Kansas Title Transfer Guide (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 |
| VIN inspection (out-of-state) | Required · |
| Lien release form | TR-720 |
Kansas title transfer in 8 steps
- 1Gather documents — original title (or duplicate if lost), valid government ID, current registration, lien release (TR-720) if applicable, and odometer disclosure for vehicles under 20 years old.
- 2Complete the bill of sale — record buyer + seller full legal names and addresses, vehicle VIN, year, make, model, odometer reading, sale price, and sale date.
- 3Sign the title — seller endorses the title assignment section on the back, fills in buyer info, odometer reading, and sale date. Kansas requires odometer disclosure for vehicles under 15 years old.
- 4Complete VIN inspection — Kansas requires VIN inspection for out-of-state vehicles. Schedule with Kansas DMV or a licensed inspector.
- 5Buyer files at Kansas DMV — within 60 days of the sale, the buyer brings the signed title, bill of sale, and ID to Kansas DMV.
- 6Pay tax and fees — 6.5% sales/use tax on the sale price plus any local surtax, plus the title fee ($15-$50).
- 7Receive new title — Kansas DMV issues a new title in the buyer's name (typically by mail within 2-4 weeks).
- 8Seller files release of liability — to remove future ticket/toll responsibility from the seller's record, file a notice of transfer with Kansas DMV the same day as the sale.
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.
Inherited vehicle title transfer
Kansas estate transfers require either a small-estate affidavit (for estates below the state threshold, typically $50,000-$150,000) or letters of administration from probate court. The successor presents probate paperwork plus the original title to Kansas DMV.
Need a Kansas bill of sale to complete the transfer?
Compliant with Kansas DMV requirements. From $9 — instant DMV-ready PDF, no signup.
Create Kansas Bill of Sale →Frequently Asked Questions — Kansas
How long do I have to transfer a car title in Kansas?▾
Kansas requires the buyer to file the title transfer within 60 days of the sale date. Missing the deadline triggers late penalties (typically $25-$50) and accrued use tax.
What does a Kansas title transfer cost?▾
Kansas charges 6.5% state sales/use tax on the transfer price plus any local surtax. Sales tax applies to private party vehicle purchases The title fee itself is typically $15-$50 depending on vehicle class.
Do I need a bill of sale to transfer a title in Kansas?▾
Yes — Kansas requires a written bill of sale documenting the buyer, seller, vehicle (VIN, year, make, model), odometer reading, and sale price. Kansas DMV uses the bill of sale to calculate sales tax and confirm transfer terms.
What if there's a lien on the title in Kansas?▾
In Kansas, the lender must complete TR-720 confirming lien satisfaction before title transfer. Some lenders provide an electronic release directly to Kansas DMV. The buyer cannot register the vehicle until the lien is cleared.
How do I transfer a title for an inherited vehicle in Kansas?▾
Kansas inherited-vehicle transfers require either a small-estate affidavit or letters of administration depending on estate value. The successor presents probate paperwork plus the original title (or duplicate) to Kansas DMV, along with a bill of sale for any sale to a third party.
Source: Kansas DMV ↗ · Last verified 2026-05-07