Free Kentucky Trailer Bill of Sale Template

A Kentucky trailer bill of sale records a private trailer sale. Kentucky runs titling through county clerks, and the state’s own application form carries a total consideration section that does much of the same work.

It decides your tax base. County clerk offices state that where the vehicle transaction record is not signed by the seller and notarized, sales tax is calculated on the full retail value rather than what you paid.

The total consideration section on form TC 96-182 is where that price is attested. Both the seller and the buyer sign it, and the notary witnesses the signatures.

Where the seller cannot be reached to sign, the tax falls back to a percentage of average retail value from a national valuation guide. On a cheap trailer that gap is worth the trip to a notary.

Kentucky is fussier than most states about the physical state of the paperwork.

No erasures, ever

Form TC 96-182 carries an instruction not to accept a title or application showing any erasures, alterations, or mutilations. It must be completed in blue or black ink unless completed online.

Where it goes

The completed form and supporting documentation go to the county clerk rather than a state office.

Odometer statement

The form doubles as the odometer statement. Federal law and KRS 190.300 require the mileage on transfer, and the form warns that failure to complete it or providing a false statement may result in fines or imprisonment.

Names joined by AND

Where a title lists more than one owner with the word AND between the names, every owner listed has to sign, and each signature has to be notarized.

Insurance on a trailer

Proof of current insurance is part of a Kentucky vehicle transfer, but county clerks note it is not needed on trailers. That removes one document from the pile.

The inspector’s section

Form TC 96-182 carries a certified inspector section. Under KRS 186A.115, an inspector certifies that they have physically examined the vehicle, found it roadworthy, and confirmed the supporting documents match the description.

Signing through an agent

Someone holding power of attorney for an owner may sign the application, but a notarized copy of that power of attorney has to be submitted alongside it.

Title-only transfers

Where insurance is not available or the trailer is not roadworthy, a title-only transfer can be processed instead. The licence plate has to be surrendered in that case.

Everything hinges on catching both parties before they scatter.

1. Write up the bill of sale, setting out price, date, and trailer details.
2. Complete the seller and buyer sections of form TC 96-182, including total consideration.
3. Have both signatures notarized, bringing photo identification if the clerk’s office is notarizing.
4. Collect the original title with the assignment completed on the back.
5. Take everything to the county clerk in your county of residence.

Fees are set by the state and change from time to time, so confirm current amounts with your county clerk before you go.

Give the year, make, and identification number, the purchase price, the date, and both parties’ full names, addresses, and signatures.

Write cleanly and in ink. Since the clerk will reject an application showing erasures or alterations, a document that matches it exactly saves an argument about which figure is right.

Both parties should keep a signed copy.