How to transfer ownership of a car in Kansas

Ownership of a car proves who owns it. Obviously, if the owner of a car changes, then ownership must also change hands (and names). This includes buying or selling a car, inheriting a car from someone else, or giving or receiving a car as a gift from a family member. There are a few things Kansas residents need to know about car ownership transfers.

Information for buyers

If you buy a car in Kansas, the title must be transferred to your name. If you are working with a dealership they will handle the process, but if you are buying from a private seller you need to follow the steps below.

• Get the title from the seller and make sure it's completely filled out.
• Complete the Purchase Price Affidavit and ensure that all fields are completed.
• If there is no space in the title for the purchase price, or if you are purchasing a car out of state, you will need a bill of sale.
• Get a lien release from the seller if there are liens on the title.
• You will need to insure the vehicle and provide proof of coverage.
• You will need a Vehicle Inspection Certificate if the vehicle was purchased out of state. They are issued by inspection stations throughout the state.
• You need to fill out an application for ownership and registration.
• You will need to bring these documents and the registration and transfer fee to your local DOR office. Title transfer costs $10. Registration costs between $20 and $45 depending on the vehicle.

Common Mistakes

• Do not get a release from the seller

Information for sellers

Sellers must take many steps in the process of transferring ownership in Kansas to ensure legality. They are the following:

• Complete the fields on the back of the header and make sure everyone else in the header also signed.
• Grant the buyer an exemption from retention if the title is not clear.
• Complete the Odometer Disclosure Statement if there is no space in the title for odometer readings.
• Complete the Damage Disclosure Statement if there is no space in the header for this information.
• Fill out an affidavit of fact or bill of sale if there is no space in the title for the purchase price.
• Submit a seller notice of sale to DOR to have your name removed from the database.
• Remove the license plates from the vehicle. Transfer them to a new vehicle or take them to the DOR.

Common Mistakes

• Failure to notify the seller of the sale

Gift and inheritance

Both donating and inheriting a car in Kansas are complex processes. If you are inheriting a vehicle, you will need the original title deed as well as the Deceased's Affidavit or Declaration of Heir and/or Beneficiary's Affidavit, as applicable. You will also need a valid registration as well as a completed application of title and registration.

For donated vehicles, the seller will need to complete an affidavit of fact and list the transfer as a gift. An affidavit of kinship may be required if the gift is for a family member. The seller will also be required to complete a Seller Notice of Sale.

For more information on how to transfer ownership of a car in Kansas, visit the State Department of Revenue website.