The Kansas Title and Registration Manual Application, Form TR-212a, is the paper form every Kansas vehicle owner uses to title and register a car, truck, motorcycle, or trailer with their local county treasurer’s office on behalf of the Kansas Department of Revenue, Division of Vehicles. You file it when you buy a vehicle, move to Kansas, add a name to a title, or transfer a license plate.
The form looks simple, but each box ties to your title, your tax bill, and your legal right to drive. The current version is TR-212a (07/24), printed in the bottom corner, and a mismatched name, missing VIN, or wrong weight can stall your title for weeks. Kansas law gives you only 60 days from your purchase date to file before title penalties start to grow, so getting it right the first time saves money and stress.
Here is what you will learn in this guide:
- 📝 How to fill out every box on Form TR-212a in plain English
- 🚗 Which documents and ID numbers to gather before you start
- 👨👩👧 Three full walkthroughs for a new resident, a used-car buyer, and a new-car buyer with a loan
- 💰 The exact fees, deadlines, and penalties tied to each section
- ⚠️ The most common field mistakes that get applications rejected and how to dodge them
What the Form Is and Who Must File It
Form TR-212a is the Title and Registration Manual Application used statewide in Kansas. It serves two jobs at once: it applies for a certificate of title, which proves you own the vehicle, and it applies for registration, which gives you a license plate and the legal right to drive on public roads. The form is published by the Kansas Department of Revenue (KDOR), Division of Vehicles, but you do not mail it to Topeka in most cases. You hand it to your county treasurer’s office, which acts as the local agent that collects your fees, your property tax, and your sales tax.
Kansas law under K.S.A. 8-135 requires anyone who buys or brings a vehicle into the state to apply for a title in their name. If you skip this step, you cannot legally register or sell the vehicle, and you expose yourself to a title penalty fee for filing late. The rule exists so the state always knows who owns each vehicle and so liens, taxes, and safety recalls trace to a real person.
You must file Form TR-212a if you bought a new or used vehicle from a dealer or private seller, if you moved to Kansas with an out-of-state vehicle, if you inherited a vehicle, or if you are adding a spouse or child to a title. Dealers, businesses, and leasing companies use the same form but enter a federal ID number instead of a Social Security number. Marcus, a first-time buyer in Wichita, files it for his used sedan, while Delta Freight LLC files the same form for a box truck using its FEIN.
Before You Start: Documents and Information You Need
Gather everything below before you open the form. A missing document is the top reason filers leave the treasurer’s window without plates and have to come back.
- The title or Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin (MSO). A used vehicle needs the properly signed title; a brand-new vehicle needs the MSO from the dealer. Without it, the county cannot transfer ownership and will reject the application.
- Proof of insurance. Your insurance card must show the VIN, year, make, policy number, insured name, and effective and expiration dates. Kansas law requires active coverage, and the county will not issue a plate without it.
- Your driver’s license or ID. You need the number for the ID box, and the name on it must match the name you write as owner. A mismatch triggers a hold.
- An odometer reading. Federal law requires a mileage disclosure on vehicles under 10 years old. A blank reading can void the transfer.
- A bill of sale or sales tax receipt. A Kansas dealer gives you a sales tax receipt; a private or out-of-state sale needs a bill of sale so the county can collect the correct sales tax.
- An out-of-state VIN inspection. Any vehicle coming from another state needs a VIN inspection from an inspection station before titling. Skipping it stops the process cold.
- Lienholder name and address. If a bank or credit union financed the vehicle, you need its exact mailing address so the title lists the lien correctly.
- Money for fees and taxes. Bring funds for the title fee, registration fee, property tax, and sales tax. Property tax must be paid at the time of application for most vehicles, so an underfunded visit means no plate.
Where to Get the Form and How to Access It
You can download Form TR-212a free as a fillable PDF from the Kansas Department of Revenue forms page. The same form is hosted by the Kansas County Treasurers Association and by many individual county sites, so you can print it at home before your visit. Always pull the version that shows TR-212a (07/24) in the bottom-left corner so you are using the current revision.
Most county treasurer offices also keep blank copies at the counter and will help you fill them in if you arrive without one. If you would rather not handle a private vendor, stick to the official KDOR PDF or your county page, because third-party “fillable form” sites sometimes charge fees or post outdated versions. Aisha, a new resident in Johnson County, downloads the PDF, types her answers on the computer, and prints a clean copy to avoid messy handwriting.
You complete the form by hand or by typing in the PDF fields, then sign it in ink. Kansas does not offer a single statewide online portal for first-time titling, so the finished TR-212a goes to the county treasurer in person or by mail. Some counties offer online renewal later, but the initial title and registration runs through this paper form.
Step-by-Step: How to Fill Out Form TR-212a Line by Line
Work through the form from the top down, in the order the boxes appear. Use blue or black ink, write in all capital letters for clarity, and format dates as MM/DD/YYYY. Each section below explains what the box asks, how to answer it, a sample entry, the common edge case, the mistake to avoid, and the myth to drop.
County Name
This box asks which Kansas county will process your application. Write the name of the county where you live or where your business sits, not the county where you bought the vehicle. Marcus writes SEDGWICK because he lives in Wichita.
A common edge case is a recent move within Kansas. Always list your current county of residence, because the certification at the bottom swears you live or do business there. The frequent mistake is naming the seller’s county, which sends fees and property tax to the wrong jurisdiction and forces a redo. People wrongly believe any county can register any resident; in truth, you must file in the county where you actually live.
Plate Type
This box asks what kind of license plate you want, such as a standard passenger plate, a truck plate, a motorcycle plate, or a personalized or specialty plate. Write the plate category that matches your vehicle and request. Marcus writes PASSENGER for his sedan.
The edge case shows up with specialty and personalized plates, which may need a separate application and extra fee on top of the TR-212a. A common mistake is leaving this blank, which forces the clerk to guess and can delay the order. Many filers think the plate type changes their property tax; it does not, because tax is based on the vehicle’s value and weight, not the plate design.
Application Date
This box asks the date you complete and submit the form. Write today’s date in MM/DD/YYYY format, such as 06/05/2026. This date helps the county confirm you filed within the 60-day window after purchase.
The edge case is mailing the form, where the date should reflect when you sign and send it. The common mistake is backdating or postdating, which can look like an attempt to dodge a late penalty and raises questions. Some people confuse this with the purchase date; they are different boxes and often hold different dates.
Owner’s Name(s) (Last, First, Middle Initial)
This box asks for the legal name of every owner, listed last name first. Write your name exactly as it appears on your driver’s license or Social Security card, because the county cross-checks it against state records. Marcus enters JOHNSON, MARCUS T.
The edge case is two or more owners, such as a married couple, where you list both names and should note whether ownership is “and” or “or,” since that controls who must sign to sell later. The biggest mistake is a name that does not match your ID, which triggers a processing hold and a return trip. A common myth is that a nickname is fine; the title must carry your full legal name or it may not match a future loan or insurance record.
DL, FEIN, TIN, SSN (provide one)
This box asks for one identifying number: your Driver’s License number, a federal employer ID (FEIN), a taxpayer ID (TIN), or your Social Security number. Individuals usually write their driver’s license or SSN, while businesses write the FEIN. Delta Freight LLC enters its FEIN 48-1234567.
The edge case is a leased or company vehicle, which uses the business federal tax ID rather than a personal number. The common mistake is leaving it blank or entering a number that does not match the owner name, which stalls the title and later blocks any tax or tag refund. People often fear identity theft here, but Kansas requires this number by law to title the vehicle and to process refunds.
Address, City, State, Zip (Owner)
This block asks for the owner’s physical residence or business address. Write your street address, city, KANSAS (or KS), and ZIP code where you actually live. Aisha writes 11820 W 95TH ST, LENEXA, KS 66214.
The edge case is a P.O. Box, which the county may accept for mailing but not as your residence; you may need to add a physical address too. A common mistake is using an old out-of-state address after moving in, which conflicts with the residency certification you sign. Many filers assume their mailing and physical address must be identical; the form actually has separate mailing boxes below for that reason.
VIN
This box asks for the vehicle identification number, the unique 17-character code for your vehicle. Copy it exactly from the title, MSO, or the dashboard plate, double-checking every character. Marcus enters 1HGCM82633A004352.
The edge case is an out-of-state vehicle, which needs a VIN inspection before the county will accept this box. The most damaging mistake is a single wrong digit, because the title will describe the wrong vehicle and the error can take weeks to correct. People often confuse the VIN with the license plate number; the VIN never changes, while the plate can.
Year, Make, Model
These boxes ask for the model year, manufacturer, and model name of the vehicle. Copy them straight from the title or MSO so they match the VIN record. Marcus writes 2019, HONDA, ACCORD.
The edge case is a rebuilt or kit vehicle, where the make may read differently than expected and should match the title brand. A common mistake is guessing the model year from memory; the year on the form must match the title, or the record will not reconcile. Some filers think the trim level matters here; only the year, make, and model are needed.
Purchase/Brought into KS Date
This box asks the date you bought the vehicle or first brought it into Kansas. Write that date in MM/DD/YYYY, because it starts the 60-day clock for filing and triggers penalties if you are late. Aisha, who moved from Missouri, writes the date she relocated, 05/01/2026.
The edge case is a new resident whose purchase happened long ago in another state; you use the date you brought it into Kansas, not the original sale date. The key mistake is reporting a date that makes you appear inside the window when you are not, which counts as false certification. People assume the clock starts at registration; it actually starts at purchase or entry into the state.
Mileage and Odometer Status (Actual / Exceeds / Not Actual / Exempt)
This box asks the current odometer reading and how to classify it. Write the exact mileage and mark Actual unless the odometer rolled over (Exceeds), is known to be wrong (Not Actual), or the vehicle is exempt. Marcus enters 84,210 and marks ACTUAL.
The edge case is a vehicle 10 years or older or a heavy truck registered at 20,000 pounds or more, which is exempt from disclosure, though a reading is still requested. The mistake is rounding or guessing, since federal odometer law treats a false reading as fraud. Many believe older cars need no mileage at all; the county still wants a number even when disclosure is exempt.
Empty Weight, Declared/Gross Weight, Truck Class
These boxes ask the vehicle’s empty (unloaded) weight, its declared or gross weight if it is a truck, and the truck weight class. Copy the empty weight from the title or manufacturer data, and set the declared weight for trucks based on the most you will haul. Delta Freight LLC lists an empty weight, a 12,000 lb declared weight, and the matching truck class.
The edge case is a passenger car, where you usually fill only the empty weight and skip the truck class. The mistake is under-declaring a truck’s gross weight to save money, which is illegal and leads to fines if you run heavier than declared. People think weight is just paperwork; it actually sets your registration fee, since autos under 4,500 lbs pay $42.50 and heavier autos pay $52.25.
Fuel Type and Color
These boxes ask what fuel the vehicle uses and its exterior color. Write the fuel, such as GAS, DIESEL, or ELECTRIC, and the main body color. Aisha writes GAS and SILVER.
The edge case is a hybrid or two-tone vehicle; pick the primary fuel and the dominant color. The mistake is leaving these blank, which leaves an incomplete record that an officer may flag during a stop. Some assume color is cosmetic and skips it; the state uses it to identify the vehicle, so it belongs on the title.
Title Mailing Address (Name, Address, City, State, Zip)
This block asks where the printed title should be mailed. Enter the name and address that should receive the certificate of title, which is often the owner but can be a lienholder. Marcus lists his own home address since he paid cash.
The edge case is a financed vehicle, where the lender may want the title or an electronic lien instead of a paper copy. The mistake is leaving this blank, which can route your title to the wrong place or delay it. Many filers think the title comes home instantly; it is mailed later, so the address must be correct now.
License Plate/Registration Mailing Address and Push Notification Phone or Email
This block asks where to send the registration and plate, plus a phone or email for electronic notices. Enter the address for the plate and a contact for renewal reminders. Aisha adds her cell number for push notifications.
The edge case is when this differs from the title address, such as a snowbird with two homes. The mistake is omitting the phone or email, which means you miss renewal alerts and risk an expired tag. People think the notification field is spam bait; it is only used for official registration reminders.
1st Lienholder Mailing Address and 2nd Lienholder (Truck/Mobile Home only)
This block asks for any lender that financed the vehicle. Enter the lienholder’s exact name and mailing address so the lien is recorded on the title. Carlos, who financed a new pickup, enters his credit union’s name and address.
The edge case is a second lien, which the form allows only for trucks and mobile homes. The mistake is forgetting the lien, which can count as false certification, since you swear all liens are listed. Many cash buyers wonder if they fill this in; if no one financed the vehicle, you leave it blank.
Transfer on Death (1st and 2nd TOD Name, Address)
This block lets you name a beneficiary who will receive the vehicle when you die, without probate. Enter the full name and address of each person you want to inherit it. Janet, a widow, names her daughter as the 1st TOD beneficiary.
The edge case is naming two beneficiaries, where you should understand they take ownership together. The mistake is naming someone but never updating it after a divorce or death, which can send the vehicle to the wrong person. People think a TOD overrides a will; for this vehicle, the TOD on the title controls regardless of the will.
Plate Transfer Information (Previous Vehicle’s VIN, Year, Make, Model; Vehicle Sold to/Repossessed by)
This block moves a plate from a vehicle you no longer own to the new one. Enter the old vehicle’s VIN, year, make, and model, plus who bought it and when. Marcus lists his old car’s VIN and the buyer’s name.
The edge case is timing: the previous vehicle must be sold or traded within 30 days of the new purchase to transfer the plate. The mistake is a name mismatch, since the old registration name must match the new owner name. People assume any old plate transfers; it only works when ownership and the 30-day rule line up.
Adding Name to Title/Registration (Spouse, Parent, Child) and Signature of Person Being Added
This block adds a family member to the title. Check whether the person is a spouse, parent, or child, and have that person sign in the signature line provided. Janet checks CHILD and her son signs to be added.
The edge case is adding a non-family member, which may be treated as a sale and taxed differently. The mistake is forgetting the added person’s signature, which voids the addition. People think adding a name is always tax-free; only certain family transfers avoid sales tax.
Insurance Co. Name and Insurance Policy No.
These boxes ask for proof of active coverage. Write your insurance company’s name and policy number exactly as shown on your card, since Kansas requires financial security on every registered vehicle. Carlos enters FARM BUREAU and his policy number.
The edge case is a fleet or commercial policy, which uses a different proof such as a motor carrier ID. The mistake is listing a lapsed policy, which is false certification and can lead to fines or suspension. People think a quote or binder application counts; you need an active policy or an accepted binder.
Fee Summary
This section totals every charge the county collects, line by line. You usually leave most lines for the clerk, but you should understand each one before you pay. The lines include Title Fee, Title Penalty, Registration Fee, Registration Penalty, DMV Modernization Fee, County Service Fee, Law Enforcement Training Center Fee, Reflectorized Plate Fee, Property/Tax Due, Property/Tax Penalty, Previous Property/RV Tax Due and Penalty, KHP Staffing and Training Fee, Miscellaneous Fee, Sales Tax, and the Grand Total.
The current statewide charges include a $10 title fee, a $4 modernization fee, and a $42.50 registration fee for autos under 4,500 pounds. The edge case is heavy trucks, trailers, and motorbikes, which are exempt from paying property tax at the time of application. The mistake is arriving without funds for property and sales tax, which the county collects up front, so an underfunded visit ends with no plate. People assume the fees are just the title and tag; property and sales tax often dwarf those amounts.
Certification and Owner’s Signature(s) with Date
This final block is your sworn statement. By signing, you certify you live or do business in the county, that the vehicle is insured, and that all liens and information are true. Sign in ink and date it; Marcus signs and writes 06/05/2026.
The edge case is joint ownership, where every owner whose name appears must sign. The mistake is leaving it unsigned, which makes the entire application invalid and unprocessable. The form warns that false certification can result in criminal prosecution, so do not treat this as a formality, because a knowingly false statement is a crime, not a paperwork slip.
Three Filled-Out Examples Using Real Scenarios
Below are three common filers walked through the key sections of Form TR-212a.
Scenario 1: Aisha, a New Resident Registering an Out-of-State Car
Aisha moved from Missouri to Lenexa and must title her 2020 Toyota Camry in Kansas within 60 days, after getting a VIN inspection.
| Form Section | What Aisha Enters |
|---|---|
| County Name | JOHNSON |
| Plate Type | PASSENGER |
| Owner’s Name | PATEL, AISHA R |
| DL, FEIN, TIN, SSN | Her Kansas driver’s license number |
| VIN | 4T1B11HK5LU (full 17 characters from title) |
| Year, Make, Model | 2020, TOYOTA, CAMRY |
| Purchase/Brought into KS Date | 05/01/2026 |
| Insurance Co. and Policy No. | STATE FARM and her policy number |
| Owner’s Signature and Date | Signs in ink, dates 06/05/2026 |
Scenario 2: Marcus, a Used Car Bought from a Private Seller
Marcus bought a 2019 Honda Accord from a neighbor in Wichita and brings the signed title and a bill of sale so the county can collect sales tax.
| Form Section | What Marcus Enters |
|---|---|
| County Name | SEDGWICK |
| Plate Type | PASSENGER |
| Owner’s Name | JOHNSON, MARCUS T |
| DL, FEIN, TIN, SSN | His Kansas driver’s license number |
| VIN | 1HGCM82633A004352 |
| Year, Make, Model | 2019, HONDA, ACCORD |
| Mileage and Status | 84,210, marked ACTUAL |
| 1st Lienholder | Left blank (paid cash) |
| Owner’s Signature and Date | Signs in ink, dates 06/05/2026 |
Scenario 3: Carlos, a New Car from a Kansas Dealer with a Lien
Carlos financed a new 2026 Ford F-150 through his credit union, and the dealer gave him an MSO and a sales tax receipt.
| Form Section | What Carlos Enters |
|---|---|
| County Name | SHAWNEE |
| Plate Type | TRUCK |
| Owner’s Name | RIVERA, CARLOS A |
| DL, FEIN, TIN, SSN | His Kansas driver’s license number |
| VIN | The 17-character VIN from the MSO |
| Year, Make, Model | 2026, FORD, F-150 |
| Declared/Gross Weight, Truck Class | 12,000 lb, matching truck class |
| 1st Lienholder | Credit union name and mailing address |
| Insurance Co. and Policy No. | FARM BUREAU and his policy number |
| Owner’s Signature and Date | Signs in ink, dates 06/05/2026 |
How to File the Completed Form
Kansas routes Form TR-212a through your local county treasurer’s office, not a central state portal, so the channel you use depends on your county. Below are the channels available to most filers.
- In person. Take the signed form, your title or MSO, proof of insurance, your ID, and payment to your county treasurer’s motor vehicle counter. Fees include the $10 title fee, the $4 modernization fee, and the $42.50 registration fee for a light auto, plus property and sales tax. Most counties accept cash, check, and card, though card payments often add a processing fee. You usually walk out with plates the same day, and you should keep the stamped registration receipt as proof of filing.
- By mail. Some counties let you mail the signed form with copies of your documents and a check to the treasurer’s address listed on your county page. Expect a longer turnaround, often one to two weeks, and keep a copy of everything you send plus the check number as your proof of filing.
- Through a dealer. When you buy from a Kansas dealer, the dealer often submits the paperwork and collects the fees for you. Confirm in writing that the dealer filed within the 60-day window, because the title penalty falls on you, the owner, if filing is late.
Whatever channel you use, file within 60 days of purchase or entry into Kansas. Late filing adds a title penalty, and an expired or missing registration can mean a citation if you drive.
What Happens After You File
Once the county accepts your TR-212a and payment, you receive your license plate and a registration receipt right away when filing in person. The receipt is your temporary proof that the vehicle is registered, so keep it in the glove box until the metal plate and decal are in hand. Your registration runs on an annual cycle tied to the first letter of your last name, and the county sends a renewal notice by mail, phone, or email near the due date.
The certificate of title is mailed separately, usually within a few weeks, to the title mailing address you listed. If a lender financed the vehicle, the lien shows on the record and the lender may hold the title or an electronic lien until you pay off the loan. When you check the title, confirm your name, VIN, and any lien are correct, because fixing an error later means another trip and possibly another fee.
If anything was missing, the county contacts you using the phone or email you provided, so an incomplete contact box can stall the whole process. Once your title is clear and your plate is active, you only need to renew each year and update the record if you move, sell, or add an owner.
Mistakes to Avoid When Filling Out the Form
- Wrong county name. Listing the seller’s county instead of your own sends fees to the wrong place and forces a redo.
- Name that does not match your ID. A nickname or old name triggers a processing hold and a return trip.
- A single wrong VIN digit. Your title will describe the wrong vehicle and can take weeks to correct.
- Blank or mismatched ID number. A missing DL, SSN, or FEIN stalls the title and blocks future refunds.
- Old out-of-state address. It conflicts with the residency you certify and can delay the title.
- Skipping the VIN inspection on an out-of-state car. The county cannot title the vehicle until the inspection is done.
- Guessing the mileage. A false odometer reading is treated as fraud under federal law.
- Under-declaring a truck’s weight. It is illegal and leads to fines when you haul heavier than declared.
- Forgetting to list a lienholder. Omitting a lien counts as false certification on a sworn form.
- Listing a lapsed insurance policy. No active coverage means no plate and possible suspension.
- Leaving the signature blank. An unsigned form is invalid and cannot be processed.
- Filing after 60 days. Late filing adds a title penalty that grows the longer you wait.
Do’s and Don’ts
Do’s
- Do download the current TR-212a (07/24), so you use the version the county accepts.
- Do write your name exactly as it reads on your ID, because the county cross-checks state records.
- Do double-check all 17 VIN characters against the title, since one error misidentifies the vehicle.
- Do bring active proof of insurance, because Kansas requires it before issuing a plate.
- Do bring enough money for property and sales tax, which the county collects up front.
- Do file within 60 days, so you avoid the title penalty.
Don’ts
- Don’t sign before the form is complete, because your signature certifies every box is true.
- Don’t guess the purchase date, since it sets your penalty clock.
- Don’t under-report a truck’s weight, because it is illegal and risks fines.
- Don’t skip the lienholder section if you financed, since that is false certification.
- Don’t use a P.O. Box as your residence, because the county needs a physical address.
- Don’t rely on a dealer’s word that filing is done; confirm it in writing to avoid the penalty.
Pros and Cons of Filing on Your Own vs. With Help
| Filing on Your Own (Pro Se) | Filing With a Dealer or Title Service |
|---|---|
| Pro: You save the dealer or service fee, since you do the legwork yourself. | Pro: A pro handles the paperwork, which lowers the chance of a rejected form. |
| Pro: You control the accuracy of every box on your own record. | Pro: Dealers can bundle titling into the sale so you do not visit the counter. |
| Pro: You learn your own title and tax details for future filings. | Pro: A title service knows county quirks and current fee amounts. |
| Pro: You can ask the treasurer’s staff free questions at the counter. | Pro: Help is useful for complex cases like inherited or out-of-state vehicles. |
| Pro: You keep direct proof of filing in your own hands. | Pro: They track the 60-day deadline so you do not risk a late penalty. |
| Con: A small error can cost you a return trip and lost time. | Con: You pay an extra service or documentation fee. |
| Con: You must gather every document yourself. | Con: You still owe the penalty if the dealer files late, so you must verify. |
| Con: Complex cases can confuse a first-time filer. | Con: You have less direct control over the accuracy of each box. |
FAQs
Do I have to file Form TR-212a if I bought from a Kansas dealer?
Yes. The form must be filed, but the dealer often submits it and collects the fees for you. Always confirm in writing that the dealer filed within the 60-day window.
Is there a deadline to file the application?
Yes. You have 60 days from your purchase date or the date you brought the vehicle into Kansas. Filing late adds a title penalty that grows over time.
Do I write my name the way it appears on my driver’s license?
Yes. Enter your full legal name, last name first, exactly as it reads on your ID. A nickname or mismatch triggers a processing hold and a return trip.
Do I fill in the lienholder box if I paid cash?
No. Leave the 1st Lienholder block blank when no one financed the vehicle. You only list a lienholder when a bank or credit union holds a loan on it.
Can I use a P.O. Box in the owner address box?
No. The county needs your physical residence address there, since you certify you live in that county. You may use a P.O. Box only in the separate mailing address boxes.
Do I need a VIN inspection for an out-of-state vehicle?
Yes. Any vehicle with an out-of-state title needs a VIN inspection from an inspection station before the county will title it in Kansas.
Is the Social Security number really required?
Yes. Kansas law requires one ID number, and individuals usually give a driver’s license or SSN. A business or leased vehicle uses a federal tax ID instead.
Do I mark the odometer as “Actual” on an old car?
No. Vehicles 10 years or older are exempt from odometer disclosure, though the county still wants a reading. You mark “Exempt” rather than “Actual” in that case.
Can I transfer my old license plate to the new vehicle?
Yes. You can transfer it if your previous vehicle was sold or traded within 30 days and the registration name matches the new owner. Fill in the plate transfer section.
Do both spouses sign if we both own the vehicle?
Yes. Every owner whose name appears on the form must sign the certification. An unsigned owner line can make the application invalid.
Does adding my child to the title cost sales tax?
No. Certain family transfers to a spouse, parent, or child are exempt from sales tax. The person being added must sign the form for the addition to count.
Do I pay property tax when I register, or later?
Yes. Property tax is due at the time of application for most vehicles. Heavy trucks, trailers, and motorbikes are the main exceptions to paying it up front.
Is the Transfer on Death section required?
No. The TOD section is optional. You use it only if you want to name a beneficiary who inherits the vehicle without probate when you die.
What happens if I sign but the information is wrong?
No, you should not sign until it is correct, because the form warns that false certification can result in criminal prosecution. A knowingly false statement is a crime, not a paperwork slip.
Related reading
- How to Fill Out Kansas Application for Certificate of Title (TR-212a) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out Kansas Application for Duplicate Title (TR-720B) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out Kansas Bill of Sale (TR-12) (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out the Kansas Odometer Disclosure Statement (w/ Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out the Oklahoma Tax Commission Application for Certificate of Title (Form 701-6) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out District of Columbia DMV Application for Certificate of Title + FAQs
- How to Fill Out Delaware DMV Application for Duplicate Title (Form MV213) + FAQs