Selling your car in Kentucky doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you’re in Louisville, Lexington, Bowling Green, or a smaller town in the Bluegrass State, this guide will walk you through the steps to sell your vehicle safely, legally, and efficiently.
Sell a Car in Kentucky – Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Gather Required Documents
Before starting the sale process, be sure you have the following documents ready:
- Kentucky Certificate of Title: The title must be in your name. The buyer and seller must sign, and any lien must be released.
- Valid Identification: A Kentucky driver’s license or state-issued ID is typically required.
- Odometer Disclosure: Required for vehicles less than 10 years old and must be recorded on the title.
- Bill of Sale (Recommended): This is not required by law, but is a good way to document the sale.
- Lien Release (if applicable): You must present documentation from the lender confirming the lien has been satisfied.
Kentucky DMV Forms You May Need
Here are some common forms for private car sales:
- Form TC 96-182 – Application for Title/Registration (used by the buyer)
- Form TC 96-5 – Affidavit of Incomplete Transfer (if needed)
- Form TC 96-167 – Odometer Disclosure Statement (if the title does not include it)
- Form TC 96-3 – Duplicate Title Application (if the original is lost)
Find these forms on the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website.
Sell Your Car in Kentucky — Fast & Easy
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Step 2: Prepare the Vehicle for Sale
A clean, well-maintained vehicle might increase your offer, but it’s not required. We make the process easy regardless of your car’s condition.
At Ken Ganley Buying Center, we buy cars as-is. No cleaning, no repairs, no hassle. Just a fair offer and a fast sale.
Step 3: Determine Your Car’s Value
It’s important to know what your car is worth:
- Use Our Instant Appraisal Tool: Get a no-obligation offer in less than 2 minutes.
- Use KBB, Edmunds, or NADA: Estimate your car’s value based on condition, mileage, and trim.
- Check Local Listings: Look at similar listings in Covington, Owensboro, Elizabethtown, Hopkinsville, and Richmond to understand local pricing trends.
Step 4: Choose a Selling Method
You have a few options when selling a car in Kentucky:
- Sell to a Car Buying Center (Quickest and Easiest): We offer a competitive price, handle the title transfer, and pay you the same day.
- Trade-In at a Dealership: May be convenient if you’re purchasing another car but generally results in a lower offer.
- Private Sale: Can take longer and requires you to manage listings, meet buyers, and complete all documentation.
Ken Ganley Buying Center gives you speed, simplicity, and confidence.
Step 5: Get Paid
Don’t risk accepting questionable payments. With us, you get secure, verified same-day payment and everything is handled by professionals.
No stress, no waiting — just a reliable way to sell your car and get paid fast.
What Affects Car Values in Kentucky? Local Market Insights to Know
Kentucky’s terrain and rural communities shape buyer preferences:
- Pickup trucks and SUVs are in high demand in rural areas and among outdoor enthusiasts.
- Fuel-efficient vehicles are more popular in urban areas like Lexington and Louisville.
- All-season or AWD vehicles can command higher value in regions with winter driving conditions.
- The used car market in Kentucky was valued at roughly $2.4 billion in 2025, with prices for 3-year-old used vehicles nationwide surpassing $30,000. Dealers are holding vehicles on lots longer (average 38 days) as supply remains tight, especially for lightly used trucks, SUVs, and AWD vehicles
Knowing your audience helps you set expectations and understand your car’s value.
Ready to Sell Your Car in Kentucky?
With Ken Ganley Buying Center, you can skip the hassle of private sales and get a fast, fair offer today.
Start your free online appraisal or call us at 330-427-3656.
We help drivers across Kentucky sell their cars without the stress.
Need help selling your car in Kentucky? Here are some quick answers
Do I need to notarize the title when selling my car in Kentucky?
Yes, the seller’s signature must be notarized when transferring the title in Kentucky. This is a mandatory requirement that cannot be waived. The notarization can be done at the county clerk’s office for a $2.00 fee, but you must present valid Kentucky identification. If you use white-out, scratch through information, or erase anything on the title, it becomes invalid and you’ll need to provide a notarized affidavit with correct information.
Do I keep my license plates after selling the car in Kentucky?
Yes, license plates stay with the seller in Kentucky. You can transfer them to another vehicle within 60 days or return them to the county clerk’s office for recycling. There’s an $11 reissue fee if you want to transfer your plates to a new vehicle. Always remove your plates before completing the sale, as you remain responsible for the vehicle until the title is properly transferred in the Kentucky Motor Vehicle System.
Can I sell a car without the title in Kentucky?
No, you’ll need to apply for a duplicate title using Form TC 96-3 before selling. The duplicate title application costs $6 plus notary fees, and you’ll need your title number or license plate number along with valid photo ID. Processing typically takes 3-4 business days. If there was a lien on the original title, you must verify that it has been released before applying for the duplicate title.
Is a bill of sale required when selling a car in Kentucky?
No, a bill of sale is not required by law in Kentucky, but it is highly recommended for legal protection. The bill of sale provides proof of the transaction and protects both buyer and seller from future liability issues. It should document the vehicle details, purchase price, date of sale, and contact information for both parties. This becomes especially important if there are any disputes about the transaction later.
Who pays the sales tax when a vehicle is sold in Kentucky?
The buyer is responsible for paying the 6% usage tax during registration with their local county clerk’s office. The tax is calculated based on the purchase price if properly documented, or on the full retail book value if the seller doesn’t sign and notarize the required forms. If the buyer purchased from an out-of-state dealer, they may receive credit for sales tax paid in the other state, though Georgia purchases after March 1, 2013, are not eligible for tax credits.
What forms do I need when selling to an out-of-state buyer?
When selling to an out-of-state buyer, both you and the buyer must sign and have notarized the Application for Title/Registration (Form TC 96-182). The buyer will also need a certified sheriff’s inspection of the VIN, which costs $5.00 cash and is available at the courthouse. You should complete the Transfer of Title Owner section on the back of the Kentucky title, retain copies for your records, and ensure all signatures are properly notarized.
What if there's a lien on my vehicle in Kentucky?
If there’s a lien on your vehicle, it must be released before the sale can be completed. The lienholder can release the lien directly on the title, or you’ll need a Title Lien Statement (Form TC96-187) from the lender. If you’re unable to pay off the loan, the lienholder must provide written authorization for the transfer. The county clerk will file the new lien for the buyer, which involves a $22 lien filing fee.
How long do I have to complete the title transfer in Kentucky?
The buyer must complete the title transfer within 15 days of purchase. However, as the seller, you remain legally liable for the vehicle and any property taxes until the transfer is physically completed in the Kentucky Motor Vehicle System. It’s strongly recommended that both buyer and seller visit the county clerk’s office together to ensure proper transfer. Simply signing the back of the title doesn’t automatically transfer ownership – the title must be processed through the official system.