How To Get a Car Title in Kansas 2026
Owners of motor vehicles in Kansas must obtain a certificate of title issued by the Department of Revenue, Division of Vehicles. Under Kansas Statutes Article 8-135, all vehicle owners must apply for a title within 60 days following the date of purchase or transfer of ownership to avoid penalty assessments. The title document establishes legal ownership and is required before vehicle registration in Kansas.
Where to Apply for a Kansas Certificate of Title
Applications for a Kansas certificate of title must be filed with designated officials authorized by the Kansas Department of Revenue:
- County Treasurer Motor Vehicle Offices – Available in all 105 Kansas counties; applications must be submitted in the county where the vehicle is garaged
- Licensed Kansas Motor Vehicle Dealers – Franchised dealerships authorized to process title applications on behalf of purchasers
- Title Service Agents – Licensed third-party agents authorized to submit title applications to the Division of Vehicles
Required Documents for Title Application in Kansas
Applicants must present documentation to the county treasurer's office establishing ownership and satisfying statutory requirements. Documentation varies depending on vehicle origin and transaction type.
Primary Documentation
| Document Type | Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer's Statement of Origin (MSO) or Certificate of Title | Must be properly assigned to applicant | For new vehicles: MSO required; For used vehicles: assigned Kansas title or properly assigned out-of-state title required |
| Motor Vehicle Examination (MVE-1) | Pink copy required for specified vehicles | Required for out-of-state titles, out-of-state bills of sale, and certain in-state transactions |
| Proof of Insurance | Current Kansas liability coverage | Must show policyholder name, vehicle information, effective dates, and policy number |
| Application for Title and Registration (TR-212a) | Completed by all owners | Must include vehicle description, purchase information, and owner identification |
Additional Documentation Requirements
Supplemental documents may be necessary based on transaction circumstances:
| Document Type | Purpose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Lien Release | Verify satisfaction of recorded security interest | Required if previous title showed lienholder; Form TR-150 or lienholder letter acceptable |
| Bill of Sale | Document purchase price and transaction | Required for certain transactions; page 2 of Form TR-12 may be used |
| Power of Attorney | Authorize representative signature | Form TR-41 (general) or TR-40 (electronic title); must be properly completed |
| Sales Tax Receipt | Verify sales tax payment | Required if purchased from dealer; if paid to another state, difference due |
| Electronic Title Sales Agreement (TR-39A) | Document sale of electronically held title | Required when title held electronically and buyer needs temporary permit |
Kansas Title Fees and Costs
The Kansas Department of Revenue has established standardized fee schedules for certificate of title transactions administered through county treasurers' offices.
Standard Title Fees
| Title Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Certificate of Title | $10.00 |
| Duplicate Title | $10.00 |
| Corrected Title | $10.00 |
| Repossession Title | $13.00 |
| Salvage Title | $10.00 |
| Rebuilt Salvage Title | $10.00 |
| Nonhighway Title | $10.00 |
| Notice of Security Interest | No fee when filed within 30 days of purchase |
Additional Processing Fees
Property tax and registration fees apply to vehicles receiving license plates:
| Fee Type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Registration Fee | $40.00+ | Varies by vehicle weight and type |
| Personal Property Tax | Varies | Based on vehicle age, weight, and assessed value; calculated by county appraiser |
| Plate Fee | $6.00 | For initial license plate issuance |
| Sales Tax | 6.5%-10.6% | State rate 6.5%; local rates vary by county; applies to purchase price less trade-in |
| Antique Registration (one-time) | $40.00 | For vehicles 35 years or older; no annual renewal required |
| Special Interest Registration | $26.00/year | For vehicles manufactured at least 25 years prior, plus property tax |
Step-by-Step Title Application Process
Step 1: Obtain Required Vehicle Inspection
If your vehicle requires inspection under Kansas law, take the vehicle and ownership documents to a Kansas Highway Patrol inspection station. Inspection is required for:
- Vehicles titled in another state or country
- Vehicles purchased out-of-state on a bill of sale
- Model year 1950 or newer antique vehicles purchased on a bill of sale in Kansas
- Rebuilt salvage vehicles and formerly non-highway vehicles
The inspection station will verify the Vehicle Identification Number and issue a Motor Vehicle Examination certificate (MVE-1). Retain the pink copy of the MVE-1 for submission to the county treasurer.
Step 2: Assemble Documentation Package
Collect all required documents before visiting the county treasurer's motor vehicle office. For out-of-state titles, verify all seller assignments are complete and properly notarized if required by the issuing state. For electronically held titles, obtain Form TR-39A completed by the seller along with a copy of the seller's current registration receipt.
Step 3: Complete Title Application
The county treasurer's office will provide Form TR-212a for completion. All listed owners must sign the application. If more than one owner, signature requirements depend on the connection between names: "and" requires all signatures; "or" requires only one signature; no connection defaults to "and" requiring all signatures.
Step 4: Pay Applicable Fees and Taxes
The county treasurer will calculate total amounts due. Payment may be made by cash, check, money order, or in some counties by credit or debit card. The county treasurer will issue a registration receipt and temporary paper license plate valid while permanent plates are processed and mailed.
Step 5: Receive Certificate of Title
Processing time depends on whether a security interest is recorded:
Titles Without Liens
The Kansas Division of Vehicles prints and mails paper certificates of title to the owner's address. Title applications are held by the system for 35 days from the purchase date to allow time for any Notices of Security Interest to be filed. Titles typically arrive 10 to 40 days after application submission, provided no additional research or documentation is required.
Titles With Liens
When a security interest is recorded, Kansas maintains the title information electronically. No paper title is issued until all liens are released. The lienholder receives electronic notification of the title record. Upon loan satisfaction, the lienholder must provide a notarized lien release. The owner may then request a paper title be issued by submitting the lien release to the county treasurer's office with the $10.00 title fee.
Digital License Plates
Kansas issues digital license plates, which are printed and mailed to the registered address within three weeks of application. A paper temporary plate is provided for immediate use.
Exemptions from Title Requirements
Certain vehicles are exempt from Kansas certificate of title requirements under Kansas Statutes Chapter 8, Article 1:
- Vehicles owned by the United States government
- Vehicles owned by the State of Kansas or Kansas municipalities used for official purposes
- Vehicles in dealer or manufacturer inventory held for sale
- Farm trailers hauling 6,000 pounds or less of agricultural products
- Farm trailers designed for transporting hay or forage from field to storage or storage to feedlot
- Trailers with operating weight of 2,000 pounds or less (titling optional)
- Golf carts (not eligible for title or registration in Kansas)
- Vehicles registered under the International Registration Plan through apportioned registration
Note: Antique vehicles (35 years or older), motorized bicycles, and mobile or manufactured homes are not exempt and must be titled.
Contact Information
Kansas Department of Revenue
Titles and Registration
300 SW 29th Street, Topeka, Ks. 66611
Phone: (785) 296-3621
Official Website: Kansas Department of Revenue
