If you’re planning to sell your car in Kansas, whether you’re in Wichita, Overland Park, Topeka, or anywhere in between, this guide will walk you through the legal requirements, paperwork, and best practices for selling your vehicle with confidence.
Sell a Car in Kansas – Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Gather Required Documents
Before listing or transferring your car, be sure to have the following:
- Kansas Certificate of Title: Must be in your name and signed by both the seller and buyer. All liens must be released before the sale.
- Valid Identification: A Kansas driver’s license or another state-issued ID is typically required.
- Odometer Disclosure Statement: Required for vehicles less than 10 years old.
- Bill of Sale (TR-312): Required in Kansas for vehicle sales.
- Lien Release (if applicable): If the car had a loan, a notarized lien release must be provided.
Kansas DMV Forms You May Need
Some of the most relevant forms include:
- Form TR-312 – Bill of Sale (required)
- Form TR-59 – Odometer Disclosure Statement
- Form TR-720B – Application for Duplicate Title (if the original is lost)
- Notice of Sale (Optional): Recommended for personal records
All forms can be found on the Kansas Department of Revenue Division of Vehicles website.
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Step 2: Prepare the Vehicle for Sale
Getting your car ready can impact how fast it sells and how much you get. A clean, well-kept vehicle makes a better first impression and draws more interest.
That said, not everyone has the time or resources to clean, fix, or prepare a vehicle. If you’re in a hurry to sell or simply don’t want to deal with the extra effort, you can always sell your car as-is. Contact us, and we’ll make you an offer. No prep work is required.
Step 3: Determine Your Car’s Value
Before you accept an offer, make sure you understand your vehicle’s value:
- Use Our Free Appraisal Tool: Get a quote in under two minutes.
- Check KBB, Edmunds, or NADA Guides: Evaluate pricing based on condition and mileage.
- Compare Local Listings: Look at similar vehicles for sale in Olathe, Lawrence, Manhattan, Salina, and Hutchinson.
Step 4: Choose a Selling Method
Sellers in Kansas usually choose between three main options:
- Sell to a Car Buying Center (Fastest Option): Get a fair, fast offer and let us handle the paperwork.
- Trade-In at a Dealership: Convenient if you’re getting another vehicle, but likely a lower price.
- Private Sale: Might get you more money but requires more time, communication, and risk.
At Ken Ganley Buying Center, we simplify the sale and get you paid fast.
Step 5: Get Paid
Don’t deal with risky payments or no-show buyers. We offer secure same-day payment and take care of the documents for a worry-free sale.
No stress, no games — just cash in your pocket and a clean transfer.
What Affects Car Values in Kansas? Local Market Insights to Know
Kansas buyers tend to prefer vehicles that handle seasonal changes and open roads:
- Trucks and SUVs are especially popular in rural and agricultural areas.
- Fuel-efficient sedans are common in metro areas like Wichita and Overland Park.
- 4WD and AWD vehicles hold value better in regions that experience harsh winter weather.
- Cars with clean histories, rust protection, and good maintenance records are more attractive to Kansas buyers, especially in areas where winter road salt is used, as this can accelerate vehicle wear and reduce value.
These trends affect how quickly your vehicle might sell and at what price.
Ready to Sell Your Car in Kansas?
At Ken Ganley Buying Center, we take the hassle out of the process. From appraisal to payment, we keep things simple and secure.
Get your free online offer or call us at 330-427-3656.
We help drivers across Kansas get fast, fair offers.
Need help selling your car in Kansas? Here are some quick answers
Do I need to notarize the title when selling my car in Kansas?
No, notarization is not required in Kansas for private vehicle sales. The Kansas Division of Vehicles does not require most title assignments, title applications, and bills of sale to be notarized. However, they reserve the right to require notarized documentation in unusual circumstances. The exceptions are lien releases, lienholder consent forms from Kansas lienholders, and Form TR-42 (Request and Consent for Kansas Title to be Issued with Lien), which must be notarized.
Do I keep my license plates after selling my car in Kansas?
Yes, plates stay with the seller and can be transferred to another vehicle or returned to the county treasurer’s office. You may transfer the license plate from the vehicle you sold to a new vehicle you bought if it has the same registration type. This plate may be displayed on the new vehicle up to 60 days after the date of purchase without transferring the registration. Always remove your plates before completing the sale.
Can I sell my car without a title in Kansas?
No, if the title is lost, you must request a duplicate using Form TR-720B (Application for Secured/Duplicate/Reissue Title). There’s a $10 replacement fee, and you’ll need to apply at your local county treasurer’s motor vehicle office. If there’s a lien on the original title, you’ll need a lien release before you can successfully apply for a replacement title. Processing typically takes 10-40 days depending on various factors.
Is a bill of sale required when selling a car in Kansas?
Yes, use Form TR-312, which is required by the Kansas Department of Revenue. While Kansas doesn’t technically mandate a bill of sale for all transactions, Form TR-312 is the official document and is necessary in many situations, especially when the title doesn’t have space for purchase price or when selling antique vehicles (35+ years old). The bill of sale does not need to be notarized but should be signed by both parties.
Who pays the sales tax when selling a car in Kansas?
The buyer is responsible for paying sales tax when they register the vehicle with the state. The buyer must complete the title transfer and registration within 60 days of the purchase date or face penalties. Sales tax is calculated based on the purchase price declared on the title or bill of sale, and rates vary by county within Kansas.
What if there's a lien on my vehicle in Kansas?
If there’s a lienholder recorded on the title, a lien release is required before the sale can be completed. This can be accomplished through a notarized lien release (Form TR-150), a letter from the lienholder releasing the lien, or the lien can be released directly on the title itself. If you cannot pay off the loan, the lienholder must provide written consent. For electronic titles with liens, special procedures apply using Form TR-39a (Electronic Title Sales Agreement).
Do I need to notify Kansas when I sell my vehicle?
While not mandatory, it’s highly recommended to file Form TR-216 (Seller’s Notification of Sale) with the county treasurer along with a $10 fee. This form notifies the state that the vehicle has been sold and delivered, which protects you from liability for any incidents involving the vehicle after the sale date. This documentation is especially important if the buyer delays transferring the title.
What if I'm selling to an out-of-state buyer or have an out-of-state title?
If you have an out-of-state title, the buyer will need to obtain an MVE-1 (Motor Vehicle Examination) from the local Sheriff’s Department for $20 (cash only) before registering the vehicle in Kansas. The inspection verifies the VIN and ensures the vehicle is not stolen. Some counties like Geary County offer Highway Patrol VIN inspections on specific days. This requirement applies to all out-of-state titles regardless of the buyer’s residency.