Title Transfers

There are two steps to transferring the ownership of a new or used vehicle from the previous owner's to your name. In this section, we will cover the transfer of title, which is the documentation that will make the car your legal property.

You do not need a driver's license to own the title to a vehicle.

Titling a New Vehicle in Kansas

The following is a list of documents that you must take to your local county treasurer's office. Note: For title issues, you must go in person to the treasurer's office in your county of residence.

• The Manufacturer's Statement of Origin, also called the MSO, properly signed and notarized.

• An Odometer Disclosure form if there is any difference between the vehicle mileage and the MSO mileage.

• Proof of insurance.

• The receipt for the paid sales tax. If the sales tax was not paid at the dealership, you must pay it at the treasurer's office.

• A signed title application.

Be sure you have all of the above paperwork. If you do not, or if there are any incorrect or incomplete forms, you may be required to make another trip before you can complete the titling and registration of your new vehicle.

Titling a Used Vehicle in Kansas

If you are buying a used vehicle from a private party, it is imperative that the title be transferred properly. If you have any concerns about the title, ask the seller to accompany you to the county treasurer's office before you pay for the vehicle.

In order to transfer a title of a previously owned vehicle, here's what you'll need to bring:

• The old title, filled in completely by the seller.

• A completed Odometer Disclosure form.

• Proof of insurance.

• The receipt for the paid sales tax, if it was paid at the dealership.

• A signed title application.

Have the Seller Complete the Title

Complete the required information on the back of the seller's title. If the title was issued with a lien in place and it still shows the lien, you must also have the properly signed and notarized release of lien from the lienholder. If the seller does not offer the lien release, request it. It would have been sent to him or her when the loan was paid off and the lender released the lien.

Fees and Taxes

There are several different fees and taxes that must be paid when you purchase a new or used vehicle:

• Title fee: $10

• Registration fees: based on the owner's county of residence

• Sales tax: based on the purchase price of the vehicle

• Property tax: also based on the value of the vehicle

The titling fee, registration fee, and property tax are all due and payable at the time of title transfer.

The sales tax is usually collected at the dealership for new or used vehicles purchased there, and you will get a sales tax receipt to take to the treasurer's office when you go to register. If the sales tax was not collected at the dealership, you will be required to pay it at the time you apply to register and title the vehicle.

Proof of Insurance

Because titling and registration are usually completed at the same time, you will be required to show proof of insurance before you will be able to complete the registration and titling process. Proof of insurance must contain the following information:

• Name of the insurance company

• Your full name and address

• Insurance policy number

• Year, make and VIN of the vehicle

• Expiration date of the policy

Titling Deadlines

You must complete the registration and titling of your new vehicle within 30 days of purchase.

Transferring a Title in the Event of Death

Surviving Heir

You must bring to your county treasurer's office the vehicle's title, making sure the current mileage is documented, along with a copy of the death certificate (and proof of insurance if you plan to keep the vehicle). You will then be asked to complete a Decedent's Affidavit.

Surviving Spouse

If you are a surviving spouse and the title is not in your name, you will need to visit your county treasurer's office. Bring a copy of the death certificate as well as the title. Make sure the current mileage is recorded on the title. Once your information is deemed in order, you will then be asked to complete a Decedent's Affidavit.

If your name is on the title and separated from the deceased's name by "and," you are not required to request a revised title.

Adding or Deleting a Name

To add or delete a name on a title, use the assignment of title found on the back of the existing title. Write the new name under "Name of Purchaser." If there are more than two owners and the names are connected by "and," both will need to sign. Otherwise, only one owner's signature is required. The new owner or new sole owner must then take the title to his or her county treasurer's office and complete a title application.

Gift Transfers

If you are the owner, you must sign off on the title and write "Gift" as the purchase price. The recipient must then take the title to a county treasurer's office for transfer.

Changing a Name on a Title

Basically, this is treated like selling a vehicle to yourself. You must sign off on the title and sign your new name as the new owner (if there is joint ownership connected by "and," both signatures are required). For the price, write "Same Owner Dropping Name" and be sure to record the vehicle's current mileage. Bring the title along with your registration and the vehicle's license plates to your county treasurer's office.