How to transfer a car title in Kansas
For private sellers and buyers in Kansas. A dealer trade-in follows the dealer's own process.
To transfer a car title in Kansas, the seller fills in the back of the title with the price, date, odometer reading and signatures, and takes the plates off. No notary is needed for most titles. The buyer applies at the county treasurer within 60 days of the sale and pays the $10 title fee and taxes.
What do the buyer and seller each do in Kansas?
Seller
- Fill in the back of the title: the price, the sale date, the odometer reading, and the printed names and signatures of the sellers and buyers.
- If the owners are joined by "and", or by nothing, all of them sign. If they are joined by "or", one signature is enough.
- Fill in the buyer's name yourself. Never hand over a title with parts left blank.
- If there is a lien, give the buyer a lien release.
- Take your plates off when you hand over the car.
- You can file Form TR-216 to have your name taken off the record. Keep a copy of the front and back of the signed title.
Buyer
- Apply for title and registration at your county treasurer within 60 days. A penalty applies after that.
- Bring the signed title and proof of insurance, and pay the sales tax and property tax.
- If the title is from another state, get a Kansas vehicle inspection (MVE-1) first.
- Do not drive the car until you have registered it or got a temporary permit.
If you're not sure what you need, check with the Kansas Department of Revenue, Division of Vehicles before you go: ksrevenue.gov
How do I sign over a car title in Kansas?
Step 1 · Seller
Fill in the back of the title.
Price, sale date, odometer reading, and names and signatures of the sellers and buyers.
ksrevenue.gov checkedStep 2 · Seller
Hand over a lien release if needed.
If a lien is recorded on the title, the buyer needs a release.
ksrevenue.gov checkedStep 3 · Seller
Take your plates off.
Remove them once the title is signed and the car is delivered.
ksrevenue.gov checkedStep 4 · Seller
File TR-216 (optional).
It takes your name off the record. Keep a copy of the signed title.
ksrevenue.gov checked
A separate bill of sale is needed only when the title has no space for the price. ksrevenue.gov checked
Kansas bill of saleHow do I put a car title in my name in Kansas?
Step 1 · Buyer
Get the completed title.
Check that every part is filled in, including your name.
ksrevenue.gov checkedStep 2 · Buyer
Get an inspection if needed.
A title from another state needs a Kansas MVE-1 inspection first.
ksrevenue.gov checkedStep 3 · Buyer
Go to your county treasurer within 60 days.
Bring the title and proof of insurance, and pay the title fee, sales tax and property tax.
ksrevenue.gov checked
After Kansas DOV processes your papers, it issues the new title in the new owner's name. See Processing in the At a glance box for how long that takes.
Kansas guides
How much does a title transfer cost in Kansas?
| Fee | Amount | Who pays | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Title fee | $10 | Buyer | ksrevenue.gov Checked |
| Sales tax | Due when you register | Buyer | ksrevenue.gov Checked |
| Property tax | Due when you register | Buyer | ksrevenue.gov Checked |
| Seller notice filing fee, if you file TR-216 (if it applies) | $10 | Seller | kslegislature.gov Checked |
| Total of required fees, before tax | $10 |
Fees can change. Check the official page before you pay. Tax depends on the price and on who is buying. The tax rules are on the site of the Kansas Department of Revenue.
Special cases
- Giving a car as a giftNot confirmed yet Gift steps for Kansas are being checked.
- Lost titleUse the Application for Secured/Duplicate/Reissue Title (TR-720B).
- The owner diedThe steps depend on the estate and who the title names.
Common questions
Do both owners have to sign?
If the names are joined by "and", or by nothing, yes. If they are joined by "or", one signature is enough.
ksrevenue.gov checked
Does the title need a notary?
Not for most Kansas title assignments. A lien release must be notarized.
ksrevenue.gov checked
Can the buyer drive the car before registering?
Not without a temporary permit from the county treasurer or a dealer.
kslegislature.gov checked
Does the seller have to report the sale?
No. Form TR-216 is optional and takes your name off the record.
ksrevenue.gov checked
Sources for this page
About this page
This page summarizes official Kansas sources in plain English. Car Title Steps is not a government website, is not connected to the Kansas Department of Revenue, Division of Vehicles, and does not file or prepare forms. Confirm each step with the agency before you sign, pay or mail anything. Found a mistake? Email mr@marcelruettgers.com.