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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Kansas allows a transfer-on-death (tod) beneficiary designation on the certificate of title on a vehicle title.K.S.A. 59-3508 et seq. (see also K.S.A. 8-135(c)(10))Verified Aug 25, 2026View source 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). K.S.A. 59-3508 limits the transfer-on-death form to a "motor vehicle, as defined by K.S.A. 8-126" — "every vehicle, other than a motorized bicycle, electric-assisted bicycle or a motorized wheelchair, that is self-propelled." Titled property that is not self-propelled, such as a trailer or semitrailer, falls outside that definition.K.S.A. 59-3508 et seq. (see also K.S.A. 8-135(c)(10))Verified Aug 25, 2026View source
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.K.S.A. 59-3508 et seq. (see also K.S.A. 8-135(c)(10))Verified Aug 25, 2026View source
Yes. Kansas allows more than one beneficiary on a vehicle transfer-on-death (tod) beneficiary designation on the certificate of title.K.S.A. 59-3508 et seq. (see also K.S.A. 8-135(c)(10))Verified Aug 25, 2026View source
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)..K.S.A. 59-3508 et seq. (see also K.S.A. 8-135(c)(10))Verified Aug 25, 2026View source
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.
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