Selling a car privately in Kentucky
Kentucky is a notary state: the title assignment must be notarized, and in practice the whole transfer runs through the county clerk's office, where the buyer must apply within 15 days of the sale. Do not sign anything until you are in front of a notary or the clerk. The buyer pays Kentucky's 6% motor vehicle usage tax at transfer, and needs current Kentucky insurance to complete it.
Kentucky recently moved to keep-your-plate rules: when you sell, the plate stays with you rather than the vehicle. You can transfer it to another vehicle of the same class for a small fee, or return it to the county clerk if the registration has expired. The cleanest Kentucky sale is both parties at the county clerk's counter, signing in front of staff.
The checklist
- 1
Sign the title before a notary (Kentucky)
Kentucky requires notarized signatures on the title assignment. The county clerk's office is the natural place to sign.
- 2
Meet the buyer at the county clerk if possible
The buyer must transfer within 15 days and pays the 6% usage tax at the clerk's office; doing it together closes the loop same-day.
- 3
Keep your license plate
Kentucky plates now stay with the seller. Remove yours and transfer it to a same-class vehicle or return it to the clerk if expired.
- 4
Verify your title status
Locate the physical title and confirm it is in your name with no undisclosed liens. If the title is lost, request a duplicate before listing.
- 5
Complete a bill of sale
Recommended for every private sale even where not required. Record buyer/seller names, VIN, price, date, and an as-is acknowledgement. Both parties keep a copy.
- 6
Complete the odometer disclosure
Federal rules require odometer disclosure for most vehicles under 20 model years old. Usually done on the title itself; some states use a separate form.
- 7
File a release of liability / notice of sale
If your state offers it, file promptly after the sale so you are not liable for tickets or incidents after the buyer drives away.
- 8
Handle plates per your state's rules
In most states the seller removes the plates; in some, plates stay with the vehicle. Confirm your state's rule before handing over the keys.
- 9
Pay off any lien before or at transfer
If a lien remains, coordinate payoff with the lender so the buyer can receive a clear title. Do not sign over a title with an unreleased lien.
- 10
Confirm payment before signing the title
Verify cash, or use a cashier's check verified with the issuing bank, or complete the transfer inside the buyer's bank. Never release the signed title before funds are confirmed.
- 11
Keep copies of everything
Photograph or copy the signed title (both sides), bill of sale, odometer disclosure, and the buyer's ID if they consent.
- 12
Check official state instructions
Requirements change. Confirm the current process on your state DMV / motor vehicle agency website before the sale.
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Start your free beta packetKentucky private sale FAQ
Does a Kentucky car title need to be notarized?
Yes. The signatures on a Kentucky title assignment must be notarized. Sign only in front of a notary or at the county clerk's office; a pre-signed title can be rejected.
How long does the buyer have to transfer in Kentucky?
15 days from the sale. The transfer happens at the county clerk's office, where the buyer pays the 6% motor vehicle usage tax and shows current Kentucky insurance.
Do I keep my plate when I sell a car in Kentucky?
Yes, under Kentucky's current rules the plate stays with you. Transfer it to another vehicle of the same class for a small fee, or return it to the county clerk if the registration has expired.
What is the smoothest way to close a Kentucky sale?
Meet the buyer at the county clerk's office. The notarization, title application, usage tax, and your plate handling can all happen in one visit with staff catching errors on the spot.
Selling a special situation?
Other states
Bold states have a state-specific guide; others use the general checklist.
Last reviewed Jul 13, 2026. This is a general checklist, not legal advice. Confirm current requirements with your state DMV or tax office.