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Free Kentucky Bill of Sale Template

A Kentucky bill of sale is a legal record of ownership transfer between a buyer and seller. It documents the transaction, provides proof of purchase, and may be necessary to register property with the county clerk. Bills of sale are most commonly used for vehicles, boats, trailers, firearms, and motorcycles, but they can also be used for other valuable personal property.

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  • Duration 2 min
  • Download as PDF and Word
  • E-sign included

Written by Josh Sainsbury | Attorney-Reviewed by Harvey Barbee, J.D.

How It works?

1

Pick Your Template

Select the Kentucky bill of sale template that matches your transaction—vehicle, boat, trailer, firearm, or motorcycle.

2

Fill Out the Details

Enter buyer and seller information, describe the property, list the sale price, and add any required ID numbers.

3

Sign and Notarize

Both parties sign. In Kentucky, most motor vehicle and motorcycle transfers must be notarized.

Table of Contents

  1. What Is a Kentucky Bill of Sale?
  2. When Do You Need a Bill of Sale in Kentucky?
  3. Does a Kentucky Bill of Sale Have to Be Notarized?
  4. Kentucky-Specific Tips and Common Scenarios

What Is a Kentucky Bill of Sale?

A Kentucky bill of sale records:

  • Buyer and seller details
  • Description of the property (make, model, VIN/HIN/serial number)
  • Sale price and payment terms
  • Date of sale
  • Signatures (and notarization, when required)

It functions as proof of transfer and can be critical when titles are missing, disputes arise, or registration is required.

When Do You Need a Bill of Sale in Kentucky?

In Kentucky, a bill of sale is commonly used for:

  • Vehicles:  If the state where the vehicle comes from does not issue a title, then a registration or bill of sale may be accepted instead to prove ownership.
  • Boats: A bill of sale is not required to title or register a standard boat if a proper title is available. However, for U.S. Coast Guard documented boats, a bill of sale is required along with the deletion letter and other paperwork.
  • Trailers: A bill of sale isn’t always required, but it is one of the accepted documents you can use as proof of ownership for a trailer in Kentucky.
  • Firearms: A bill of sale is not required for firearms in Kentucky, since the state does not mandate registration or ownership records. It can still be used voluntarily as proof of the transaction between private parties.
  • Motorcycles: A bill of sale is not normally required for motorcycles in Kentucky, but it is required if the motorcycle comes from a state that doesn’t issue titles.

Does a Kentucky Bill of Sale Have to Be Notarized?

Often, yes.

  • Vehicles: A bill of sale isn’t normally notarized in Kentucky, but if it replaces a title for an out-of-state vehicle, the signatures must be notarized.
  • Boats: Notarization is not required but recommended.
  • Trailers: Not usually required, unless involving an out-of-state or untitled trailer.
  • Firearms: Not required by law.
  • Motorcycles: Not required unless it is replacing the title for an out-of-state vehicle.

Kentucky-Specific Tips and Common Scenarios

  • Vehicle Registration: Requires a Kentucky photo ID, current proof of insurance dated within 45 days, and payment of fees and taxes at your County Clerk’s office; out-of-state vehicles also need a sheriff’s inspection.
  • Sales Tax: Kentucky applies a 6% sales tax on vehicles, boats, and certain trailers, payable at registration.
  • Boats: Every motorboat must be titled and registered with a valid certificate of number, and the assigned registration number must be displayed on both sides of the boat’s bow.
  • Trailers: Trailers must follow set size and weight limits—up to 53 feet long, 8.5 feet wide, 13.5 feet high, and 80,000 pounds total. Larger or heavier trailers need special permits.
  • Firearms: Anyone 21 or older who can legally own a firearm may carry it concealed, but those under 21 cannot carry concealed weapons.
  • Motorcycles: You must be at least 18 to get a motorcycle permit, and minors need a parent or guardian’s signature to apply.