Kentucky Bill of Sale Template for Cars, Trailers, Trucks, and Boats
A single document can prevent major headaches down the road! A bill of sale isn’t just a record of a transaction – it safeguards both buyers and sellers from legal disputes and fraud.
Kentucky Bill of Sale Form
Without it, you may struggle to prove ownership, face fraud risks, or run into legal issues. Download a bill of sale template today to ensure a clear, documented transaction and avoid unnecessary complications.
What is the Kentucky Bill of Sale For?
A bill of sale is a written record documenting the transaction process of a vehicle or vessel between a buyer and seller. The bill of sale should include details such as the name and address of the seller and buyer, the sales date, and the price.
In Kentucky, a bill of sale is particularly useful for:
- Private Vehicle Sales: It helps document the sale when buying or selling a used vehicle without a dealership.
- Title Transfers: If the title is missing or does not have space for the sale price, a bill of sale can be used.
- Tax Purposes: It proves the actual purchase price when calculating state taxes and fees.
- Legal Protection: It provides legal evidence of the transaction, reducing the risk of disputes.
Get a Vehicle History Report in Kentucky
Thinking of buying a used car in Kentucky? Remember to get the vehicle history report to be informed about the vehicle’s past, including the past owners and maintenance history. A vehicle history report gets you all the information you need to know before you decide to buy the vehicle.
What Information Can You Find in the Vehicle Report?
When you run a VIN check with Detailed Vehicle History, you can get all the detailed information about the vehicle.
- Mileage
- Ownership History
- Sales History
- Usage History
- Accident History
- Lien & Loans
- Recalls History
- Flood Damage
- Title Brand
- Warranty Status
- Salvage Title
- Repair Cost
- Hail Damage
- Ownership Duration
- Accident History
- Maintenance Schedule
In addition, sellers can display the original factory specifications and features of their vehicles with window stickers. A window sticker shows the standard and optional features, packages, MSRP, safety ratings, and more.
Display accurate vehicle specs to all buyers easily with our window sticker lookup tool!
What's Included in a Window Sticker?
Our window sticker lookup provides all original factory details for your vehicle.
- MSRP & Pricing
- Optional Equipment
- Warranty Details
- Engine Specs
- Exterior Features
- Color Codes
- Standard Features
- Safety Ratings
- Fuel Economy
- Interior Features
- Packages & Options
- Manufacturing Info
What Should Be Written on a Kentucky Bill of Sale?
To keep the Kentucky bill of sale legally binding, it typically contains the following details:Â
Buyer and Seller Information
The name and address of the buyer and seller should be written on the bill of sale along with their signature.Â
Vehicle Description
The complete information of the vehicle, including the year, make and model, VIN, and body type, should also be included.
Purchase Date and Price
The transaction date and the agreed price should be included on the bill of sale.
Odometer Reading
For vehicles, the bill of sale may include the mileage at the time of purchase, which is important for legality and tax purposes.
Why You Need a Bill of Sale?
Why Do Sellers Need a Bill of Sale?
Sellers should always keep the bill of sale after transferring the ownership of the vehicle sold to the buyer. This document provides protection just in case there is a dispute in the future.Â
Here are why getting a bill of sale is always a good idea for a seller:
Proof of Sale
The bill of sale shows the exact sale date of the vehicle, boat, or trailer, which protects the seller from liability after the transaction.
Tax Documentation
In Kentucky, the seller may need a sale price record for tax purposes. The bill of sale helps in reporting income and deductions accurately.
Avoiding Future and Liability
Once a vehicle is sold, the seller is no longer responsible for accidents, tickets, or damages. A bill of sale proves that the ownership has successfully transferred to the buyer.
Why Do Buyers Need a Bill of Sale?
Aside from the seller, the buyer also needs to get a copy of the bill of sale as it provides the legal protection that helps with the vehicle registration.
Proof of Ownership
When registering a newly purchased vehicle, trailer, or boat in Kentucky, buyers may be required to present a bill of sale and other documents.
Vehicle Registration Assistance
When registering a newly purchased vehicle, trailer, or boat in Kentucky, buyers may be required to present a bill of sale and other documents.
What to Check Before Buying a Car!
Aside from getting the bill of sale, you may check the background of the vehicle you are about to buy by utilizing these tools.
Check the vehicle history
Avoid costly mistakes by verifying past accidents,title issues, and undisclosed damages.
Look for flood damage
Some areas have a high risk of water-damaged vehicles. A flood damage check helps identify unsafe cars.
Verify the odometer reading
Odometer fraud is common, with sellers rolling back mileage to increase value.
Be informed about the title
Checking the title is important before you decide to buy the car, as nobody wants to buy a car with a bad title.
Check for theft records
You don’t want to be stuck with a stolen vehicle. Check for theft records and avoid legal issues.
Get the service record
Buying a used car means you need to check the service record to ensure that past owners regularly serviced the car.
How to Register a Vehicle in Kentucky?
After purchasing a vehicle in Kentucky, you need to register the vehicle with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. The registration process ensures the vehicle is legally documented and registered for road operation. Here are the steps to follow to register a vehicle in Kentucky:
Obtain a Singed Title
The seller must provide the buyer with a properly signed title. This is the most important document needed to complete the ownership transfer. If the title is missing or incorrect, the registration process may be delayed.
Complete the title Transfer Application
The buyer must complete the necessary form to apply for the title and registration. These forms are available at local county clerk offices and may also be accessed online.
Pay the Required Fees
Vehicle registration fees in Kentucky depend on factors such as the vehicle’s type, weight, and age. Buyers are also responsible for paying applicable state taxes.
Submit Proof of Insurance
Kentucky requires all registered vehicles to have valid insurance coverage. Proof of insurance must be submitted as part of the registration process.
Receive License Plates and Registration Card
Once the application is processed, the new owner will receive a registration card and Kentucky license plates. These must be displayed properly to comply with state regulations.
How to Register a Vessel in Kentucky
All motorized boats in Kentucky must be registered before they can be legally used on state waterways. The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources handles boat registrations.
Complete the Boat Registration Application
New boat owners must fill out the required forms with accurate details about the vessel, including its make, model, and length.
Provide a Bill of Sale
A bill of sale is required to prove the ownership transfer. This document must include the purchase price, buyer and seller details, and boat description.
Submit the Hull Identification Number (HIN)
The HIN is a unique identifier for boats, similar to a VIN for vehicles. It helps verify ownership and prevent fraud.
Pay the Registration Fees
The cost of registering a boat in Kentucky depends on its length and type. Additional fees may apply for late registration or title transfers.
Receive Registration Number and Decals
Once approved, boat owners will receive a registration number and decals. These must be displayed on the vessel as required by law.
Get a Vehicle Bill of Sale by State
Each state has its own requirements for an auto bill of sale. Click below to find the template for your state!
Frequently Asked Questions
No, someone else cannot register your car in their name unless they are the owner and have the title in their name. To allow them to register and insure it, you must transfer ownership by signing the title over to them
To register your vehicle(s) in Kentucky, you will need the title(s) from the previous state, a paper copy of your Kentucky Proof of Insurance, a Vehicle Transfer Form (TC96-182), and an inspection from the Sheriff’s Office.
To title a vehicle in Kentucky, you’ll pay $9.00, and the title will arrive by mail in 4-6 weeks. Yearly registration is $21.00. Be prepared for a 6% usage tax based on the retail price. If applicable, recording a lien on the title costs $22.00.