Completing the Kansas car title transfer is a mandatory step after the passing of ownership of a motor vehicle from person to another, regardless of the circumstances surrounding the ownership transfer. Vehicle owners can complete title transfers for cars through the state Department of Revenue (DOR).

When meeting the KS title transfer requirements, applicants will also be required to obtain a car registration within a specific time period after the transfer of ownership. Note that the state DOR also processes electronic title transfers for sellers assigning electronic title certificates (e-titles) to the respective buyers. Get more information on how to fill out transfer of title documents and where to submit your transfer request by reading the following sections.

What is a car title transfer in Kansas?

In order to successfully complete a transfer of car title in Kansas, motorists must learn more about the specifics of the auto title transfer process and the purpose of the title certificate. Transferring a car title in KS is a procedure officially passes the ownership of a motor vehicle between two individuals.

The document used to complete the car title transfer transaction is the title certificate issued by the state DOR.

Failure to complete the transfer through a nearby county treasurer’s office may lead to certain detrimental consequences. For instance, in the event of an unsuccessful transfer of vehicle title, the buyer will be unable to register his or her newly purchased vehicle and the seller may be found liable for the vehicle in the future.

When is a vehicle title transfer required in Kansas?

Finalizing the Kansas auto title transfer is a necessary step on each occasion a vehicle changes ownership, regardless of the nature of the transfer of ownership.

Therefore, in addition to transferring a vehicle title after buying or selling a used motor vehicle, applicants will also be required to transfer a title if the possession of their vehicle is passed in the form of a gift, donation or inheritance.

In any case, to avoid paying a late registration fee, the car title transfer and registration procedures must be initiated promptly after the date of purchase.

Information and Documents Necessary to Transfer a Title in Kansas

To finalize title transfers for cars in Kansas, vehicle owners will need to meet several title transfer requirements. These steps will vary depending on factors like the nature of the ownership transfer and whether they are transferring a paper title or an e-title.

For example, if you are completing an electronic title transfer, you will be required to submit a different set of documentation than the one that applies for the standard paper title transfer. The following list outlines the KS car title transfer requirements regarding the documents and information necessary to transfer a paper title certificate:

  • A properly assigned vehicle title containing the purchase price, odometer reading, sale date and the seller’s and buyer’s names and signatures
  • A completed title application
  • A bill of sale, if applicable
  • The DOR lien release document or a lien release letter from the financial institution, if required
  • A power of attorney form if the seller is unable to make an office visit or fill out the title assignment
  • A motor vehicle examination document (Form MVE-1), if required
  • Proof of a valid vehicle insurance policy

Note: If you are unable to sell your vehicle due to a lost title, you can obtain a replacement through your county treasurer’s office.

When completing electronic title transfers in KS, applicants will be required to submit certain paperwork in addition to the one outlined above. For example, to successfully complete the title transfer online, you may need a copy of the seller’s registration card and a completed title sales agreement.

You may also require the power of attorney form and the odometer disclosure statement. In the event that the lien has not been paid off, you must obtain a filled-out a lienholder’s consent form.

If you are transferring a vehicle title in KS under different circumstances, such as after receiving it as a gift or inheritance, you will also be required to submit additional documents. For example, if you have received the vehicle as a gift, you will need to fill out certain affidavits.

Steps for Performing a Transfer of Title in Kansas

To successfully transfer your car title in Kansas, you will be required to submit the documentation and fee payments that apply to your current situation through the country treasurer’s office. While the state DOR recommends that you complete the auto title transfer in the seller’s presence, you can still transfer the vehicle title without the help of the previous owner.

In such cases, you will require the power of attorney form, in addition to the standard documents outlined above. Note that when meeting the KS title transfer requirements, you will also be required to pay the necessary costs for a new vehicle registration.

After accepting your car title transfer and registration application, your county treasurer will forward a request for the manufacturing of new vehicle documents.

Getting a New Car Title Versus Title Transfers in Kansas

Vehicle owners who wish to apply for a new title for car in Kansas need to first learn about how the application process for a new certificate differs from the transfer of an existing title. A DMV new title may be issued after motorists perform the corresponding procedure through the state’s Department of Revenue (DOR).

Overall, drivers need to perform a new car title application procedure after they purchase a new vehicle or move to Kansas from out of state. Furthermore, motorists must order a new car title regardless of whether their vehicles are new or used.

The process of getting a new car title in Kansas is different from the procedure of transferring an existing certificate of title. As a general rule, a title transfer is conducted when the ownership rights of a motor vehicle are being transferred from one legal entity to another.

In most cases, motorists transfer a title when purchasing or selling a vehicle that has been previously titled in KS. Moreover, drivers may also need to transfer their car titles in a situation when they receive a vehicle as a gift or through inheritance.

Car Title Transfer Fees in Kansas

The total price to successfully transfer a vehicle title in Kansas will include both the base $10 titling fee and the application costs for new registration and license plates. While the main KS car title transfer fee remains the same, the registration fees will vary depending on factors such as the type and weight of the vehicle and your county of residence.

Last updated on Tuesday, March 10 2020.