Can I name a beneficiary on my Kansas vehicle title?

Yes. Kansas allows a transfer-on-death (tod) beneficiary designation on the certificate of title on a vehicle title under K.S.A. 59-3508 et seq. (see also K.S.A. 8-135(c)(10)). It passes the vehicle to a named beneficiary at death without probate.

Do I Need a Vehicle Transfer on Death Designation in Kansas?

Answer a few questions about how your vehicle is titled to see whether a transfer-on-death designation applies for avoiding probate on a vehicle.

State where the vehicle is titled

Find out if a vehicle TOD fits your situation

Select your state to see whether you can name a beneficiary on your vehicle title and what vehicles qualify.

This tool provides general information about vehicle transfer-on-death designations and is not legal advice. Availability and requirements vary by state. Consult your state titling agency or a licensed attorney for guidance specific to your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Kansas allows a transfer-on-death (tod) beneficiary designation on the certificate of title on a vehicle title. It passes the vehicle to a named beneficiary at death without probate.

Kansas allows a transfer-on-death (tod) beneficiary designation on the certificate of title on motor vehicle (as defined by k.s.a. 8-126).

Add the designation through the Kansas Department of Revenue, Division of Vehicles (issues the certificate of title); applications are made at the local county treasurer's motor vehicle office using Title and Registration Manual Application (Form TR-212a). Notarization is not required.

Yes. Kansas allows more than one beneficiary on a vehicle transfer-on-death (tod) beneficiary designation on the certificate of title.

Yes. The designation can be changed or cancelled at any time during your lifetime. In Kansas: File an application for a subsequent certificate of title changing or removing the beneficiary designation (K.S.A. 59-3510)..

The beneficiary retitles the vehicle with the Kansas Department of Revenue, Division of Vehicles (issues the certificate of title); applications are made at the local county treasurer's motor vehicle office by submitting: Transfer on Death Affidavit (Form TR-82), signed by the beneficiary(ies), Verification that the vehicle was last titled in Kansas and who is shown as the TOD beneficiary (the title, last registration receipt, or a verification of ownership from the County Treasurer or Division of Vehicles), A copy of the death certificate for each owner shown on the Kansas title (the form asks for a copy, not a certified copy), If a lien is listed: a notarized lienholder consent (Form TR-128) or notarized lien release, Application for title made at the local County Treasurer motor vehicle office (and payment of title fees). A vehicle designation covers only that vehicle — to keep a home, accounts, and everything else out of probate in one document, SimplyTrust sets up a revocable trust online.

Vehicle TOD in Kansas

A vehicle transfer-on-death designation in Kansas lets you name a beneficiary who receives your vehicle at death, bypassing probate for that vehicle (available in Kansas: Yes). The designation has no effect during your lifetime: you remain the sole owner and can revoke it whenever you choose.

In Kansas, the designation is made through the Kansas Department of Revenue, Division of Vehicles (issues the certificate of title); applications are made at the local county treasurer's motor vehicle office using Title and Registration Manual Application (Form TR-212a). Notarization is not required. A new certificate of title is issued showing the beneficiary.

In Kansas, the designation covers motor vehicle (as defined by k.s.a. 8-126).

This designation is a focused tool — one vehicle at a time. For families with assets beyond a vehicle, a revocable living trust handles everything in one place and adds incapacity planning. The trust vs. will comparison shows the trade-offs.

SimplyTrust Editorial

Legal Sources

K.S.A. 59-3508 et seq. (see also K.S.A. 8-135(c)(10))

Data sourced from Kansas statutes and official state code. How we research.

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