How to Complete Your Kansas Car Registration: A Step-by-Step Guide
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Registering your car is a key step in vehicle ownership in Kansas. It ensures you remain within the state’s laws and can legally drive your vehicle on public roads.
The Division of Vehicles, which operates within the Kansas Department of Revenue (KDOR), handles all vehicle registrations in Kansas.
Kansas car registration is a relatively simple process, but if you’re new to the state or have never registered a vehicle, you may need some guidance. We've outlined the process for car registration in Kansas, including the documents required, registration fees and timelines, and how to renew a car registration in Kansas.
Documents Required for Kansas Car Registration
You must gather specific documents to complete a motor vehicle registration in Kansas. The key documents you need to complete a new car Kansas car registration include:
- Signed manufacturer’s statement or certificate of origin
- Proof of Kansas car insurance
- Sales tax receipt
- Property tax payment
- A completed Kansas Application for Title and Registration (Form TR-212)
Used Car Registration
Registering a used vehicle requires slightly different documents. The key documents are:
- Vehicle title with the assignment completed to the new owner and the back of title filled out
- Bill of sale if the vehicle is 35 years old or older and has no title
- Lien release, if applicable
- The pink copy of the motor vehicle examination (MVE-1) for any vehicle titled outside of Kansas that is less than 61 years old
- Current proof of Kansas car insurance
- Sales tax receipt if you purchased the vehicle from a dealer
- Property tax payment
If the used vehicle has an electronic title, you’ll need a few more documents:
- Electronic Title Sales Agreement (form TR-39A) and a copy of the seller’s current registration receipt if you want a 60-day permit
- A lien release if you want a clear paper title
- Completed Power of Attorney, Purchase Price & Odometer Disclosure for Electronic Title (form TR-40)
- Completed Lienholder’s Consent to Transfer Ownership (form TR-128) if a lien will remain on the vehicle and the lienholder consents to the title transfer
Understanding Registration Fees and Timelines in Kansas
Knowing the registration fees will ensure you head to the KDOR office with the funds you need to complete the Kansas vehicle registration. Specific fees may vary by county, but the fees you can expect to pay are:
- Registration fee: This fee varies by vehicle, ranging from $30 for a vehicle under 4,500 pounds to $2,070 for a large pickup truck.
- Sales tax: If this is the first time registering the vehicle in Kansas, you may have to pay sales tax. This is based on the vehicle price and your local tax rates.
- Personal property tax: You must also pay personal property tax on the vehicle at initial registration and annually. This tax varies based on the vehicle and your local tax rates.
Kansas requires you to register any vehicle within 60 days of its purchase, which is the day the seller signed the title to the new owner or the day you and the seller completed the bill of sale.
How To Register a New or Used Vehicle in Kansas
In Kansas, registering a vehicle is fairly simple. It starts with collecting all the required documents. Next, scheduling an appointment with a KDOR office is a great idea to receive priority service and minimize your wait time. Remember, you must complete the registration at a KDOR office within the county where you’ll garage the vehicle.
Once scheduled, simply head to the KDOR office and follow the staff’s instructions to complete the registration.
Transferring an Out-of-State Registration to Kansas
Out-of-state used vehicle transfers also require a motor vehicle examination, which is simply a vehicle identification number (VIN) inspection the Kansas Highway Patrol completes. New vehicles from out of state do not need this inspection.
Once you’ve received this inspection and have the pink inspection report, you can follow the same registration process.
Renewing an Existing Kansas Car Registration
You can renew your car registration in Kansas in four different ways:
- Online: Head to the online renewal site, complete all the required information, make your electronic check or credit card payment, and wait five to seven business days for your new registration.
- Mail: Send the registration renewal stub, payment, and insurance proof to your local KDOR Division of Vehicles office.
- Self-service kiosks: These kiosks are in select Division of Vehicles offices. Bring your license plate number and ZIP code or renewal notice to access your registration account and cash, check, or credit card payment.
- In-person: Schedule an appointment with the local Division of Vehicles office. When you head to your appointment, bring your proof of insurance and payment method to complete the renewal.
Tips for Avoiding Common Registration Challenges
While car registration in Kansas is straightforward, these tips will ensure a smooth process:
- Gather all required documents before starting the registration process.
- Double-check the accuracy of your paperwork to prevent potential errors.
- Remain current on all law changes leading up to your registration date.
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