How to Apply for a Car Title in Kansas: A Complete Guide
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Kansas requires that all registered vehicles have a title. If you buy a vehicle or move to Kansas from another state, you’ll need to apply for a new title. If your vehicle has a lien or loan, there are additional steps when applying for a car title.
Navigating all of this can be daunting but read our guide to car titles and the Kansas application for title below.
Introduction to Vehicle Title in Kansas
Vehicles registered in Kansas must be properly titled. Whether you purchase a new vehicle or move to Kansas from another state, you must complete the title application process to get a new title or transfer your existing one.
County treasurers work directly with residents and the Kansas Department of Revenue Division of Vehicles to handle and process all tasks pertaining to car titles, registrations, and license plates.
Overview of the Title Application Process
If you purchase a new or used vehicle, you must submit a Kansas vehicle title application within 60 days of the purchase. You must do this at the county treasurer’s office for the county in which the vehicle is garaged. You will need the following:
- The signed manufacturer’s statement or certificate of origin (MSO/MCO) (for new vehicles)
- The existing title with the assignment completed to the new owner (for used vehicles)
- A lien release (if a lienholder is recorded on the title)
- Kansas vehicle inspection (for out-of-state vehicles)
- Proof of Kansas car insurance – Must contain the insurance company’s name, policy number, policyholder’s name, coverage effective and expiration dates, and vehicle information
- Sales tax receipt
The Kansas title motor vehicle form is fairly simple. You must list your name, identifier (such as a social security number), and your address. Vehicle information, such as the VIN, make and model, mileage, and color, is also required. You must provide the name and address of any lienholders. And you can list someone to receive the vehicle if you pass away.
The application for a lost title in Kansas is similar. You will need to provide basic contact and vehicle information. You must also fill out lienholder information, but keep in mind that you will not receive a paper title without a lien release.
To transfer license plates from another vehicle, you will need the original vehicle's registration. The name on your new title must match the name on the registration. You must provide the name of the previous vehicle’s buyer and the date it was sold.
Understanding Lien Releases
A lien release is a document that releases ownership claims by a lienholder. Liens can be released on your paper title, a letter from the lienholder, or a Kansas lien release form. Lien releases must contain:
- Your vehicle’s year, make, and VIN
- Your name and the lienholder's name
- A statement that the lien is paid or forgiven
- The signature of the lienholder or lienholder’s agent
- The name and address where the title should be mailed
- Notarization
You can take your lien release to your county treasurer’s office to get your paper title. You may also email it to [email protected] or fax it to (785) 296-2383. If you need your paper title immediately, you can bring your lien release to Kansas Vehicle Title Services Co. Some lienholders may also participate in the Kansas E-Lien program which allows them to submit the lien release electronically.
The Paper Title: What You Need to Know
Kansas issues both paper titles and electronic titles. The primary difference is that paper titles are only issued for vehicles without liens. If there is a lien on your vehicle, it will be held in electronic form by the Kansas Division of Vehicles.
You will need a lien release to get your paper title. The state will not reissue titles or duplicate titles for vehicles with a lien.
Title Fees and Costs Involved
The Kansas title fee is $10, plus vehicle property tax. Property tax varies based on your vehicle’s year, make, and model.
You must also pay the proper sales tax amount if you purchase your vehicle from a dealership. If you paid sales tax in another state with a lower tax rate, you will need to pay the difference to meet the Kansas sales tax requirements.
If you fill out the Kansas application for lost titles, your fees will range from $10 to $20, depending on whether your title has a lien listed or not.
Title Transfers
Title Transfers for Private Sales
Transferring a title after a private sale requires the title with the assignment complete. The seller must include the purchase price, date of sale, and odometer reading. They must print and sign their name, and you will do the same. If there is no space for this information, you must include a Bill of Sale, Form TR-12.
Title Transfers for Dealership Purchases
When you purchase a new vehicle from a car dealership, you must include a properly signed manufacturer’s statement or certificate of origin (MSO/MCO). It has information similar to a vehicle title and bill of sale that you can use to transfer the title into your name.
Start Shopping for Car Insurance After Your Title
Kansas auto insurance is required for all title applications. Make sure you have the best coverage at the best rates for you. EverQuote’s free online comparison tool can help you compare policies from multiple companies in one place. Get started today by entering your ZIP code.