Vehicle owners must purchase car registration plates in Kansas within 60 days of acquiring a new or used vehicle. In order to apply for a KS DMV license plate, motorists must visit one of the state’s county treasurer offices and complete the application procedure in person. In addition to handling the issuance of new registration plates, the state Department of Revenue (DOR) manages vehicle registrations as well as title and tag renewals.

Furthermore, drivers must replace license plate credentials through the DOR if their plates or decals have sustained enough damage or became illegible. To learn more about how to get a license plate and how to renew these credentials each year, review the information below.

Types of License Plates in Kansas

Motorists have the option of obtaining several different types of new registration plates from the state’s DOR. Available car registration tags in Kansas include standard plates, temporary plates, disability plates, distinctive plates or personalized plates. Distinctive DOR car tags include plates that represent educational institutions, the military or other organizations such as Families of the Fallen, Special Interest, Street Rod, Ducks Unlimited or Donate Life. In addition to obtaining car registration tags for your newly-acquired vehicle, your license plate needs to display a car registration sticker, which must be renewed on an annual basis.

How to Apply for a License Plate in Kansas

Car owners must apply for a Kansas DOR license plate upon registering and titling the vehicle they have recently purchased in the state. However, the process of how to get a license plate varies depending on whether motorists purchase the vehicle from a dealership or a private seller. In most cases, car dealers will submit all of the license plate and registration documentation on behalf of buyers. During this time, drivers may purchase a 60-day temporary permit from the dealer.

However, if you are purchasing a vehicle from a private seller, you must get KS car tags without the assistance of a dealership. To do so, you may visit a county treasurer’s office and submit the following documentation in person:

  • A completed application form
  • The vehicle’s current certificate of title or certificate of origin
  • A notarized lien release, if applicable
  • Proof of completing a vehicle inspection, if applicable
  • Proof of auto insurance
  • Proof of paying sales tax on the vehicle
  • Payment for license plate and vehicle registration fees

Furthermore, be mindful that you must apply for a KS DOR license plate in the particular county where you reside. If you need to obtain a temporary permit after purchasing a vehicle from a private party, you must purchase the permit through your county treasurer’s office.

How to Renew License Plate Tags in Kansas

You must renew a license plate in Kansas if you already own a vehicle that was titled and registered with the state’s Department of Revenue. Overall, drivers must complete the car registration renewal process once per year before their vehicle’s license plate expires. When renewing license plate stickers and tags, car owners must complete the process online through the state DOR’s website, by mail or in person at a county treasurer’s office.

During the online car tag renewal process, vehicle owners must enter the personal identification number (PIN) from their registration renewal notice. Moreover, an applicant’s current address, insurance information and identification details must already be on file with the DOR. If motorists do not meet these requirements, they must renew their plates in person or by mail. After renewing your car tag online, your county treasurer’s office will mail your new license plate decals within 10 days.

How to Replace License Plates in Kansas

If necessary, you must replace license plate credentials as soon as they sustain a significant amount of damages or disappear from your vehicle. When replacing license plate stickers or tags, you must complete the appropriate application form and submit it in person a county treasurer’s office. During the process of how to replace license plate documents, you must also present proof of auto insurance, vehicle’s current registration certificate and a payment method for the replacement plate or sticker fees.

On the other hand, if you believe that your KS DOR license plate or sticker was stolen, you must file a police report with local law enforcement and submit a copy of the police report along with your replacement application.

How to Transfer License Plates in Kansas

If drivers wish to retain their current Kansas car registration tags after acquiring a new vehicle, they may transfer their current license plates to a new car. In order to transfer DOR car tags from one vehicle to another, car owners must complete the transfer while registering their vehicles with their county treasurer. Additionally, drivers must provide the county treasurer with the following documents:

  • General registration documentation
  • A registration receipt for the license plate number that the applicant is transferring
  • The former vehicle’s date of sale and the name of the buyer, in the case of vehicle owners who sell their previous vehicle prior to transferring its license plate

It is important to note that you can only transfer car registration plates from one vehicle to another if you dispose of your previous vehicle before purchasing a new car, or if you sell or trade in the vehicle within 60 days of transferring the license plates. Furthermore, you may be eligible for a refund if you do not transfer your vehicle tag after you sell it, or if you move to another state.

Kansas License Plate Fees

Fees for new registration plates in KS vary depending on the type and weight of each car. However, there is a general price range for new DOR license plate fees related to passenger vehicles. In addition, motorists must be mindful that they must also pay regular vehicle registration and titling fees when they purchase a license plate. Other fees related to car registration plates and stickers include annual registration costs and fees for renewing plates in person.

To learn the exact fees for registering your car and obtaining license plates in Kansas, you must contact your local county treasurer’s motor vehicle office.

License Plate Lookups in Kansas

Before purchasing a used vehicle, many drivers complete a Kansas DOR car tag lookup in order to learn more about the car’s history, such as information about its previous owners and/or its manufacturer. Furthermore, a DOR license plate lookup provides vehicle owners with information about the car’s engine, safety ratings, accident involvement and any previous recalls, if applicable.

Last updated on Tuesday, March 10 2020.