How To Transfer a Car Title in Kansas 2026
K.S.A. 8-135 establishes the certificate of title as the controlling legal instrument for all motor vehicle ownership in Kansas. Upon acquiring a vehicle by any means, either by purchase, gift, or inheritance, the new owner must file a title and registration application at the county treasurer's motor vehicle office within 60 days of the date the title was assigned. All original applications are handled exclusively through the 105 county treasurer offices.
Required Documents for Title Transfer in Kansas
Present the following documentation at the county treasurer's motor vehicle office. Incomplete packages will delay processing.
| Document | Official Form | Applicability |
|---|---|---|
| Original Certificate of Title (seller's assignment fully completed) | — | All transfers |
| Title and Registration Manual Application | TR-212a | All transfers |
| Odometer Disclosure Statement | TR-59 | Vehicles 10 model years old or newer |
| Bill of Sale / Affidavit to a Fact | TR-12 | When no purchase-price field exists on title; gifts |
| Valid Kansas Proof of Insurance | — | Required for registration issuance |
| Motor Vehicle Examination Receipt (pink MVE-1 copy) | Kansas Highway Patrol | Out-of-state titles; certain antiques; salvage/rebuilt vehicles |
| Lien Release | TR-150 or lienholder letter | When a lien is recorded on the title |
| Power of Attorney | TR-41 or TR-40 | When the titled owner cannot appear in person |
Signature rule: Titles listing owners joined by "and" require all parties to sign. Titles using "or" or "and/or" require only one signature.
Step-by-Step Title Transfer Process in Kansas
Step 1: Resolve Any Outstanding Liens
A title application will not be processed if an unreleased lien is recorded against the vehicle unless the lienholder has provided written consent. Obtain a formal lien release from the lienholder — either executed on the title itself, via a notarized release letter on official letterhead, or by using Form TR-150. Kansas lienholders are required to notarize their release. If the lien was held electronically by another state, the lienholder must fax both sides of the title directly to the county treasurer's office before the application can proceed.
Step 2: Complete the Assignment of Title
The seller must fill in every field in the assignment section on the reverse of the certificate of title before delivery to the buyer. Required entries include the date of sale, full purchase price (or the word "gift" where applicable), the buyer's complete legal name and current mailing address, and the odometer reading at the time of transfer. All signatures must be in original ink — faxed, photocopied, or electronic signatures on the title instrument are not accepted. If the title assignment does not include a purchase-price field, the seller must also complete a Bill of Sale using Form TR-12.
Step 3: Obtain a Motor Vehicle Examination (If Required)
A Motor Vehicle Examination (MVE-1), conducted by the Kansas Highway Patrol, is mandatory before application when the vehicle carries an out-of-state title, was purchased through an out-of-state bill of sale, is an antique with a model year of 1950 or later, or bears a salvage or rebuilt-salvage brand. Take the vehicle and title to a KHP VIN inspection station and retain the pink copy of the MVE-1 receipt for submission to the county office. Active-duty military members stationed out of state and full-time out-of-state students may substitute Form TR-65 for the physical inspection.
Step 4: Assemble All Required Documentation
Gather every applicable item from the document table above before visiting the county office. If the titled owner is unable to attend in person, a General Power of Attorney (TR-41) must be prepared and signed in original ink. Sellers who wish to formally establish the transfer date on the state record may optionally file a Seller's Notification of Sale to create a legal presumption of the sale and release post-sale liability.
Step 5: File the Application at the County Treasurer's Office
Bring the complete document package to the county treasurer's motor vehicle office in the county where the vehicle will be garaged. Staff will review all submitted materials, collect the applicable fees, and forward the processed application to the Division of Vehicles in Topeka. For a complete list of requirements specific to used-vehicle transfers, refer to the Kansas Department of Revenue used-vehicle titling page.
Step 6: Pay Applicable Fees and Await Your Certificate of Title
All statutory fees and applicable sales tax are collected at the county treasurer's office at the time of application. The state motor vehicle sales tax rate is 6.5% of the purchase price, with the county and municipal rates added on top.
| Transaction | Fee |
|---|---|
| Certificate of Title | $10.00 |
| Registration Transfer | $6.50 |
| Notice of Security Interest | $2.50 |
| Lienholder Copy Processing | $1.50 |
| Repossession Title (additional) | $3.00 |
| Late Registration Penalty | $2.00 |
| State Sales Tax | 6.5% + applicable local rate |
| Annual Registration | Varies by vehicle class |
After payment, lien-free titles are typically issued within approximately 35 days, with the certificate mailed to the registered owner's address on file. Titles with an active lien are held electronically by the Division of Vehicles until the lien is formally discharged.
Contact Information
Kansas Department of Revenue — Division of Vehicles, Titles and Registrations
Zibell Building, 300 SW 29th Street, Topeka, KS 66611
Phone: (785) 296-3621
Official Website: Kansas Department of Revenue — Division of Vehicles
