If you own a vehicle in the state, you must request a car registration renewal in Kansas in order to keep your license plates registered and up to date. Generally, you may complete this DMV registration renewal online, in person or through the mail. Furthermore, it is your responsibility to check your DMV registration renewal status and determine when you need to renew your credential.

There are many requirements and procedures for completing a KS DMV car registration renewal. Thus, regardless of the method you opt for, you must ensure that you understand which steps you must take into consideration. Learn how to renew a car registration by reading the sections below.

Requirements for Car Registration Renewal in Kansas

To complete a motor vehicle registration renewal in Kansas, you must meet a few requirements. The eligibility criteria include being a state resident, submitting proof of auto insurance coverage and being within the appropriate timeframe surrounding your credential’s expiration date. More specifically, this timeframe is based on the first letter of your last name, as follows:

  • January 15 to February 28 – Letter A
  • February 15 to March 31 – Letter B
  • March 15 to April 30 – Letters C & D
  • April 15 to May 31 – Letters E, F & G
  • May 15 to June 30 – Letter H & I
  • June 15 to July 31 – Letters J, K & L
  • July 15 to August 31 – Letters M, N & O
  • August 15 to September 30 – Letters P, Q & R
  • September 15 to October 31 – Letter S
  • October 15 to November 30 – Letters T, V & W
  • November 15 to December 31 – Letters U, X, Y & Z

Note: If you do not renew your credential during this particular timeframe and end up with an expired vehicle registration, you may face serious consequences from local law enforcement agencies.

What do you need to renew your car registration in Kansas?

In order to renew a vehicle registration online or through any of the other methods, you must be able to provide certain documentation. This includes providing your renewal notice form (or a registration receipt, tag number and VIN), proof of liability insurance policy and an acceptable payment method for the applicable fees.

Kansas Vehicle Registration Renewal Notice

The Kansas Department of Revenue (DOR) sends out vehicle registration renewal notices approximately 30 to 45 days prior to your credential’s expiration date. This notice contains information about your renewal date, vehicle specifications, the total amount of DMV registration renewal fees and your renewal PIN.

Kansas Car Registration Renewal Notice Lost or Not Received

Whether you receive a notice to renew a car registration in the mail or not, it is still your responsibility to request this renewal on time. Despite the fact that this notice is necessary for completing an online or mail renewal, you do not need it if you wish to renew in person.

If you did not receive this notice or lost a car registration renewal form, you may obtain a duplicate. To do so, you have the option of reprinting your renewal notice through the official KS DOR online portal.

Kansas Car Registration Renewal Options

If you are wondering where to renew car registration, understand that you can choose between three different methods. In Kansas, you can either complete your vehicle registration renewal online, in person or through the mail. However, keep in mind that you must have a renewal notice in order to complete this procedure online or via mail.

How to Renew Your Car Registration Online

Processing a DMV registration renewal online is one of the most simple and convenient options you can utilize. However, you may only renew online if all of the following are true:

  • You have a renewal notice with a PIN
  • Your vehicle is currently registered in Kansas
  • The address on your renewal notice is correct
  • Your car is currently properly insured

If all of the above is true, you can file this request online. To do so, you must:

  1. Provide your renewal notice PIN.
  2. Provide the necessary vehicle and personal contact information.
  3. Pay for the DMV registration renewal fees.
  4. Print your receipt.

How to Renew Your Car Registration by Mail

Certain applicants wonder how to renew a KS car registration by mail. During this procedure, vehicle owners must mail the following documents to the proper mailing address:

  • The renewal notice form received
  • Proof of auto liability insurance
  • An acceptable payment method for the applicable DOR fees

How to Renew Your Car Registration in Person

Regardless of whether you have a renewal notice or not, you may complete a motor vehicle registration renewal in person. To file this request in person, you must visit your local county treasurer’s motor vehicle office and:

  1. Submit your renewal notice, registration receipt, tag number or VIN, if applicable.
  2. Provide your license plate number.
  3. Provide proof of auto insurance policy.
  4. Show your photo ID card or state-issued drivers license, if needed in your county.
  5. Pay the applicable renewal fees.

Once you have followed these steps, the county treasurer staff will provide you with new registration tags. It is advised that you immediately replace your old license plate tags with new ones.

Military & Out of State Vehicle Registration Renewal in Kansas

As a Kansas resident, you need to renew a car registration even if you find yourself temporarily out of state. To do so, obtain a copy of your renewal notice and request your renewal either online or through the mail. Ensure that you complete the renewal before your license plates expire, as there is not a grace period for out-of-state residents.

However, if you are an active duty military member, you are granted a grace period that allows you to renew a car registration that has already expired without facing any penalties. Generally, this grace period is a total of seven days for an expired car registration, starting the day after you arrive back to KS. To apply for this grace period, you must complete the “Temporary Transit Permit” form.

Kansas Vehicle Registration Renewal Fees

The Kansas car registration renewal cost varies depending on the county you reside in. Thus, in order to determine what specific fees and taxes you must pay for during your renewal, either check your notice or contact your local county treasurer’s motor vehicle office.

Last updated on Monday, March 9 2020.