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Best Ways to Sell a Car in Kentucky
Peddle
Get a legit offer in minutes – provide VIN, mileage and condition
$0 fees + you don’t have to pay for towing – Peddle will take care of it
Get paid in check during the pick up for any car (damaged, junk, wrecked)
Wheelzy
Quick car evaluation without the hassle – sell your car within 30 min
Choose a convenient date and time for free pick-up, as soon as next day
Get cash in hand the same day the Wheelzy agent picks up your car
CarBrain
Get an offer within 2 minutes and sell your damaged car within 48 hours
Free vehicle towing and no fees to getting rid of your damaged car
The tow truck driver will arrive with your check (nationwide service)
How to Sell a Car in Kentucky?
There are three main ways to sell your car in Kentucky:
Jump to: Sell Car Privately
Jump to: Sell Car to Car Buying Website
Jump to: Sell Car to Dealership
TurnaroudEffort NeededBest ForPrivately52 days (on average)Multiple stepsUsed carsCar Buying Website1-2 daysFill online formOld and junk carsDealership5-7 daysVisit officeNewer cars
Sell Car Privately in Kentucky
Requirements to Sell a Car in Kentucky
Certificate of Title (notarized)
Odometer Reading
Your Signature
Signature of Lienholder(s) (if applicable)
Signature of the Buyer
Report Sale (within 15 days)
Step 1: Allow for Pre-Sale Inspection
Kentucky does not require pre-sale inspection. However, when selling an out-of-state vehicle, the law requires that an inspection must be held. Out-of-state vehicles are inspected by the county Sheriff, where registration of the vehicle will take place.
In Kentucky, vehicle inspections are done to ensure that all cars brought to Kentucky are safe, roadworthy, and meet all the traffic requirements.
On the other hand, most potential buyers might want a pre-sale conducted before completing the sale process. In this case, you should allow the sales process to continue since it helps clear any doubt on the buyer’s part.
Since most buyers hire a qualified or licensed auto mechanic to help with the inspection, you both need to agree on when and where the inspection is to be held.
Step 2: Clean the Car
While cleaning your car take the following into consideration:
Fix damages if the car has electrical or mechanical damages, you can go ahead and repair the damages. You can also change car oil, adjust car brakes or change car tires to ensure they are in good shape.
Take out all your belongings from the vehicle and clear trash from the back seat pockets.
Thoroughly wash your car and vacuum clean door mats, and car seats to remove dust and debris.
Take clear photos that you will show potential buyers or use for listing on different marketing platforms.
Maximize all listing and advertising platforms to reach a wider audience.
Step 3: List your Car for Sale
Listing your car ensures you reach a wider audience and get numerous bids from potential buyers. Remember, to attract more buyers you need to list on different marketplaces and private car selling websites. Below are some of the platforms you can use to advertise your car:
To make your listing sell, you need to:
Give a detailed description of your car
Indicate important information such as car model, make, current condition, and make.
Include if the car has scratches, stains, or any issues that might not make it function properly
Use clear photos to accompany your listing
Step 4: Gather Vehicle Information
Vehicle documentation includes:
Maintenance records
Owners manual
Vehicle title
Vehicle insurance
Lien document
Certificate of title
Providing your potential buyers with detailed and comprehensive documents boost buyers’ confidence in the state of your vehicle. You can also download vehicle reports from platforms like CarFax or AutoCheck and share them with the buyer.
In case there is a lien on the title, they must show their stand before the sale process advances. The seller can achieve this by paying off the car or contacting the lien holder to provide the letter of lien release. If you can’t pay off the car, Kentucky suggests that you submit lien termination for your line holder to the local county clerk .
Step 5: Bill of Sale
While a Bill of Sale is not required in Kentucky when registering your vehicle, it is useful since it can be used as proof of purchase. According to Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Website Cabinet, a Bill of Sale should contain:
Your original Kentucky ID
Proof of insurance issued in the last 45 days
Current Kentucky certificate of title
Current registration receipt for individuals registering vehicles from out of state
You can download the recommended Bill of Sale on the Kentucky DMV website.
Step 6: Collect Payment
Before transferring or signing off title, you should collect your payment from the buyer. Choose the best payment method that works best for both parties to avoid inconveniences.
Step 7: Title Transfer
If you have lost your title or it’s stolen or damaged, you can fill out form TC 96-182 on the Kentucky MVD website to get a duplicate or replacement of your vehicle title.
After filling out the form, you need to submit it to the clerk’s office with additional details, including title number, license number, your valid ID, and a $6 processing fee plus the cost of the notary.
Additionally, if you want to correct your current odometer reading on the title, you can fill out an Affidavit of mileage correction form TC 96-322. When selling your car in Kentucky, both parties must sign relevant fields on the back of the document.
The information included on the back of the title are:
Legal names of both seller and buyer
Address of the buyer and seller
Signatures of the buyer and seller
Odometer reading
Date of sale
Purchase price
Accurately filling out your title will make it easy for the buyer to get a new plate license or transfer registration.
When selling your car to an out-of-state residence, both parties must complete and submit an Affidavit of Incomplete Transfer, form TC 96-3, in the presence of a notary public.
Additionally, Kentucky also collects vehicle usage tax once the vehicle ownership changes.
Step 8: Filling out Notification of Sale
After successfully transferring your title, you need to fill out a notification of sale (TC 96-159) to notify Kentucky DMV that you’ve sold your car. When filling out notification of sale, you include information such as
Buyer details
Seller details
Vehicle information and details
If you sold your vehicle to an out-of-state resident, you need to transport the car within 15 days.
Step 9: Remove your Plate
Before handing the vehicle to the new owner, you must remove the plates. Failure to remove the plates might make you responsible for crimes committed by the buyer.
After removing the plate, you can use it on any of your vehicles or hand them over to Kentucky DMV licensing officials. On the other hand, Kentucky requires the car buyer to acquire new plates within 21 days.
Step 10: Cancel Insurance and Subscriptions
You must cancel your vehicle insurance or any subscriptions associated with your sold vehicle. Canceling your insurance ensures you don’t pay for insurance for your sold car. Moreover, examples of subscriptions you need to cancel include
Telematics
Satellite radios
Internet subscription
Sell Car to Car Buying Website in Kentucky
Car buying sites like Wheelzy, CarBrain and Peddle make car selling simple, fast, and convenient. With these car buying websites, you are likely to save time.
After providing you with an instant quote, you have 7 days to accept or decline the offer. If you accept the offer, respective company agents will contact you to pick up your sold car within 48 hours.
Peddle
Peddle Summary
Sell used, damaged or junk car nationwideGet instant quote on (855) 925 4302Free towing within 48 hours after offerReceive payment upon car collection
How Much Peddle Will Pay for Your Car in Kentucky?
The table below shows few of the cars Peddle has recently purchased in Kentucky
MakeYearOffer valueDodge (Intrepid)1998$305Chevrolet (Impala)2008$325Buick (La Crosse)2006$345
Wheelzy
Wheelzy Summary
Wheelzy stores are open 7 days a weekGet offer in minutes – (855) 510-1108Free towing of your car from your locationInstant payment via cash or check
How Much Wheelzy Will Pay for Your Car in Kentucky?
Here are a few examples of Wheelzy’s recent purchases:
MakeYearMileageOffer valueJeep (Grand Cherokee)2006200,000$305Toyota (Prius)2007300,000$525Dodge (Durango)2006200,000$227
CarBrain
CarBrain Summary
Call for a free quote – (844) 407-2200Get cash for your car in under 48 hoursCarBrain buys cars in over 7 conditionsUp to 7 days to accept CarBrain’s offer
How Much CarBrain Will Pay for Your Car in Kentucky?
The table below shows few of the cars CarBrain has recently purchased in Kentucky
MakeMileageYearConditionOffer ValueJaguar (XJ)102,0002013Mechanical Damage: Engine$8,500Toyota (Tacoma)280,3692006It starts and drive.$3,150Nissan (350Z)15,0002007Mechanical Damage: Other$1,750
Sell Car to Dealership
In case you don’t prefer selling your car online or privately, you can opt for dealerships. With dealerships, you are likely to get the best offers for your car. However, it is advisable to know the value of your vehicle before selling it through dealerships.
Dealerships will offer you quotes depending on your vehicle mileage, current condition, make and model. The prices quoted by dealers may slightly differ from the original trade-in value price. If you accept the offer, you can drop your car and receive your payments.
How to Sell a Car to a Dealership in Kentucky?
Selling a car to a Kentucky dealership involves gathering necessary documents, preparing your vehicle, researching its value, and obtaining quotes from multiple dealerships.
After negotiating the price, schedule an inspection and complete the sale by signing paperwork and receiving payment.
Don’t forget to cancel your insurance and inform the Kentucky DMV about the sale within 15 days using Form TC 96-182.
Best Dealerships in Kentucky
Kentucky is home to many well-known car dealerships that offer a wide range of new and used vehicles. Some of the well-known dealerships in Kentucky include:
Don Franklin Auto Group: Don Franklin is a popular dealership group in Kentucky with multiple locations across the state. They offer a variety of makes and models, including Chevrolet, Ford, Toyota, and more.
Neil Huffman Auto Group: Neil Huffman Auto Group has been serving Kentucky for many years and has dealerships in Louisville and Frankfort. They offer a range of brands, including Volkswagen, Subaru, Nissan, and more.
Bachman Auto Group: Bachman Auto Group has several locations in the Louisville area and offers brands such as Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, and Cadillac.
Oxmoor Auto Group: Oxmoor Auto Group is another well-known dealership group in Louisville, offering a variety of brands like Ford, Hyundai, Mazda, and more.
Toyota on Nicholasville: Located in Nicholasville, this dealership specializes in Toyota vehicles and is known for its wide selection of new and used Toyota cars, trucks, and SUVs.
Swope Family of Dealerships: Swope Family of Dealerships has multiple locations in Elizabethtown and offers brands like Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, and Ford.
Dan Cummins Chevrolet Buick: Located in Paris, Kentucky, Dan Cummins Chevrolet Buick is known for its wide selection of Chevrolet and Buick vehicles.
Bob Allen Motor Mall: Located in Danville, Bob Allen Motor Mall offers a variety of brands, including Chevrolet, GMC, Buick, and Cadillac.
Gates Hyundai: Located in Richmond, Gates Hyundai specializes in Hyundai vehicles and offers a range of new and used models.
Commonwealth Dodge Ram: This dealership in Louisville focuses on Dodge and Ram trucks and has a wide selection of new and used vehicles in these brands.
People Also Asked
Must I pay taxes when transferring my vehicle in Kentucky?
In Kentucky, transferring a vehicle requires paying a 6% Motor Vehicle Usage Tax on the vehicle’s purchase price or retail value.
Additionally, there are title transfer fees, including a $9 title fee and a $17 transfer fee.
Other possible costs include a $5 vehicle inspection fee and a $25 registration fee. Local county fees and taxes may also apply.
What are the requirements when requesting for vehicle registration renewal online?
When renewing vehicle registration online, you typically need to complete and sign a renewal notice or application, provide your driver license number and vehicle’s license plate number, and pay the registration renewal fee.
A vehicle inspection, smog check, or emission test might also be required. Specific online processes, like in Texas, offer options such as renewing through a digital assistant or completing an online application, with a passing vehicle inspection prerequisite.
Additionally, identification of the vehicle is necessary, usually through its license plate number and the last four digits of the VIN.
How long does it take to get a personalized plate number?
The time to receive a personalized license plate varies, typically ranging from a few weeks to several months.
This duration depends on factors like processing time, demand, and the approval process for unique characters or phrases. High demand and backlogs can extend wait times.
For the most accurate estimate, it’s advisable to contact your local vehicle registration authority.
Will Kentucky decline my application if it is incomplete?
Submitting an incomplete application to a Kentucky institution or agency is likely to result in decline or delay.
It’s crucial to carefully read and follow all application instructions, ensuring every required section is accurately filled out.
If you’re uncertain about any requirements, contact the relevant department for guidance.
Staying informed about the status of your application after submission can help address any issues promptly.
How much does a personalized license plate cost in Kentucky?
n Kentucky, personalizing a standard license plate costs $43.
For specialized license plates, the personalization fee is $25.
These fees are in addition to the regular registration fee for each plate. Payment options typically include cash, check, or credit card.