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Transferring Vehicle Ownership in Kansas

3 min read

Transferring ownership of a vehicle in Kansas involves several steps to ensure the new owner is properly registered and titled. Whether you're buying, selling, or gifting a vehicle, understanding the process helps avoid delays and penalties.

Required Documents

To transfer vehicle ownership in Kansas, gather the following documents:

  • Properly Assigned Title: The seller must complete the back of the title, including:

    • Buyer's name and address
    • Date of sale
    • Purchase price
    • Odometer reading
    • Signatures of both buyer and seller

    If the title lists multiple owners:

    • "And": All listed owners must sign.
    • "Or": Only one owner's signature is required.
    • No conjunction: Defaults to "and"; all owners must sign.

  • Proof of Insurance: Valid Kansas auto insurance for the vehicle.

  • Sales Tax Receipt: If purchased from a dealer. Private sales require payment of sales tax at the time of registration.

  • Lien Release: If there's a lien on the vehicle, provide a notarized lien release (Form TR-150) or a letter from the lienholder.

  • Motor Vehicle Examination (MVE-1): Required if the vehicle is from out-of-state or if the title is from another state. Obtain this from a Kansas motor vehicle inspection station.

  • Title and Registration Manual Application (Form TR-212a): Completed and signed.

Steps to Transfer Ownership

  1. Complete the Title: Ensure all required fields on the title are filled out accurately.
  2. Obtain MVE-1 (if applicable): Visit a Kansas inspection station with the vehicle and title to get the Motor Vehicle Examination form.
  3. Visit County Treasurer's Office: Submit all documents, including the completed Form TR-212a, proof of insurance, sales tax receipt, lien release (if applicable), and MVE-1 (if required).
  4. Pay Fees:
    • Title fee: $10
    • Transfer fee: $10.50
    • Sales tax: Varies based on purchase price and county
    • Property tax: Assessed at the time of registration
  5. Receive New Title and Registration: The new title will be mailed to the owner. Registration and license plates will be issued upon completion.

Special Scenarios

Electronic Titles

If the title is held electronically:

  • Obtain an Electronic Title Sales Agreement (Form TR-39A).
  • Provide a copy of the seller's current registration.
  • Submit a notarized lien release if there's a lien.
  • Complete a Power of Attorney (Form TR-40) if necessary.

Gifting a Vehicle

When gifting a vehicle:

  • Complete the title as usual, indicating "gift" as the purchase price.
  • Provide a completed Affidavit to a Fact (Form TR-12) stating the vehicle is a gift.
  • Sales tax may still apply; check with the county treasurer's office.

Inheriting a Vehicle

To transfer ownership of an inherited vehicle:

  • Provide the death certificate of the previous owner.
  • Submit a completed Descendant's Affidavit or Claim of Heir and/or Beneficiary Affidavit.
  • Complete Form TR-212a and pay applicable fees.

Deadlines and Penalties

  • 60-Day Deadline: Title and registration must be completed within 60 days of the purchase date.
  • Penalties: Failure to meet the deadline may result in penalties and interest charges.

Additional Resources

For more information on related topics:

For official forms and more detailed information, visit the Kansas Department of Revenue - Division of Vehicles.