How to Transfer a Car Title in Kansas

an antique car driving in Kansas

A valid vehicle title is required in the state of Kansas, apart from a driver’s license and vehicle registration. Each time a vehicle changes hands, its title should be transferred, and the motor vehicle office should be informed in good time.

This guide will walk you through the essential steps, required documents, and key tips to make your title transfer smooth and efficient.

How to Transfer a Car Title in Kansas

In Kansas, transferring a car title is fairly straightforward, but such an operation involves several important steps. Below is a specific procedure for transferring a vehicle title within the state.

Gather Necessary Documents

To begin, a few important documents will have to be put together, and these will help initiate the title transfer process. These include the signed title, insurance information, and motor vehicle examination form. In addition, a sales tax return would be required if the vehicle is available for sale within the state of Kansas or such invoice if the vehicle was obtained from a different state.

Office of the County Treasurer

All relevant documents need to be in place prior to approaching the motor vehicle office of the County Treasurer. Additionally, you will need to file a Title and Registration Manual Application (Form TR-212a copy) along with the title transfer fee.

What Documents Are Required?

There are some requirements when looking to transfer the car title in the state of Kansas. First, a signed title, proof of insurance, and a completed motor vehicle examination must be in place for one to be able to continue with the title transfer exercise. These crucial documents should also be submitted to the county treasurer’s office, together with a completed title transfer application form and payment for the change of ownership fee.

Title Transfer Fee in Kansas

It’s essential for the individuals who want to complete this process to know the costs incurred in transferring a car title in the state of Kansas. As in other states, apart from mandatory vehicle registration, there’s also an extra fee paid for the title transfer. The registration of the vehicle will determine the registration fee amount to be paid.

In Kansas, a $10 transfer fee applies to a title transfer, and it’s the same even for a duplicate title. Such costs should be taken into account when initiating a car title transfer in the state of Kansas.

Kansas Transfer of Title Form

Knowing how to fill out the Kansas Title Transfer form is crucial. To begin with, this form, also called TR-212, addresses the person transferring the title and the vehicle. It contains very basic questions. However, care should be taken to fill all the mandatory fields accurately to prevent delays in processing the transfer.

To access the Kansas Transfer of Title form, individuals can visit the official Kansas Department of Revenue website. This digital version of the form allows for easy completion on a computer, further streamlining the process. By using the online resources provided by the state’s Department of Revenue, individuals can ensure a smooth and efficient completion of the title transfer form.

Notarization Requirements for Car Titles in Kansas

For people who want to transfer ownership of a vehicle, it’s crucial to know the notarization requirement for car titles in Kansas. In Kansas, most of the time, no notarization is required for title transfer other than in cases such as title application and bill of sale forms. The Kansas Division of Vehicles has the right to demand extra papers from the applicants, including documents that have been notarized, in certain cases.

One such case where such notarization is required is the rescission of the lien on the vehicle. For such rescission, the persons concerned are usually asked to fill out and seek notarization of the Request and Consent for Kansas Title to be Issued with Lien (Form TR-42). 

Process of Requesting a Duplicate Title in Kansas

There comes a time when one may lose a vehicle title, or it may get damaged, or one may just want to have an extra copy of the original title. The process of requesting a duplicate title in Kansas is very simple. For this purpose, people can visit their respective areas’ local county treasurer’s office, where they will be taken through all the procedures required to get a duplicate title.

When people go to the county treasurer’s office, they need to fill in the correct form for a duplicate title request. This particular form asks for basic details of the motor, such as the ID number and the ID details of the owner. 

Individuals should also be ready to pay the necessary charges that Kansas requires for the issuance of a duplicate title. The general fee for a duplicate title is $10 and must be paid on request of the duplicate title. 

After completion of the request form and payment of the fee, it will be the duty of the county treasurer’s office to consider the application for a duplicate title. Upon successful processing, the duplicate title will be issued.

Transferring a Kansas Car Title When the Owner Is Deceased

Moving forward with the process of transferring a Kansas car title, there are particular processes and documents that will be required when the owner is deceased. In case the vehicle is inherited, the person applying for a title transfer will need to prepare a number of important documents. This includes the original title, completed Decedent’s Affidavit of Claim or Beneficiary Affidavit, Title and Registration Manual Application, current registration of the vehicle, and fees, if any. These steps and documents support the transfer of the vehicle title from the deceased owner to the one entitled to it.

In the same manner, if the vehicle is accepted as a gift, the title will be transferred under various specific requirements. In addition to the usual documents for title transfer, a letter substantiating the fact that the car has been gifted to the individual should accompany the documents. This additional document is vital in legal title transfer in Kansas as it assists in proving that the ownership has been transferred with the appropriate consent.

Changing The Ownership Of A Car Without Title In Kansas

If a person has misplaced the title and wishes to procure a duplicate title, there are certain procedures to follow. The process consists of filing a duly completed application for the replacement title and submitting it with supporting documents and appropriate fees to the county’s treasurer’s office.

How to Transfer a Car Title to a Family Member in Kansas?

What should you do if you want to transfer a car title to a family member in Kansas? Although the procedure is similar to others, which include transferring the vehicle’s title, the convenience is that the transfer can be done at a designated office once the buyer and seller are brought together at the county treasurer’s office.

Even though bringing about a transfer of the vehicle title to a family member is deemed quite easy, it still entails other processes and procedures, which include payment of the necessary fees and collection of all the finalized forms and papers that are usually required whenever transferring a car title from one person to another.

What to Do When Your Car Title Is Signed but Never Handed Over

If you’re in the process of selling a vehicle, do ensure that the buyer gets the title transferred at the local DMV. This situation arises only when one does not go through the required steps when selling a car. The problem with this situation is that you will be liable for any traffic tickets or violations associated with the vehicle, even if you do not own the offending vehicle.

If you have sold your car and have signed the title but the car title transfer has not been completed yet, then the first place to report is the county treasurer’s office. You will have to prove that the traffic incident happened after the sale. You may lift such an obligation by proving such incidents occurred after the sale of the vehicle.

Kansas DMV Information Access

For more information on compliance with a car title transfer in the state of Kansas, or if you need to contact the Kansas Department of Revenue (more specifically, Kansas Division of Vehicles), check out their website. You can find contact information and the working hours of the DMV center on the website.

The Bottom Line

As you navigate the process of transferring a vehicle title in Kansas, remember that attention to detail and thoroughness are key to a successful transfer. By following the step-by-step guidance outlined in this blog, you can confidently complete the title transfer process and ensure that all requirements are met. Should you encounter any challenges or have questions along the way, don’t hesitate to contact our team at Titlelo for assistance. With patience, diligence, and adherence to the outlined steps, you can smoothly transfer the title of your vehicle in Kansas. Here’s to hassle-free transfers and many more miles of happy driving!