Kentucky trailer — quick answer
In Kentucky, a trailer bill of sale is situational and notarization of the title transfer is required. The state form used for titled vehicles is TC 96-182. Titling and registration are handled by the Kentucky DMV.
Is a trailer bill of sale required in Kentucky?
Situational. A notarized bill of sale (TC 96-182) is used to apply the actual sale price for tax; otherwise tax is based on NADA value.
Seller signs the title assignment before a notary; the buyer titles at the County Clerk.
Does a Kentucky trailer bill of sale need to be notarized?
Required. Kentucky is a title-notary state: the seller signs the title assignment in front of a notary. The TC 96-182 must also be notarized to use the actual sale price.
Because Kentucky requires notarization for the title transfer, do not sign the title until you are in front of a notary.
What to include on a Kentucky trailer bill of sale
- Buyer and seller names and addresses
- Year, make, and trailer type
- VIN or serial number
- Length, number of axles, and empty weight
- Price, date, and signatures
How to transfer a trailer in Kentucky
- 1Complete the bill of sale and title assignment.
Record the buyer, seller, price, and date. Sign the title before a notary, as Kentucky requires.
- 2Hand over the signed title.
Seller signs the title assignment before a notary; the buyer titles at the County Clerk.
- 3Register with the Kentucky DMV.
The buyer titles and registers the trailer, bringing Application for Title/Registration. Confirm current fees on the official page.
Official sources
Requirements change and can vary by county. Confirm with the Kentucky DMV before you sign. Not legal advice.
Kentucky Trailer Bill of Sale — FAQ
Is a trailer bill of sale required in Kentucky?
A bill of sale is situational in Kentucky. A notarized bill of sale (TC 96-182) is used to apply the actual sale price for tax; otherwise tax is based on NADA value.
Does a Kentucky trailer bill of sale need to be notarized?
Yes. Kentucky is a title-notary state: the seller signs the title assignment in front of a notary. The TC 96-182 must also be notarized to use the actual sale price.
Do I need to title a trailer?
It depends on the trailer’s weight and your state. Heavier trailers usually require a title and registration; many small utility trailers only need registration. Check your state page.
What if my trailer has no VIN?
Homemade or older trailers may need a state inspection to be assigned a VIN before they can be titled. The bill of sale still documents the sale in the meantime.
Is a bill of sale proof of ownership?
Generally no. For titled property like a car or boat, the title is what proves ownership. A bill of sale proves that a sale happened and records the price, date, and terms — it supports the title transfer but does not replace it. For untitled property (furniture, equipment, electronics), the signed bill of sale is usually the main proof of ownership.