Selling a Car in Kentucky

Selling a car in Kentucky requires you to complete some required paperwork and sign the title.
Written by Brad Marley
Reviewed by Carrie Adkins
If you’re selling a car in Kentucky, you’ll need to sign your title in the presence of a notary and complete a bill of sale before reporting the ownership transfer to the County Clerk's office.
The process of selling a car can feel intimidating. If the paperwork isn’t done right, you can be responsible for issues with the car even after you’ve given someone else the keys. 
Fortunately,
Jerry
, the
car insurance
comparison/broker app, is here to tell you what you need to do when selling a car in Kentucky. 

What you need to sell a car in Kentucky

If you’re selling your car in
Kentucky
, you’ll need to get your papers together and head over to the County Clerk’s office. They require specific documentation including:
  • Kentucky Certificate of Title (or, if you don’t have one, a duplicate title form)
  • Proof of insurance
  • Valid Kentucky ID
  • Signature of the buyer
  • Bill of sale
  • Lien release
  • Payment for fees and taxes
If you are selling to an out-of-state buyer,  you’ll need to notify the County Clerk’s office and return the license plates to them.
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Getting a pre-sale inspection

In-state transactions do not require a pre-sale inspection.
Kentucky law requires out-of-state vehicles to have an inspection. This is done by the Sheriff of the county where the vehicle will be registered. Inspections ensure that all cars coming into Kentucky are safe and “roadworthy.”

Documenting the sale

A Kentucky bill of sale summarizes the details of the transaction between you and your buyer. It contains information about you, your buyer, and the specifics about your car:
  • Vehicle identification number
  • Make, model, and year
  • License plate number
  • Selling price
  • Seller name, address, and notarized signature
  • Buyer name, address, and notarized signature
You can download the required bill of sale document from the
Kentucky DMV website
.

Signing the title over

To transfer your vehicle to a new owner, you must have a notarized signature on the title. On the back of the title, you’ll find a spot to fill out the details of the sale including:
  • Buyer's full name and address
  • Seller's full name and address
  • Date of sale
  • Purchase price of the vehicle
  • Odometer disclosure or reading
  • Signatures of the seller as well as buyer

Reporting the sale

The vehicle needs to be transported within 15 days if you are selling to an out-of-state buyer. If it will take longer than that, you’ll need to complete an Affidavit of Incomplete Transfer. You can download this
form off of the Kentucky DMV website
.

Finding affordable car insurance 

After you successfully sell your car, check with
Jerry
for car insurance on your current vehicle. As a comparison and broker app,
Jerry
can give you quotes from 50+ insurance companies. You’ll quickly find the best coverage at the best price!
“I was paying $350 a month for my new car. With
Jerry
, I set up a new policy in under 30 minutes that will save me over $1000 a year!” —Mariah K.
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FAQs

To find out the fair market value of your car, check
Edmunds
and
Kelley Blue Book
. These resources can tell you the car’s value based on its make, model, mileage, year, and condition.
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