Transfer a car title after a death in Kansas
If the title names a transfer-on-death beneficiary, the beneficiary uses the Transfer on Death Affidavit (TR-82) with the death certificate and proof of the last Kansas title, at the county treasurer's motor vehicle office.
Checked against official sources: October 30, 2026.
Car or vehicle title after a death in Kansas
If the title names a transfer-on-death beneficiary, the beneficiary uses the Transfer on Death Affidavit (TR-82) with the death certificate and proof of the last Kansas title, at the county treasurer's motor vehicle office. Without a TOD beneficiary, legal heirs can use the Decedent's Affidavit (TR-83a, for one vehicle, with the spouse claiming it as exempt property) or the small estates affidavit / Claim of Heir (TR-83b, estates under $75,000, with VIN and odometer reading), plus the lienholder consent form TR-128 if needed. A title fee and any other fees or taxes apply.
Law: K.S.A. 8-135(c)(10), 59-1507b, 59-403(a)
- Agency
- Kansas Department of Revenue, Division of Vehicles (applications at the county treasurer's motor vehicle office)
- Fee
A title fee applies, along with any other fees or taxes. The KDOR FAQ gives $10 as the Kansas title fee.
- Transfer-on-death title
Vehicles may be titled in transfer-on-death form. After the death, the beneficiary files form TR-82 with a copy of the death certificate at the county treasurer's motor vehicle office.
Source: Official page
Do vehicles count toward the small estate limit?
| Kind of property | How it is treated | Details |
|---|---|---|
Cars and other vehicles | Counts | A vehicle in the person's name alone counts unless the title has a transfer-on-death beneficiary. Vehicles are listed on the affidavit. Law: K.S.A. 59-1507b, 8-135(c)(10) |
Boats and mobile or manufactured homes | Counts | Boats and other titled property in the person's name alone count. Law: K.S.A. 59-1507b |
Related pages
Free help in Kansas
A court self-help center or a legal aid office can check whether the estate qualifies, free of charge or at low cost.