Transferring a Car Title in Kansas

In a sale, the seller assigns the title to the buyer, completing everything except the buyer's printed name and signature (with a Bill of Sale, Form TR-12, if there is no space for the price), keeps a copy of the assigned title, removes the plates, and may file a Seller's Notification of Sale (Form TR-216). Only antique vehicles may be transferred by bill of sale alone. The buyer applies at the county treasurer's motor vehicle office in the county where the vehicle will be kept, with the assigned title and proof of insurance, within 60 days of purchase to avoid a penalty; the title fee is $10. A lienholder must sign a notarized Lienholder's Consent to Transfer Ownership (Form TR-128). Gifts use the Vehicle Gift Certification on Form TR-12 (or Form TR-215 between certain relatives). Heirs use a Decedent's Title (TR-83a) or Claim of Heir Affidavit (TR-83b) with Form TR-128. Vehicles titled or bought out of state need a Kansas Highway Patrol VIN inspection (MVE-1) before titling.

The Kansas Department of Revenue says new residents apply for a Kansas title and registration once the vehicle has been located in Kansas for 90 days or more. The vehicle and title must first be taken to a Kansas inspection station for a VIN inspection (MVE-1); then the owner takes the title, the pink MVE-1 copy, proof of insurance and the current registration from the prior state to the county treasurer. If a lienholder holds the title, it must provide copies of the front and back.