Kansas law requires that motor vehicle owners must register their vehicle with the Kansas Division of Motor Vehicles before taking it on the road. Both new and second-hand vehicles must be registered, regardless of whether they are purchased from a dealer or an individual. In addition, new Kansas residents who have registered their vehicle in another state must register their vehicle in Kansas. The initial vehicle registration must be done in person, and registration renewals must be done annually, either in person, online or by mail.

You should register your vehicle within 30 days of acquiring it. New residents should register within 90 days.

INITIAL REGISTRATION

If you are registering a motor vehicle in Kansas for the first time, you must complete the following steps:

1. Complete a vehicle title/registration form.
2. Bring proof of having paid personal property taxes
3. A certified Manufacturer's Statement of Origin(MOS)
4. A completed Odometer Disclosure Statement if you have bought the vehicle from another person.
5. A Bill of Sale or Affidavit of Purchase Price, to show the price of the vehicle.
6. If applicable the certificate of title from the earlier owner.
7. Visit your County Treasurer's Offices, and bring the completed title/registration form with you, along with the inspection certification. In addition, you will need to provide proof of insurance, and the odometer reading, if the vehicle is less than 10 years old.
8. For vehicles that have been registered in another state, you must also bring the original, out-of-state title. If the title is unavailable, bring the registration document, along with proof of sales tax payment.

REGISTRATION FEES

When registering your vehicle at the county treasurer's office, you will be required to pay certain fees, typically as follows:

1. The registration fee, which varies depending on the manufacturer's model year or the vehicle's total weight.
2. Title application fee which is $10.

There may be additional fees when you register, depending on your county. Contact the County Treasurer's Offices for the specific requirements.

RENEWING YOUR VEHICLE REGISTRATION

Owners of motor vehicles in Kansas are required to renew their vehicle registration annually, and can do so in person, online or by mail or telephone. See our Registration Renewal section for complete details.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• If you are a non-resident active duty member of the U.S. Armed Forces or a non-resident full-time student attending a Kansas college or university, you are not required to title or register your vehicle.
• If you are a Kansas resident outside the state, you can title or register your vehicle by submitting the Kansas Resident/Business Out of State VIN Verification form, TR-65.
• The process for registering a motorcycle is generally the same as a car registration; however, there are different procedures for boat registration and custom car registration.
• Auto Insurance is needed to legally operate all vehicles in Kansas.
• See also Renewing Your Vehicle Registration.
• See also Title Transfers and Car Insurance.