Paperwork When Selling a Car in Kansas

Paperwork Required to Sell Your Car in Kansas

Ready to sell your car in Kansas? From the earliest steps to the official transfer of ownership, we have you covered—read on for the lowdown on how to do it!

Selling a Vehicle in Kansas

To start the process of selling a car in Kansas, of course, you need to attract a buyer. This means judging how much your car might reasonably be worth based on its current condition and present market value. From there, you need to get the word out through one or more of the many advertising channels available these days—from websites to newspaper classifieds, to the tried-and-true “For Sale" sign in the window.

You can read more about basic car-selling strategies in this helpful guide we've prepared.

If you have a buyer interested in your car, then it's on to the nitty-gritty of following the state and federal regulations regarding the transfer of ownership. We'll get into that process below.

Required Documents

You'll certify the sale of your car to the new owner by providing them with some paperwork. Most basically, you'll sign off on the car title, including your signature and printed name (and the same for the buyer) as well as the purchase price of the car.

The title certificate will also require a log of the current mileage. If the title doesn't have space for the odometer reading, you'll need a separate odometer disclosure document. This rule does not pertain to vehicles 21 years old or older.

If the car title does not include the seller and buyer signatures and names, and the vehicle's purchase price, you will also need the following:

  • An Bill of Sale (Form TR-312), which can be downloaded and printed from the Kansas Department of Revenue (DOR) website.
    • This document mainly just validates the purchase price of the deal, although if the sale involves an antique vehicle—that is, one that's 35 years old or older—this form can officially transfer ownership without a title.
  • A bill of sale to provide an overview of the transaction.

Once you've sold your car, complete the Seller's Notification of Sale (Form TR-216) and send it to the address specified on the form along with a $10 fee, to notify the state of the purchase.

This will clear you from any liability attached to the vehicle following the sale date.

Duplicate Title in Kansas

In order to accomplish a sale, you need a certificate of title. What if your car title is damaged, destroyed, or missing? You can receive a duplicate title from the Kansas Division of Vehicles by completing the Application for Secured/Duplicate/Reissue Title (Form TR-720B). There's a $10 replacement fee.

If there's a lien on the title, you'll need a lien release before you can successfully apply for a replacement title.

For more information, visit our Replacing a Lost Title in Kansas page.

Vehicle History Reports

A buyer scoping out the car you have for sale in Kansas might well seek out a vehicle history report, which offers up all kinds of details on the vehicle that might influence his or her decision.

It might be a good idea to order a vehicle history report yourself that you can provide to potential buyers. This might help you sell your car faster.

Transferring License Plates After a Sale

Once you've sold your car, you'll need to remove the license plates from your vehicle, as they stay with you and not the car.

You may be able to transfer them to another vehicle.

For more information, contact the Kansas DOR.

Forms for Easy Download

Bill of Sale (Form TR-312)

Seller's Notification of Sale (Form TR-216)

Application for Secured/Duplicate/Reissue Title (Form TR-720B)

Other Helpful Links

Vehicle History Reports
Bill of sale

Forms

TR-720B
Manual Title Application
Request a replacement Kansas title OR add/release a lien on a title.
TR-312
Bill of Sale
Use the Department of Revenue's bill of sale as a proof of purchase when transferring ownership of a vehicle in Kansas.
TR-216
Sellers Notification of Sale
Notify the Kansas Department of Revenue that you've sold a vehicle and are no longer liable for it.
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