, seller, vehicle (VIN, year, make, model), odometer reading, and sale price. Kentucky DMV uses the bill of sale to calculate sales tax and confirm transfer terms.
What if there's a lien on the title in Kentucky?▾
In Kentucky, the lender must complete TC 96-132 confirming lien satisfaction before title transfer. Some lenders provide an electronic release directly to Kentucky DMV. The buyer cannot register the vehicle until the lien is cleared.
How do I transfer a title for an inherited vehicle in Kentucky?▾
Kentucky inherited-vehicle transfers require either a small-estate affidavit or letters of administration depending on estate value. The successor presents probate paperwork plus the original title (or duplicate) to Kentucky DMV, along with a bill of sale for any sale to a third party.
Source: Kentucky DMV ↗ · Last verified 2026-05-07