How to get your vehicle title from the State of Kansas

To get a Kansas vehicle title, apply through your county treasurer’s motor vehicle office with proof of ownership, a completed title application, proof of insurance, and payment of taxes and fees. Do this within 60 days of purchase (or after receiving the necessary documents), and get a Kansas Highway Patrol VIN inspection first if the vehicle was last titled out of state. If your title is lost, request a duplicate; if you had a loan, your title is held electronically until the lien is released.

What “getting your title” means in Kansas

In Kansas, a vehicle title is the legal document showing who owns the vehicle. You’ll either obtain a new Kansas title (after purchase or moving to Kansas), request a duplicate if the original is lost, or receive your paper title once a recorded lien is released. Most transactions are handled by your county treasurer’s motor vehicle office under the Kansas Department of Revenue, Division of Vehicles. Kansas uses electronic titles for vehicles with active liens; paper titles are issued when there’s no lien or after lien release.

If you just bought a vehicle

From a Kansas dealer

Dealers typically submit your title and registration application electronically. You’ll get a temporary tag and, once processed, registration and plates. If there’s a lien, the title is held electronically until payoff. If there’s no lien, a paper title is mailed to the titled owner’s address on file.

From a private seller (Kansas title)

If you purchased from an individual and the vehicle already has a Kansas title, you must apply for a Kansas title in your name through your county treasurer’s motor vehicle office. Do this promptly to avoid penalties.

Follow these steps to complete a private-sale title transfer in Kansas.

1. Get the properly assigned title from the seller, including odometer disclosure (if required) and the seller’s signature(s). Ensure any prior lien is shown as released.
2. Complete the Application for Title and Registration (commonly known as Form TR-212a; available from county offices or the Kansas Department of Revenue).
3. Bring proof of Kansas insurance, your ID, and payment for title, sales/use tax, and registration fees.
4. Visit your county treasurer’s motor vehicle office to submit the application within the required timeframe.

Submitting a complete and accurate package helps avoid processing delays. If the seller’s title has an unreleased lien, the seller must obtain a lien release or a corrected title before you can title the vehicle.

From a private seller (out-of-state title)

If the vehicle was last titled in another state, Kansas requires a VIN inspection by the Kansas Highway Patrol before you can apply for a Kansas title.

Here’s the general process for an out-of-state title transfer.

1. Schedule and complete a KHP VIN inspection and obtain the inspection certificate (often referred to as MVE-1).
2. Make sure the out-of-state title is properly assigned to you with odometer disclosure where applicable, and any prior lien is released.
3. Complete the Application for Title and Registration and gather proof of insurance and identity.
4. Submit everything at your county treasurer’s motor vehicle office and pay applicable taxes and fees.

VIN inspections help verify identity of the vehicle and prevent fraud. Bring the vehicle, the out-of-state title, and ID to the inspection site.

New to Kansas: titling a vehicle you already own

New residents must title and register their vehicles in Kansas after establishing residency. If your vehicle is titled out of state, you’ll need a Kansas Highway Patrol VIN inspection first. Then submit your title application, out-of-state title, proof of insurance, and payment at your county treasurer’s motor vehicle office within the required timeframe for new residents.

Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged Kansas title (duplicate/reissue)

If your Kansas title is lost, stolen, or damaged and there is no active lien recorded, you can request a duplicate/reissue title through your county treasurer’s motor vehicle office or by mail. If there is a recorded lien, the title is typically electronic and a duplicate may not be issued to you until the lien is released.

Use this general checklist to request a duplicate/reissue Kansas title.

• Completed duplicate/reissue title application (available from county motor vehicle offices or ksrevenue.gov).
• Vehicle information (VIN, year, make, current owner information).
• Owner identification and, if applicable, a notarized lien release if the prior lien has been satisfied.
• Payment for the duplicate title fee.

Processing times vary by county and mail volume. Ensure your mailing address on file is current so the title arrives without delay.

After you pay off your loan: lien release and getting the paper title

When you finish paying off a vehicle loan, the lienholder must release the lien—often electronically through Kansas’s ELT (Electronic Lien and Title) program. Once the lien is released and there are no other liens, the title can be printed and mailed to the titled owner, or you can request a printed title if your record remains electronic.

Follow these steps when your lien is satisfied.

1. Confirm your lienholder has submitted the lien release to Kansas (electronic release or a notarized paper lien release, as applicable).
2. Verify your mailing address with the county treasurer’s motor vehicle office.
3. If needed, request a paper title to be printed and mailed to you once the lien is cleared.

Electronic release by the lienholder is the key step. Without it, the state cannot issue a clear, paper title in your name.

Special cases you may encounter

Rebuilt/salvage vehicles

Salvage or rebuilt vehicles require additional inspections by the Kansas Highway Patrol and specific documentation (including parts receipts). Contact KHP and your county office before you begin to ensure you follow the correct salvage/rebuilt process.

Inherited vehicles and estates

Titling a vehicle from an estate may require probate documents, a will, or affidavits depending on the situation and value thresholds. Your county office can tell you which forms are needed for transfers without a full probate.

No title or insufficient proof of ownership (bonded title)

If you lack a proper title, Kansas may allow a bonded title. This typically requires a VIN inspection, valuation, and a surety bond (often for 1.5 times the vehicle’s value). Ask your county treasurer’s motor vehicle office how to start a bonded title application.

Where and how to apply

All title transactions are processed by your county treasurer’s motor vehicle office. Some counties accept applications in person, by mail, or by drop box. The Kansas Department of Revenue’s Division of Vehicles provides forms and guidance at ksrevenue.gov. VIN inspections are conducted by the Kansas Highway Patrol; station info and hours are available at kansashighwaypatrol.org.

Fees, taxes, and timing

Expect to pay a title fee, sales/use tax (on the purchase price or book value, depending on documentation), registration fees, and, where applicable, local taxes. VIN inspections carry a separate fee payable at the inspection site. Penalties can apply if you title late after purchase. Processing time varies by county and by whether the paperwork is complete and any liens are properly released.

Documents checklist

Bring the right documents to avoid repeat trips. The specific items needed can vary by transaction and vehicle status.

• Assigned title (seller to buyer), with odometer disclosure if required by federal law.
• Application for Title and Registration (available from the county office; often referred to as Form TR-212a).
• Proof of Kansas liability insurance.
• Government-issued photo ID for the owner(s).
• VIN inspection certificate (for out-of-state titles or special cases).
• Lien release, if any prior lien is listed on the title record.
• Payment for taxes and fees (check county payment options).
• Any special documents for unique cases (estate paperwork, rebuilt/salvage receipts, notarized affidavits, or surety bond for bonded titles).

If you’re unsure about any item, call your county motor vehicle office in advance. They can confirm exactly what you need for your specific situation.

Common mistakes that slow down titles

Avoid these frequent errors that lead to rejections or delays.

• Title not properly assigned by the seller or missing odometer disclosure.
• Outstanding lien not officially released by the lienholder.
• Skipping the required KHP VIN inspection for out-of-state vehicles.
• Incorrect or incomplete application forms and missing signatures.
• Waiting beyond the state deadline to apply, which can trigger penalties.

Double-checking your documents before you visit the county office is the fastest way to ensure your title is issued without delays.

Help and official information

For current forms, rules, and county office details, visit the Kansas Department of Revenue, Division of Vehicles: https://www.ksrevenue.gov. For VIN inspection locations, schedules, and procedures, see the Kansas Highway Patrol: https://www.kansashighwaypatrol.org. Your county treasurer’s motor vehicle office can provide the most precise checklist for your transaction.

Summary

To get your Kansas vehicle title, apply with your county treasurer’s motor vehicle office, bringing a properly assigned title (or proof of ownership), a completed application, proof of insurance, and payment. Out-of-state vehicles require a Kansas Highway Patrol VIN inspection. For lost titles, request a duplicate; for financed vehicles, ensure the lienholder releases the lien so a clear title can be issued. Checking requirements ahead of time with your county office will save you time and prevent delays.

How do I get my Kansas vehicle title?

You will need to complete the Application for Secured/Duplicate/Reissue Title, form TR-720B that includes the following information: vehicle year, make and identification number, owner’s name(s) and the current odometer reading. Include appropriate title fee. The title fee in Kansas is $10.

How do I get my title after paying off my car in Kansas?

To get your car title in Kansas after paying it off, you will receive a lien release document from your lender, which you then submit to the county treasurer’s motor vehicle office along with the application for a reissued title and any applicable fees. You can also allow the state to mail the title to you, though this process can take several weeks. 
1. Contact your lender

• After your loan is paid off, your lender should send you a lien release document, which confirms the lien on the vehicle has been satisfied. 
• This document will include the vehicle’s year, make, VIN, and the names of the owner and lienholder, along with a statement that the lien is released. 

2. Go to your county treasurer’s office 

• Visit your local county treasurer’s motor vehicle office in Kansas.
• You will need to complete an application for a reissued title.

3. Submit necessary documents and fees 

• Bring the notarized lien release and the application to the county treasurer’s office. 
• You will likely need to pay a title fee. 

4. Receive your title

• The county treasurer’s office will process your application, and your new title will be mailed to you. 
• Alternatively, the state will send you the title automatically after the lien release is processed, though this process may take longer. 

Does Kansas hold titles electronically?

It will say Title held Electronically at the top of your registration. Kansas has been an Electronic holding state since 2003.

How long does it take to get a title back from Kansas?

In Kansas, a physical title is usually mailed within 4 to 6 weeks of application if there is no lien on the vehicle, though some express services may be faster. If there is a lien, the title won’t be printed until the lien is paid off and a release is submitted to the state. For urgent needs or same-day titles, services like the Kansas Vehicle Title Services Company (KVTSC) may offer faster processing for an additional fee. 
Factors Affecting Title Return Time

• No Lien: If the vehicle is fully paid off and there’s no lienholder, the title is generally mailed to you directly. 
• With a Lien: If a lien exists, the title is not printed until the lien is paid off and a lien release is sent to the state. 
• Application Method: The length of time can vary depending on whether you are applying through a county office or an authorized service company. 

How to Get a Title Faster

• Express Services: Opens in new tabCompanies like KVTSC offer same-day or 24-hour processing services for a fee for various title services. 
• Contact the Titles and Registrations Bureau: Opens in new tabIf you don’t receive your title by the end of the typical six-week timeframe, contact the Kansas Department of Revenue’s Titles and Registrations Bureau for assistance. 

What to Expect

• Mailing: Most states, including Kansas, will mail the title to the applicant. 
• In-Person Pick-Up: Some service centers may allow you to pick up your title in person. 
• Notifications: If your application takes longer than expected, the service may notify you by phone or email when the title is ready.