Kansas Boat, RV & Powersports Guide

Private-party title transfer, registration, lien search, sales tax, and USCG documentation rules for Kansas.

Title Required

✅ Yes

State issues boat title

Bill of Sale

✅ Required

For all transfers

Sales Tax

6.50%

On boat purchases

State Agency

Official Site ↗

Title & Registration in Kansas

Kansas requires a certificate of title for boats and personal watercraft. When you purchase a vessel, the seller must sign the title over to you. You then have a limited window to apply for a new title in your name.

Apply at a county treasurer's office within 60 days with the foreign title, bill of sale, and applicable taxes.

Lien Search in Kansas

Before completing any private-party purchase, run a lien search to confirm the vessel has no outstanding loans or encumbrances.

Kansas Official Lien Search ↗

For USCG-documented vessels, also search the National Vessel Documentation Center (NVDC).

Bill of Sale Requirements

Kansas requires a bill of sale to transfer title. Your bill of sale should include:

Hull Identification Number (HIN) or VIN
Make, model, and year of the vessel
Full legal names and addresses of buyer and seller
Purchase price and date of sale
Odometer reading (motorhomes/RVs)
Signatures of both parties
Notarization if required by Kansas

Sales Tax on Boats & Powersports in Kansas

Kansas charges 6.50% sales tax on boat and powersports purchases. Sales tax is typically collected when you register the vessel with the state. Some counties add additional local taxes. Check with your local Kansas agency for the full rate.

USCG Documentation in Kansas

Kansas is landlocked. USCG documentation does not apply. Registration is through Kansas Wildlife & Parks.

USCG-documented vessels carry a Certificate of Documentation (COD) issued by the National Vessel Documentation Center. This is recognized internationally and is preferred by lenders for boats over 26 ft. Even with USCG documentation, Kansas may still require state registration for operation on in-state waters.

Apply for USCG Documentation →