Kansas Vehicle Bill of Sale Overview
Buying or selling a car in Kansas? The Sunflower State runs vehicle titles and registrations through a network of county treasurers, and they'll want to see a solid bill of sale when you come in to transfer the title. A well-prepared bill of sale documents the transaction, establishes the sale price for tax purposes, and gives both parties a written record of the deal.
The Kansas Department of Revenue, Division of Vehicles oversees the statewide rules, but the county treasurers are the ones who actually process your paperwork. Kansas stands out from its neighbors in a few ways: the state gives you a full 60 days to transfer the title (one of the longest windows in the country), requires notarization of the title assignment, and has a combined sales tax rate that can climb as high as 11% in certain jurisdictions.
Another thing worth knowing: Kansas requires emissions testing, but only in Johnson County and Wyandotte County. If you're buying a vehicle in the Kansas City metro area, factor in the emissions inspection. The rest of the state doesn't have any testing requirement.
6.5%+
State + local sales tax
60 Days
Transfer deadline
Yes
Notarization required
2 Counties
Emissions required
Kansas Department of Revenue Requirements
Kansas processes vehicle transfers through county treasurers on behalf of the Department of Revenue's Division of Vehicles. Here's everything you need to prepare:
Important: Kansas Tax Rates Vary Widely
While the state sales tax is 6.5%, local taxes push the total rate anywhere from 7% to 11% depending on your county and city. The buyer's residence determines the applicable rate. Check with your county treasurer for the exact combined rate before finalizing your budget.
What the Seller Must Provide
- Signed & Notarized Title: The title assignment must be completed and notarized, including the buyer's name, sale date, price, and odometer reading
- Bill of Sale: A thorough bill of sale with buyer/seller details, full vehicle description, VIN, sale price, date, and signatures
- Odometer Disclosure: Required by federal law — mileage and accuracy status documented on the title or a separate form
- Lien Release: If there was a lien on the vehicle, a release letter from the lienholder is needed
What the Buyer Needs at the County Treasurer
- Notarized Title: With the seller's notarized signature and all transfer fields filled in
- Bill of Sale: Signed by both the buyer and seller
- Valid Photo ID: Kansas driver's license or state ID
- Proof of Insurance: Kansas minimum liability ($25,000/$50,000/$25,000)
- Emissions Certificate: Required only in Johnson and Wyandotte counties
- Payment: Title fee ($10), registration (weight-based), and sales tax (6.5% state + local)
How to Fill Out a Kansas Vehicle Bill of Sale
Use these six steps to complete your Kansas bill of sale. Our template handles the structure and legal language — just plug in the transaction details.
Enter Seller Information
Start with the seller's full legal name as printed on the Kansas vehicle title. Add their mailing address and phone number. If there are multiple owners on the title, look at whether the names are connected by "and" (all must sign) or "or" (any one can sign on behalf of all).
Enter Buyer Information
Record the buyer's full legal name exactly as it should appear on the new Kansas title, their current address, and contact information. The buyer's county of residence determines which county treasurer handles the transfer and what local sales tax rate applies.
Describe the Vehicle
Include the year, make, model, body style, and color. Carefully copy the 17-digit VIN from the vehicle's dashboard plate or driver-side door sticker, then verify it matches the title exactly. Even one wrong character will hold up the transfer at the county treasurer's office.
Record the Odometer Reading
Write the exact mileage from the odometer at the time of sale and indicate whether it accurately reflects the distance traveled, has exceeded its mechanical limits, or is not the actual mileage. This federal disclosure requirement applies to vehicles less than 20 years old with a GVWR under 16,000 lbs.
State the Sale Price
Document the agreed purchase price in both numbers and words. The county treasurer calculates sales tax (6.5% state + local) based on this amount. For gifts, enter "$0 — Gift" and check with the county treasurer about potential tax exemptions for transfers between family members.
Sign, Date, and Notarize
Both parties sign and date the bill of sale. Kansas requires the title assignment to be notarized, so plan to complete the signing with a notary public present. Make at least two copies of all documents. The buyer then has 60 days to visit the county treasurer.
Kansas Title Transfer Process
With the bill of sale signed and the title notarized, the buyer takes the next steps at the county treasurer's office. Kansas's 60-day transfer window gives you plenty of time, but here's the full process:
Complete the Sale with Notarization
Sign the bill of sale, notarize the title assignment, exchange payment and vehicle
Get Emissions Tested (If Required)
Only needed in Johnson and Wyandotte counties — skip this step in all other Kansas counties
Obtain Insurance
Secure Kansas minimum liability insurance before visiting the county treasurer
Visit Your County Treasurer's Office
Bring the notarized title, bill of sale, ID, insurance, and emissions cert (if applicable)
Pay Fees and Sales Tax
Title fee ($10), weight-based registration, and combined sales tax (6.5% state + local)
Kansas Vehicle Sales Tax & Fees
Kansas vehicle taxes can be surprisingly steep because of local add-ons. The 6.5% state rate is just the floor — your actual rate depends on where you live. Some parts of the KC metro area have combined rates exceeding 10%. Here's what to plan for:
| Fee / Tax | Amount |
|---|---|
| State Sales Tax | 6.5% of sale price |
| Local Sales Tax | 0.5-4.5% additional (varies by jurisdiction) |
| Combined Sales Tax | 7-11% total (state + local) |
| Title Transfer Fee | $10 |
| Registration Fee | Based on vehicle weight (varies) |
| Late Transfer Penalty | $2.50/month after 60 days |
| Duplicate Title | $10 |
Sample Kansas Vehicle Bill of Sale
Here's a look at what our Kansas vehicle bill of sale template covers. Your completed document will include every field Kansas county treasurers need to process the transfer.
STATE OF KANSAS
VEHICLE BILL OF SALE
Private Party Motor Vehicle Transfer
SELLER:
Name: [Seller Name]
Address: [Kansas Address]
County: [County]
BUYER:
Name: [Buyer Name]
Address: [Kansas Address]
County: [County]
VEHICLE INFORMATION
Year: [Year] Make: [Make] Model: [Model]
VIN: [17-digit VIN]
Odometer: [Miles] miles
Sale Price: $[Amount]
Kansas Vehicle Bill of Sale FAQ
Answers to the most common questions about Kansas vehicle sales, title transfers, county treasurer visits, and emissions requirements.
Official Kansas Resources
Consult these official state and federal resources to confirm current Kansas requirements, find your county treasurer, and access state vehicle forms.
Kansas DOR — Division of Vehicles
State vehicle titling, registration, and forms
Kansas DOR — Title Information
Detailed guide on Kansas title transfer procedures
NHTSA — Odometer Fraud Prevention
Federal odometer disclosure requirements and fraud reporting
NICB VINCheck — Free Vehicle History
Check if a vehicle has been reported stolen or salvaged
NHTSA VIN Decoder
Decode any VIN to verify year, make, model, and specifications
IRS — Vehicle Sale Tax Reporting
Federal tax implications of selling a vehicle
Other Kansas Bill of Sale Templates
Need a bill of sale for something other than a car in Kansas? We offer templates tailored to Kansas requirements for all types of personal property.
Kansas Boat Bill of Sale
Boats, jet skis, and watercraft
Kansas Motorcycle Bill of Sale
Motorcycles, scooters, and mopeds
Kansas Trailer Bill of Sale
Utility, travel, and cargo trailers
Kansas Firearm Bill of Sale
Handguns, rifles, and shotguns
Kansas General Bill of Sale
Furniture, electronics, and personal property
Kansas ATV Bill of Sale
ATVs, UTVs, and off-road vehicles
Kansas Horse Bill of Sale
Horses, cattle, and livestock
Kansas Mobile Home Bill of Sale
Manufactured and mobile homes
Create Your Kansas Vehicle Bill of Sale
Answer a few questions and get a Kansas-compliant document with notary section included. Accepted by all 105 county treasurers.
No account required. Free to create and preview.