Kansas Vehicle Gift Certification & TR-12 Affidavit Guide

Gifting a car in Kansas should be simple, but one wrong move on the paperwork can trigger sales tax or a rejected title. The Kansas vehicle gift certification and TR-12 affidavit to a fact process is the legal way to transfer ownership without a sale, but it only works if you follow the state’s exact steps.

As of 2026, Kansas requires the TR-12 Affidavit of Motor Vehicle Gift to prove the transfer is a true gift, not a disguised sale. Miss a signature or skip notarization, and the county treasurer will send you back to square one.

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Quick Answer

The Kansas vehicle gift certification and TR-12 affidavit to a fact process lets you transfer a car without sales tax. It requires the TR-12 form, notarized signatures, and accurate vehicle details. Submit it with the title to your county treasurer.

Processing takes 1 to 14 days.

What the Kansas TR-12 Affidavit Actually Does

The TR-12 is a legal document that proves a vehicle transfer is a gift, not a sale. This matters because Kansas doesn’t charge sales tax on bona fide gifts.

The form captures the donor, recipient, and vehicle details, then requires notarization to prevent fraud. It’s the only way to avoid sales tax when gifting a car to family or friends in Kansas.

When You Need a TR-12 (and When You Don’t)

You need a TR-12 if you’re transferring a vehicle to a family member or friend with no money exchanged. This includes parent-to-child transfers, spousal gifts, or giving a car to a sibling.

You don’t need a TR-12 if the vehicle is sold, even for $1. In that case, you’ll use a standard title transfer and pay sales tax on the purchase price or fair market value. Inherited vehicles may use a different form, like an Affidavit of Heirship.

Kansas Gift Transfer vs. Sale: The Key Difference

A gift transfer uses the TR-12 to prove no money changed hands. The state waives sales tax, but you still pay the title transfer fee, usually $10 to $20.

A sale requires a bill of sale and sales tax based on the purchase price or fair market value. Even a $1 sale is treated as a taxable transaction, so the TR-12 is the only way to avoid tax on a true gift.

Step-by-Step: How to Fill Out the TR-12 Correctly

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Gather the Right Documents First

You’ll need the current vehicle title, the TR-12 form, and valid IDs for both donor and recipient. If the title is lost, request a duplicate from the county treasurer before starting.

The TR-12 is available from the Kansas Department of Revenue website or your local county treasurer’s office. Use the latest version, as older forms may be rejected.

Fill Out the Form Without Errors

Start with the donor and recipient’s full legal names and addresses. Then add the vehicle details: make, model, year, and VIN. Double-check the VIN against the title to avoid mismatches.

The form asks for the fair market value. Use a trusted guide like Kelley Blue Book or NADA to determine this. If the value seems too low, the county may question the gift claim.

Notarization: Where Most People Mess Up

Both the donor and recipient must sign the TR-12 in front of a notary. The notary then stamps and signs the form to verify the identities and willingness of both parties.

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A missing or incomplete notary stamp is the top reason for rejection. Some banks and UPS stores offer notary services, but call ahead to confirm availability. As of 2026, Kansas notary fees typically range from $5 to $15.

Where and How to Submit the TR-12 in Kansas

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Submit the completed TR-12 and title to your local county treasurer’s office. Each county handles its own vehicle transfers, so you’ll need to visit or mail the documents to the office where the donor resides.

Bring a valid ID and be prepared to pay the title transfer fee. Fees vary by county but typically range from $10 to $20. Some offices accept cash only, so check ahead.

Costs, Fees, and Processing Times

The TR-12 form itself is free, but you’ll pay for notarization and the title transfer. Notary fees are usually $5 to $15, while title transfer fees depend on the county.

Processing times vary. Some counties issue the new title on the spot, while others take up to two weeks. Busy offices or mail-in submissions may add extra days.

Common Mistakes That Get Your TR-12 Rejected

Using an outdated TR-12 form is a quick way to get rejected. Always download the latest version from the Kansas Department of Revenue website or pick one up in person.

Mismatched information between the TR-12 and the title will also cause problems. Double-check the VIN, vehicle description, and owner names before submitting.

What Happens After You Submit the Form

Once accepted, the county treasurer processes the transfer and issues a new title in the recipient’s name. You’ll receive the title by mail or in person, depending on the county’s policy.

The recipient must then update their vehicle registration and insurance. Driving without proper registration can result in fines.

Kansas-Specific Rules You Can’t Ignore

Kansas does not charge sales tax on bona fide gifts, but the state may investigate if the fair market value seems unrealistic. Always use a reputable source like Kelley Blue Book for valuation.

Both the donor and recipient must be present with valid IDs for notarization. If either party can’t appear in person, check with the notary about alternative options.