Kentucky Motorcycle Bill of Sale Overview
Kentucky requires a bill of sale for private party motorcycle transfers. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet processes title transfers at county clerk offices. Kentucky has a universal helmet law and requires notarization of the seller's signature on the title.
County clerk offices handle title transfers throughout the state. Kentucky charges a 6% usage tax on the purchase price. Your bill of sale should include the motorcycle VIN, engine number, CC displacement, and sale price. The notarized title and bill of sale must be presented together.
Kentucky has a universal helmet law — all riders and passengers must wear a DOT-approved helmet. Eye protection is required for riders without windscreens. The state charges a 6% usage tax on all vehicle and motorcycle purchases, calculated from the bill of sale price.
6%
Sales tax
15 Days
Transfer deadline
Yes
Notarization required
All riders
Helmet law
Kentucky Motorcycle Transfer Requirements
Here is what Kentucky requires when transferring motorcycle ownership through a private sale:
Important: Kentucky Notarization Required
Kentucky requires the seller's signature on the title to be notarized before the title can be transferred. Both parties should visit a notary public to complete the title assignment.
What the Seller Must Provide
- Signed Motorcycle Title: Sign the title and fill in the buyer's name, sale date, sale price, and odometer reading
- Bill of Sale: A completed motorcycle bill of sale with VIN, engine number, CC displacement, price, date, and both signatures
- Odometer Disclosure: Federal requirement stating mileage and accuracy
- Lien Release: If the motorcycle had financing, a lien release from the lender is required
What the Buyer Must Bring to the DMV
- Signed Title: With seller's signature and all fields completed
- Bill of Sale: Signed by both parties
- Valid Photo ID: Kentucky driver's license or state ID
- Proof of Insurance: Kentucky minimum motorcycle liability coverage
- Payment: Title fee ($9), registration ($21), and sales tax (6%)
How to Fill Out a Kentucky Motorcycle Bill of Sale
Follow these steps to complete your Kentucky motorcycle bill of sale correctly:
Enter Seller Information
Include the seller's full legal name as it appears on the motorcycle title, current Kentucky address, and phone number.
Enter Buyer Information
Include the buyer's full legal name, current address, and phone number. The name should match exactly how it will appear on the new title.
Describe the Motorcycle
Enter the year, make, model, color, VIN (from the steering neck), engine number, CC displacement, and motorcycle type (sport bike, cruiser, touring, dual-sport, scooter, dirt bike, custom/chopper, or vintage).
Record the Odometer and Sale Price
Document the current odometer mileage and enter the agreed purchase price in both numbers and words. Note the payment method used.
Sign and Date
Both buyer and seller must sign and date the bill of sale. Print two copies. Note: Kentucky requires notarization of the title assignment. Take the documents to the Kentucky DMV within 15 days.
Kentucky Motorcycle Registration & Titling
After completing the bill of sale, the buyer must visit the Kentucky DMV to complete the transfer:
Complete the Sale
Sign the bill of sale and title, exchange payment and keys
Get Motorcycle Insurance
Obtain Kentucky minimum motorcycle liability insurance
Visit the Kentucky DMV
Bring all documents, ID, proof of insurance, and payment
Pay Fees and Taxes
Title fee ($9), registration ($21), and sales tax (6%)
Receive New Title and Plate
Kentucky issues a new title and motorcycle plate in the buyer's name
Kentucky Motorcycle Endorsement & Safety Courses
Kentucky requires a motorcycle operator's license or an instruction permit to ride on public roads. To obtain the endorsement, pass a written knowledge test and a motorcycle skills test at a circuit clerk's office, or complete a Kentucky Motorcycle Program (KMP) course.
The Kentucky Motorcycle Program (KMP) provides MSF-based courses across the state. The basic course is free for Kentucky residents and waives the riding skills test. Completing the course also qualifies riders for insurance discounts with many providers.
Motorcycle Endorsement
Required to ride on Kentucky public roads. Fee: $12
MSF Safety Course
Completing an approved course may waive the riding skills test
Kentucky Motorcycle Fees & Taxes
Breakdown of costs for transferring a motorcycle title in Kentucky:
| Fee / Tax | Amount |
|---|---|
| Sales Tax | 6% of sale price |
| Title Transfer Fee | $9 |
| Motorcycle Registration | $21 |
| Motorcycle Endorsement | $12 |
| Late Transfer Penalty | $10 after 15 days |
Sample Kentucky Motorcycle Bill of Sale
Preview of our Kentucky-specific motorcycle bill of sale template:
STATE OF KENTUCKY
MOTORCYCLE BILL OF SALE
Private Party Motorcycle Transfer
SELLER:
Name: [Seller Name]
Address: [Kentucky Address]
BUYER:
Name: [Buyer Name]
Address: [Kentucky Address]
MOTORCYCLE INFORMATION
Year: [Year] Make: [Make] Model: [Model]
VIN: [17-digit VIN]
Engine #: [Engine Number]
CC: [Displacement] Type: [Motorcycle Type]
Odometer: [Miles] miles
Sale Price: $[Amount]
Kentucky Motorcycle Bill of Sale FAQ
Common questions about Kentucky motorcycle bills of sale, title transfers, and registration.
Official Kentucky Resources
Official resources for your Kentucky motorcycle transaction:
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet
Title transfers, registration, and motorcycle info
Kentucky — Titles & Registration
Title transfer process and forms
Motorcycle Safety Foundation
Find MSF-approved safety courses in Kentucky
NHTSA — Odometer Fraud Prevention
Federal odometer disclosure requirements
NICB VINCheck
Free check if a motorcycle has been reported stolen or salvaged
NHTSA VIN Decoder
Decode any VIN to verify motorcycle specifications
Other Kentucky Bill of Sale Templates
Need a different type of bill of sale for Kentucky? We offer state-specific templates for every type of property transfer.
Kentucky Vehicle Bill of Sale
Cars, trucks, SUVs, and vans
Kentucky Boat Bill of Sale
Boats, jet skis, and watercraft
Kentucky Trailer Bill of Sale
Utility, travel, and cargo trailers
Kentucky Firearm Bill of Sale
Handguns, rifles, and shotguns
Kentucky General Bill of Sale
Furniture, electronics, and personal property
Kentucky ATV Bill of Sale
ATVs, UTVs, and off-road vehicles
Kentucky Horse Bill of Sale
Horses, cattle, and livestock
Kentucky Mobile Home Bill of Sale
Manufactured and mobile homes
Create Your Kentucky Motorcycle Bill of Sale
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