How to Sell a Boat Privately in Kansas (2026)
| Titling agency | Kansas DMV |
| Transfer deadline | 60 days from sale |
| Sales / use tax | 6.5% (Sales tax applies to private party vehicle purchases) |
| Bill of sale notary | Not required |
| Lien release form | TR-720 |
How to Sell a Boat Privately in Kansas — 8 Steps
- 1Locate the HIN — the 12-character hull identification number is stamped on the starboard (right) transom on all boats manufactured after 1972. Kansas requires this on every bill of sale.
- 2Determine registration class — boats under 26 ft register with Kansas DMV only. Boats 26 ft+ may need USCG documentation (federal title) in addition to state registration. Check vessel length and use.
- 3Clear any liens — if the boat was financed, request a payoff and lien release letter. Kansas uses TR-720.
- 4Gather documentation — current Kansas registration card, state title (if titled), USCG documentation (if applicable), trailer title, engine serial number records.
- 5Price the vessel — check NADA Guides (boats), BUCValu, or recent Kansas dealer comps. Factor in trailer condition, engine hours, and recent service.
- 6Complete the bill of sale — HIN, vessel make/year/length, engine make/model/serial, trailer VIN (if included), sale price, sale date, both parties' full legal names and addresses.
- 7Sign the title or registration — endorse the back of the Kansas registration or title. For USCG-documented vessels, complete Form CG-1340 (notarized).
- 8Notify Kansas DMV — buyer must register within 60 days of the sale. Seller files release of ownership with Kansas DMV to remove liability for future fines.
Kansas lien release procedure
- Obtain Form TR-720 from the Kansas Division of Vehicles or the lienholder.
- Lienholder completes and signs TR-720 releasing the lien.
- Submit TR-720 with the existing title and title application at a county treasurer's office.
- Pay the title fee and receive a clean Kansas title.
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Start My Kansas Boat Bill of Sale →Frequently Asked Questions — Kansas
Do I need a bill of sale to sell a boat in Kansas?▾
Yes. Kansas requires a written bill of sale for private boat transfers to document the hull identification number (HIN), engine details, sale price, and both parties' signatures. The buyer needs the bill of sale to register the vessel with Kansas DMV.
What is the Kansas boat title transfer deadline?▾
Kansas requires the buyer to transfer registration within 60 days of the sale date. Missing the deadline can trigger late fees and back-dated registration penalties.
Is sales tax owed on a private boat sale in Kansas?▾
Kansas charges 6.5% sales/use tax on private boat sales. Sales tax applies to private party vehicle purchases The buyer typically pays tax at the registration office when registering with Kansas DMV.
Do I need a notary for a Kansas boat bill of sale?▾
Kansas does not require notarization for a private boat bill of sale. However, USCG-documented vessels (26+ feet) require notarization on Form CG-1340 regardless of state.
How does a buyer register a boat purchased privately in Kansas?▾
The buyer takes the signed bill of sale and endorsed title (or prior registration) to Kansas DMV and pays the registration fee plus 6.5% sales/use tax. Transfer must be completed within 60 days of the sale date.
Source: Kansas DMV ↗ · Last verified 2026-05-07