Like most states, Kentucky distinguishes between commercial and personal use trailers and between travel trailers and those used for hauling or utility purposes. All trailers must be titled in Kentucky, no matter what they are used for. Utility trailers do not need to be registered. Buyers and sellers will not need a Kentucky trailer bill of sale to title or register their trailers, but they should have one to protect their legal rights.
Registering a Trailer in Kentucky
All motor vehicles and trailers must be titled in Kentucky. All trailers not exempt from registration must also be registered. Utility trailers, such as those used for transporting supplies or materials, do not need to be registered.
All vehicles are registered in the county where the owner resides. A listing of the county clerks’ offices can be found on their own website. Buyers must title and register new vehicles, including trailers, within 15 days of purchase or transfer of the vehicle.
Used and out-of-state vehicles may require an inspection by a fire marshal or other official. Each county has slightly different requirements. Buyers should check with their county clerk’s office before assembling their documentation for titling and registration.
What Paperwork Is Required To Register a Trailer in Kentucky?
A trailer bill of sale may be required when transferring title to a trailer previously registered in a state that did not require a certificate of title [1] . Otherwise, a bill of sale is not required to title or register a trailer in Kentucky. Owners will need the following:
- Title with all signatures of sellers and buyers
- Proof of Kentucky insurance effective within 45 days
- Valid driver’s license or state ID for each owner
- Application for Certificate of Title or Registration
Some counties require a fire marshal’s or sheriff’s inspection for out-of-state or used trailers. All first-time registrations must be presented at the county office so the officials can verify the VIN on the title.
Private transfers do not have to pay sales tax. Commercial sales will be assessed a Kentucky sales tax on the purchase price. Documents can be found on the county clerk’s website.
Kentucky will not accept any documents that have been altered or corrected or have words crossed out. Buyers and sellers must request a replacement form or title and resubmit the documents if an error is made on an application or other form.
Trailer Registration Fees
Fees for trailer registration will be assessed at the time of registration.
Title for Trailer
Travel trailers, campers, pop-up campers, fifth wheels, toy haulers, and other recreational trailers must all have titles in Kentucky. Titles are issued by the county clerk’s office in the county where the owner resides.
Insurance
Kentucky does not require separate trailer insurance as long as the owner has current Kentucky liability coverage. Owners may want to consider additional coverage to protect themselves in case of loss, but it is not required.
Exemptions
The following vehicles are exempt from Kentucky’s trailer registration requirements:
- Farm vehicles primarily used on farm property
- Trailers being moved a short distance between dealers’ lots
Kentucky Trailer Bill of Sale Sample
Download a Kentucky trailer bill of sale template below in PDF or Word format:
