A certificate of title issued by the state of Kansas is a document that proves legal ownership of a vehicle. A title must be obtained when an individual purchases a new vehicle. A title transfer must also be completed when a used vehicle is sold or gifted, or when a vehicle changes hands as a result of the death of the vehicle's owner. In Kansas, the title transfer must be completed with 30 days from the date of purchase.

OBTAINING A TITLE FOR A NEW VEHICLE:

For new vehicles, the licensed dealer that sold the vehicle typically will accept and submit the required titling information and fees on behalf of the buyer. However, buyers wishing to handle the titling independently can do so. Those interested in applying for a new title without the dealer's assistance should refer to Title and Registration Frequently Asked Questions on the Department of Revenue website.

TRANSFERRING A TITLE ON A USED VEHICLE:

Sale/Purchase or Gift of a Used Vehicle

When you purchase a used vehicle, or obtain one as a gift, the title must be legally transferred into your name. This is done by obtaining the following documents, and submitting them in person along with the appropriate fees to the local county treasurer's office:

1. A completed Title Application.
2. The current title, with the assignment completed by the seller or donor (signing the title over to you), and notarized. The title must include the federal odometer disclosure, if the vehicle is less than ten years old.
3. If the title does not indicate the date of sale and selling price, a completed Bill of Sale, signed by both current and new owner and notarized, is required.
4. An Odometer Disclosure Statement, if the title does not include this information and the vehicle is less than ten years old.
5. If applicable, the original or copy of the vehicle's financing statement or security agreement.
6. Proof of liability insurance coverage, displaying the expiration date of the policy.
7. Sales tax receipt (form STD-8) if the vehicle was purchased from a dealer or an Affidavit of Purchase Price (form TR-11) if it was purchased from an individual.
8. Proof of completed Kansas Highway Patrol inspection (form MVE-1) if the vehicle was previously titled outside Kansas.

Fees

Along with the appropriate transfer of title documents above, you will need to submit the following fees:

1. $10.00 title fee.
2. State as well as local county sales tax which will depend upon the purchase price of the vehicle.
3. Registration fees, which will vary depending on the county.
4. Property tax which also depends on the value of the vehicle and varies according to the county of residence.

Contact your local county treasurer's office for information about the total fees.

Transfer of Title Following Death of Vehicle Owner

In the event of the death of the vehicle owner, the title is often transferred to the heirs or someone else identified in the owner's will. The procedures and fees for this type of transfer are similar to those outlined above. In addition, it is important to determine how the estate of the deceased has been settled by the heir(s). In some cases, the heirs may need to complete a Decedent's affidavit, and provide copies of both the death certificate and the will (or a notarized statement of its contents), if there is one. For more information on title transfers following the death of a vehicle owner, refer to the Department of Revenue website, contact the local county treasurer, or call (785) 296 3621.

Submission

Appropriate title transfer documents and fees should be submitted to your local county treasurer's office.

Additional Information

• Contact your local county treasurer's office if you wish to add, remove or change a name on a vehicle title for reason other than those discussed above.
• If there is an existing lien on the vehicle, there will be additional requirements for transferring the title.
• A valid title provides proof of ownership of the vehicle. However, remember that a title transfer does not entitle the new owner(s) to legally operate the vehicle. For this, refer to the appropriate license and registration information.