Kansas Vehicle Bill of Sale

Do I need a bill of sale to sell a car in Kansas?

A bill of sale is not required for every private vehicle sale in Kansas, but it is needed in specific circumstances. If the sale price is not recorded on the title, or if the vehicle is being registered from an out-of-state private purchase, the Kansas Department of Revenue requires a bill of sale. For antique vehicles 35 model years old or older without a title, the bill of sale on Form TR-312 is the primary transfer document. Even when not strictly required, a bill of sale is strongly recommended as a record of the transaction.

Does a Kansas bill of sale need to be notarized?

No. Kansas does not require the bill of sale or standard in-state title assignments to be notarized. The Kansas Division of Vehicles reserves the right to request notarization in unusual circumstances, such as incomplete or questionable documentation, but this is rare. Lien-related documents, such as Form TR-150 (Lien Release), do require notarization. The official state form TR-312 includes a perjury attestation that both parties sign under penalty of law.

How long do I have to title a vehicle after purchase in Kansas?

Kansas gives the buyer 60 calendar days from the date of purchase to apply for a title at the county treasurer's motor vehicle office. A penalty will be assessed beginning on the 61st day. The buyer needs the properly assigned title, a bill of sale (if required), a completed Title and Registration Manual Application (Form TR-212a), proof of Kansas liability insurance, and payment for the title fee and applicable sales tax.

How much is the sales tax on a private vehicle sale in Kansas?

The state sales tax rate is 6.5%, and local jurisdictions add their own rates on top, typically ranging from 1% to 5%. The combined rate varies by county and city, ranging from approximately 7.5% to 11.5%. The buyer pays the full combined rate to the county treasurer at the time of titling. The tax is assessed on the purchase price stated on the title or bill of sale, so entering a false sale price is a violation of state law under the perjury attestation on Form TR-312.

Is an odometer disclosure required in Kansas?

Yes. The seller discloses the odometer reading on the back of the certificate of title at the time of assignment. This is a federal requirement under 49 CFR 580 and applies to vehicles that are less than 20 model years old (for transfers occurring 2021–2030, model year 2011 and newer). The disclosure includes a certification that the reading is accurate, with checkboxes for situations where the mileage exceeds mechanical limits or is not the actual mileage.

Are there any inspections required to sell a car in Kansas?

Kansas does not require emissions testing or state safety inspections for private vehicle sales. If the vehicle is coming from out of state and has never been titled in Kansas, a VIN inspection may be required. Otherwise, there is no inspection prerequisite for completing the title transfer between private parties within the state.

What happens if I sell a car below market value in Kansas?

Kansas assesses sales tax based on the purchase price stated on the title or bill of sale. The official Form TR-312 requires both parties to swear under penalty of perjury that the stated purchase price is true and accurate. If the county treasurer questions the stated price, they may request additional documentation. Intentionally understating the price to reduce the tax obligation is a violation of Kansas law.

What if the vehicle has multiple owners?

If the vehicle is titled to more than one person, all owners on the title must sign the bill of sale. Use the "Add a co-seller" option on the form to add the second seller's name and address. Both sellers' names and signature lines will appear on the document. For electronic signing, each co-owner can sign on the same device in sequence, or the document can be passed from one device to another via QR code or shared link. Both buyers can likewise be named on the bill of sale using the "Add a co-buyer" option.