Vehicle registration is an essential process that formally documents a vehicle's use on public roads.
In the state of Kansas, this process is a legal requirement. According to the Kansas Statutes Section 8-127, every motor vehicle owner intending to use the state's roads must apply for and obtain registration unless otherwise exempted by law.
The Kansas Department of Revenue (DOR), specifically the Division of Vehicles, oversees the vehicle registration process. This department manages the various vehicle registration steps and ensures that all legal and regulatory requirements are met.
By familiarizing themselves with the DOR requirements, vehicle owners can stay informed about any updates or changes in the registration process. Furthermore, this knowledge empowers them to fulfill their obligations as responsible vehicle owners and contribute to the safe and orderly use of public roads in Kansas.
How To Register a Car in Kansas?
To successfully register a vehicle in the state, individuals must visit their local County Treasurer's Office, specifically the one in the county where the car is garaged. Applicants must provide the necessary documentation and pay the registration fee during this visit.
Once these requirements are met, individuals will be issued a registration certificate and vehicle license plates.
Note that the steps involved and the documentary requirements can differ depending on whether the resident is new in Kansas, whether the vehicle is purchased from a dealer or private seller, and whether the resident has military affiliation.
Below is a detailed outline of the registration process for each of these scenario:
Registration of Vehicles For New Residents in Kansas
New Kansas residents are required to register their vehicles within 90 days of moving to the state.
To do so, they must first have their vehicle inspected by a motor vehicle inspection station. The Kansas Highway Patrol conducts this inspection, which involves verifying the vehicle identification number (VIN).
During the inspection, individuals are required to bring the following:
- Their driver's license
- The vehicle's title
- Payment for the inspection fee (contact the inspection station beforehand to obtain information about the payment process)
Once the inspection is completed, owners will receive a Motor Vehicle Examination Certificate. With this certificate, individuals can finalize the Kansas car registration certificate application.
To complete the registration process, new residents should visit a local County Treasure Office and provide:
- Proof of car insurance
- Their Motor Vehicle Examination Certificate
- The car's title
- A completed Title and Registration Manual Application Form
- Payment for the registration fees and any applicable personal property tax
Registration of Purchased Vehicles in Kansas
When registering a purchased vehicle in Kansas, individuals must adhere to specific guidelines within a 60-day window from the date of purchase.
If the vehicle is acquired from a dealership, whether new or used, the dealer typically handles the submission of registration papers on behalf of the buyer. However, if the purchase is from a private party, the buyer must personally visit the County Treasurer's Office with the following documents:
- Proof of Kansas auto insurance
- The signed-over title or the vehicle's Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin
- A Motor Vehicle Examination Certificate if the vehicle was purchased from out of state or holds an out-of-state title
- Kansas sales tax receipt or bill of sale
- A completed Title and Registration Manual Application Form
- Payment for registration fees and any applicable personal property tax
Vehicle Registration for Military Members in Kansas
In Kansas, military members face a distinct process regarding vehicle registration, accompanied by a set of exemptions tailored to their unique circumstances. Below delineates the registration procedures for diverse scenarios:
Kansas Military Members Stationed In-State
Kansas military personnel stationed in-state can benefit from a motor vehicle property tax exemption when registering their vehicle.
To obtain this exemption, they must submit an Affidavit for Motor Vehicle Tax Exemption to their County Treasurer. Additionally, applicants may need to provide their military identification card, leave and earnings statement, and a copy of their military orders.
The car's title is also needed. However, to qualify for the exemption, this title must bear the service member's name; titles under dependents' names are ineligible.
If service members hold leased vehicles, they are not eligible for this exemption.
Kansas Military Members Stationed Out of State
The DOR offers a seven-day grace period upon return for Kansas military members stationed out of state, particularly those whose Kansas car registration expires while deployed in a war zone. During this grace period, they can drive with expired Kansas plates.
To qualify for this waiver, individuals must carry specific documentation while driving, including a Temporary Transit Permit completed by an authorized officer from their overseas military base and proof of valid car insurance.
Note, however, that service members must follow the registration procedures if their temporary permit expires.
Non-Resident Military Members Stationed in Kansas
Non-resident military members stationed in Kansas are exempt from registering their vehicles with the DOR. This exemption recognizes the transient nature of military service and the often temporary nature of assignments.
Temporary Vehicle Registration in Kansas
In Kansas, individuals seeking to drive a vehicle before securing permanent plates can obtain a temporary vehicle registration valid for 60 days. The County Treasurer's Office facilitates this temporary registration.
To acquire a temporary permit, one must present proof of Kansas car insurance, the vehicle's assigned title, a bill of sale, and a payment covering the $13 fee. It's advisable to contact the county treasurer beforehand to ascertain the acceptable forms of payment.
The temporary permits cannot be extended beyond the stipulated 60 days, and only one permit is issued per vehicle.
Kansas License Plates
Kansas license plates are obtained through a successful vehicle registration process with the DOR. The standard Kansas license plate showcases a light blue background adorned with dark blue letters and incorporates a portion of the state's seal into its design. Each plate must be securely affixed to the back of the vehicle for clear visibility.
The DOR provides various distinctive license plates in addition to regular plates. These include plates representing educational institutions, organizations, and the military. Furthermore, Kansas offers vanity plates, which allow vehicle owners to personalize their tags with numbers, letters, and spaces.
How To Obtain Vanity License Plates in Kansas?
In Kansas, obtaining vanity license plates requires individuals to follow a specific process separate from standard license plate applications.
First, interested parties must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Reside in Kansas or be a military member stationed at a Kansas military office or base.
- Possess a Kansas title in their name or the leasing company's name for the vehicle getting a personalized plate.
- The motorcycle, truck, or auto getting personalized plates must have a registered weight of 20,000 pounds or less.
After meeting the eligibility criteria, it is recommended to check the availability of the desired personalized plate using the Personalized Plate Availability platform provided by the DOR.
Once the availability is confirmed, interested parties can apply for a personalized plate by visiting a County Treasurer's Office and completing a Personalized Plate Application Form. A customized plate fee of $45.50 must be paid to complete the transaction. Upon payment, allow 30 days for the personalized plate to arrive.
When obtaining a personalized plate in Kansas, autos or trucks can have a maximum of seven numbers, letters, and spaces. Meanwhile, motorcycles can have a maximum of five numbers, letters, and spaces.
Symbols are strictly prohibited, and combinations that are lewd, profane, vulgar, or indecent are not allowed on vanity plates.
How Much Does Vehicle Registration Cost in Kansas?
In Kansas, vehicle registration costs depend on the vehicle's type and weight.
The base registration fee for passenger vehicles weighing less than 4,500 pounds is $42.50, while those exceeding 4,500 pounds incur a slightly higher cost of $52.25. Motorcycles, mopeds, and motorized bicycles are subject to a base registration fee of $28.25. Note that the mentioned fees are just base fees and can vary per county.
Additionally, the fees differ for other types of vehicles, such as electric, hybrid, trucks, trailers, antique vehicles, and commercial vehicles. Supplementary charges, including title fees, county service fees, and late registration fees, may also apply during the registration process.
To obtain the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding registration fees and accepted payment methods, individuals are advised to consult their local County Treasurer's Office.
How To Renew Vehicle Registration in Kansas?
Renewing vehicle registration in Kansas is an annual requirement for all vehicle types. The renewal cycle is determined by the first letter of the registered owner's last name and the type of vehicle being renewed. The specific timeframes allotted for each group are as follows:
- Letter A: January 15 to February 28
- Letter B: February 15 to March 31
- Letters C-D: March 15 to April 30
- Letters E, F, G: April 15 to May 31
- Letters H-I: May 15 to June 30
- Letters J, K, L: June 15 to July 31
- Letters M, N, O: July 15 to August 31
- Letters P, Q, R: August 15 to September 30
- Letter S: September 15 to October 31
- Letters T, V, W: October 15 to November 30
- Letters U, X, Y, Z: November 15 to December 31
- Heavy trucks and trailers: must be renewed every December 31
The Kansas DOR does not offer a grace period for registration renewal, making it crucial to adhere to deadlines. Also, prior to registration expiration, the department sends a renewal notice that includes the renewal fee, vehicle information, online PIN, if applicable, and any outstanding issues that need resolution.
Individuals can renew their Kansas vehicle registration in person, online, or by mail.
In-Person Renewal
In-person renewal is the best method for individuals who need to renew their registration without a renewal notice or those who wish to remove a lienholder from their title.
To initiate the in-person renewal process, individuals must visit their local County Treasurer's Office and provide the following:
- DOR renewal notice (if applicable)
- Current Kansas registration certificate or license plate number
- Proof of vehicle insurance
- Payment for renewal fee
If individuals are removing a lienholder from their title and registration, they will also need to bring their title and release of lien document in addition to those mentioned above.
Once all the requirements have been met, individuals will receive their renewed DOR registration certificate and a new plate sticker before leaving the tag office.
Online Renewal
To be eligible for online vehicle registration renewal in Kansas, individuals must meet the following criteria:
- Have a renewal notice that includes a PIN
- Ensure the registration has not expired
- Have an insurance company that participates in the DOR's online verification system
- Be able to pay the renewal fee with an E-check or credit card
If these criteria are satisfied, individuals can visit the iKan Services renewal page to initiate the online renewal. They must then enter the PIN from the renewal notice, the vehicle year, payment information, billing zip code (for credit card payment), and telephone number. If successful, individuals can print their confirmation.
Upon completion, individuals will receive their registration renewal materials by mail.
Renewal by Mail
In Kansas, residents can renew their vehicle registration and license plates by mail. To do so, they must:
- Verify that all information on the renewal notice is correct.
- Make out a check or money order for the renewal fee.
- Include proof of insurance, if required.
- Return all documents to the address listed on the renewal notice.
Once processed, the renewal materials will be sent by mail. If the renewal materials are not received within a reasonable time, individuals can contact their local County Treasurer's Office to check the status of their vehicle registration.
How To Check if a Vehicle Is Currently Registered in Kansas?
The Kansas DOR currently does not provide any online lookup tool for checking a vehicle registration status. To obtain this information, interested parties must visit their local County Treasurer's Office where the vehicle is registered or last registered.
Since these offices are responsible for vehicle registration and titling, they can provide information about vehicle registration status. However, relevant vehicle details such as VIN, license plate number, owner's name, etc., are required when making such inquiries.