How To Transfer Car Title in Kansas
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Are you in the market for a new car in Kansas? Or perhaps you're the proud new vehicle owner and need to transfer the title?
It's the seller's responsibility to transfer the title to the new owner before the sale is considered official, and the process typically involves completing paperwork, paying a fee, and visiting your state's DMV (or its equivalent).
But why is the car title so important? Simply put, it's evidence of ownership, and it must be transferred when ownership changes hands, whether through a sale, inheritance, or gift from a family member.
If you're ready to take the next step in your car ownership journey, read on and discover the ins and outs of car title transfers in Kansas!
Table of Contents
- Key Takeaways
- Documents Needed To Transfer Car Title in Kansas
- How To Transfer Car Title in Kansas If You're Buying from a Private Seller
- How To Transfer Car Title in Kansas If You're Buying from the Dealership
- How To Transfer Car Title in Kansas If You're the Seller
- Gifting a Car to a Family Member in Kansas
- Filling Out Kansas Transfer of Title Form
- Conclusion
- Best Car Deals by Category
- Frequently Asked Questions
Key Takeaways
- Necessary documents to transfer your car title in Kansas include a title or MCO, proof of auto insurance, a sales tax receipt if purchased in Kansas, an MVE-1, a completed application form, and payment for fees
- The driver of the vehicle generally has 60 days to file their paperwork for a title transfer in Kansas
- If you are gifting a vehicle, you still need to complete the title transfer paperwork
Documents Needed To Transfer Car Title in Kansas
Several essential documents and fees must be provided to transfer a vehicle's ownership completely. These include:
- A properly executed title or manufacturer's certificate of origin (MCO/MSO) is legal proof of ownership.
- An essential requirement for vehicle ownership transfer is the submission of proof of auto insurance, which serves as valid confirmation that the subject vehicle is adequately insured.
- If the vehicle is procured from a dealer in Kansas, it is necessary to produce a sales tax receipt. And the purchase from a dealer outside the state necessitates the submission of a copy of the sales invoice. The county treasurer's office will collect sales tax in the latter case.
- A Motor Vehicle Examination (Form MVE-1) certifies that the vehicle is roadworthy and has no outstanding issues that could affect its safety.
- A completed Title and Registration Manual Application (Form TR-212a) contains information about the vehicle and its new owner.
- Payment for any title transfer fees, which vary depending on the type of vehicle.
An important aspect to remember is that if there is a lienholder on the title, it is mandatory to obtain a lien release before concluding the ownership transfer process.
The lien release can be provided by releasing the lien on the title or submitting a notarized lien release on Form TR-150. It can also be done by providing a letter from the lien-holder releasing the lien.
How To Transfer Car Title in Kansas If You're Buying from a Private Seller
Before procuring a car from a private seller in Kansas, you must inquire about the vehicle's title.
If a lien is recorded against the title or any other irregularities are observed, the seller must address these issues before finalizing the transaction.
Assuming the seller has all the essential documentation, you will need to acquire these documents to facilitate the vehicle title transfer process at the DMV:
- The vehicle title duly signed and completed by the seller.
- A bill of sale, which is mandatory if there's insufficient space on the title to include the purchase price or if the vehicle was bought from an out-of-state seller
- Proof of your insurance policy for the vehicle, demonstrating that it is currently active
- Form MVE-1, which might be necessary depending on the specifics of the sale
- Form TR-212a is wholly filled with your particulars. As the sales tax will not be paid to the private seller, it must be covered when you go to the DMV. You must pay the fees for title transfer and vehicle registration. This straightforward process is contingent upon the seller providing all the requested documents and information to the DMV.
How To Transfer Car Title in Kansas If You're Buying from the Dealership
Supplementary charges are mandatory to procure an automobile from a dealership; however, once the vehicle insurance is initiated, one can take possession of it from the dealership.
The buyer has up to 60 days from the purchase date to visit the local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and get the vehicle title transferred.
In the event of surpassing that time frame, the purchaser could be liable to pay delayed payment fines.
Upon readiness to transfer the car title, the buyer must ensure to take the following documents to the DMV:
- The car title or manufacturer's certificate of origin
- Verification of an active insurance policy for the vehicle
- A sales tax receipt if the automobile was procured in-state or a duplicate of the sales invoice if it was acquired out of state
- Form MVE-1, if appropriate (specifics provided below)
- Form TR-212a, completed with the buyer's information
A few factors determine the total amount paid on the DMV visit. If the vehicle was obtained from another state, the buyer must pay the acquisition tax at that point.
Additional expenses to be incurred by the buyer include title transfer and state registration fees.
How To Transfer Car Title in Kansas If You're the Seller
In Kansas, to prevent delays in the vehicle title transfer process when selling a vehicle, it is essential to obtain the proper signatures on the title.
The owner section of the vehicle's title may exhibit any of the following circumstances:
- And - every vehicle owner presented before or after "and" must sign the title.
- AND/OR - either vehicle's owners can sign the vehicle's title (only one signature is required on the vehicle title).
- OR - either vehicle owner can sign the title.
To successfully carry out a Kansas vehicle title transfer on a used vehicle, the following steps must be taken:
- Fill out all information on the vehicle title except for the buyer's printed name and signature.
- If the vehicle title does not have space to list the purchase price, provide an Affidavit to a Fact/Bill of Sale (Form TR-12).
- Include a lien release document if necessary.
- Complete the Odometer Disclosure Statement on the vehicle's title, if applicable. This disclosure statement is required for vehicles 20 years old or newer.
- Ensure you possess the necessary forms and additional documentation before visiting your local Kansas Department of Vehicles (DOV).
Gifting a Car to a Family Member in Kansas
After gifting a car to a family member in Kansas, the new owner must apply for a vehicle title within 60 days. If you plan to gift your vehicle, you need to follow these steps:
- Complete the Vehicle Gift Certification portion of the Affidavit to a Fact (Form TR-12) and give it to the individual receiving the vehicle. If you and the vehicle recipient are related, complete the Affidavit of Relationship (Form TR-215) instead of the Affidavit to a Fact (Form TR-12).
- Remove the license plates on the vehicle when the title is assigned and the vehicle has been delivered.
- Complete a Seller's Notification of Sale (Form TR-216) and mail it with a $10 fee payment. Use the address on the form to address the envelope.
If you're the receiver of the gifted vehicle, you must submit the following documents and payment to your local Kansas DOR office to complete the vehicle title transfer:
- Proof of a valid Kansas vehicle insurance policy.
- A motor vehicle examination (Form MVE-1) from an inspection station if the vehicle title is from out of state.
- A completed Affidavit to a Fact (TR-12) or Affidavit of Relationship (Form TR-215) if you and the vehicle's donor are related.
- Payment for all applicable Kansas vehicle title transfer fees.
You must have all the required documentation and payments to complete the vehicle title transfer and avoid unnecessary penalties.
Filling Out Kansas Transfer of Title Form
To complete the title transfer forms in Kansas, you must complete all required forms and obtain all necessary signatures.
A bill of sale must contain relevant information regarding the vehicle, including its make, model, et cetera. The vehicle's VIN should also be included.
If the vehicle is sold as opposed to gifted, it is mandatory to incorporate the applicable sales tax into the overall price.
The "transfer of title by seller" section of the vehicle's title must contain the current odometer reading. The recipient of the vehicle must sign the title in the designated spaces.
Further information may be necessary to complete the vehicle title transfer process in Kansas, such as proof of a valid KS vehicle insurance policy that meets the minimum requirements approved by the state.
It may be necessary to provide a valid government-issued photo ID. A foreign passport can also serve as proof of identification.
Conclusion
Transferring a title, whether you're purchasing from a private seller or dealership, or receiving the vehicle as a gift, requires a title transfer form, an odometer reading, and certain fees. Paperwork must be completed within 60 days of purchase to avoid additional fees.
