Your Guide to the Kansas DMV: Services, Locations, and Online Tools
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Planning to register a car or apply for a driver's license in Kansas? Then, you'll want to visit the Kansas DMV. It's officially known as the Division of Vehicles, and you'll find at least one location in every Kansas county.
Kansas DMV offices oversee passenger and commercial driver's licenses. It administers written and behind-the-wheel testing and handles license renewals. However, its services do not extend to vehicle registration and license plates. The Kansas Department of Revenue County Treasurers oversee those tasks.
How to Register a Vehicle at the Kansas DMV
If you purchase a new or used Kansas car, you'll visit your local County Treasurer's office to register it. You have 60 days after buying the vehicle to do so. Kansas requires several documents for motor vehicle registration:
- A signed manufacturer's origin statement (MSO) or certificate of origin (MCO)
- Proof of Kansas car insurance
- A sales tax receipt
The MSO or MCO should include the signatures of each vehicle owner. There's an exception for vehicle MSOs or MCOs that use 'or' to designate owner names. For instance, if the MSO lists the owners as "Todd Smith or Robert Gray," just one owner of those individuals needs to sign.
If you bought your car out of state, you may owe additional sales tax. The Treasurer's office will let you know if there's a difference. Also, plan to pay the property tax on the vehicle when you register it.
You'll receive a temporary tag after registration. It's valid for 30 days. Kansas mails your actual license plates within three weeks of registering a vehicle.
Renewing a Driver's License in Kansas
The Kansas Division of Vehicles accepts in-person or online license renewals. If you opt to renew in person, you can walk in or schedule an appointment. Online renewals are available through the state's official iKan app. You'll need to create an iKan account before you can renew your license online.
Kansas now issues REAL IDs that comply with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security requirements. If you don't yet have a REAL ID and want your renewed license to include the extra credential, visit the license office in person. A first-time REAL ID can't be approved online.
You'll need the below documents to get a REAL ID-compliant driver's license:
- Proof of lawful presence, such as a state-issued birth certificate or U.S. passport
- Written documentation showing your Social Security number
- Two proofs of a current Kansas residential address
Kansas doesn't require its residents to get a REAL ID. So, if you're comfortable without one, you can continue to drive with a non-REAL ID Kansas driver's license.
How to Transfer a Vehicle Title in Kansas
If you plan on selling a vehicle you own to someone else, you'll need to transfer the title. To do so, fill out the sale information on the title itself. Complete all the details except the blank spaces for the new owner's name and signature.
Sometimes, vehicle titles won't include a space for the sales price. Use the official Kansas Bill of Sale form (TR-12) to fill out those details. Keep a copy of the Bill of Sale for your records.
The Bill of Sale form also documents vehicle gift transfers. Fill out the "Affidavit to a Fact" section to document the transfer. On the title, write the word "gift" where the sales price information would usually go.
You can use the Affidavit of Relationship (TR-215) for vehicle gift transfers made to a child, parent, grandchild, or grandparent.
Make sure to remove your Kansas license plate before the vehicle transfer. The new owner must register the vehicle with the County Treasurer's office to obtain their license plate. They may also need copies of any motor vehicle forms used to transfer ownership.
Using Online Services at the Kansas DMV
Kansas offers iKan for online services. It's available via the internet or a downloadable app. iKan facilitates common transactions, including registration renewals, driver's license renewals, and property tax payments. You can also use iKan to request copies of vital records.
iKan is free to access, but you need to create an account to access your Kansas motor vehicle information.
Know that iKan won't support first-time transactions. For instance, you can't apply for your first Kansas driver's license through the service. You'll need to visit the local Division of Vehicles to get your initial license, but you can renew it through iKan.
Tips for Avoiding Long Wait Times at the DMV Kansas
Most state DMVs have a bit of a reputation for lengthy wait times. Waiting might not always be avoidable, but there are a few ways you can save time.
1. Schedule an Appointment in Advance
The Kansas Division of Vehicles prioritizes customers with appointments. You can schedule one through its website. Remember that the Division of Vehicles only handles licenses. If you need to register a vehicle, visit your County Treasurer's office instead.
2. Take Care of Routine Transactions With iKan
iKan supports driver's license and registration renewals. You can also use it to check your Kansas driver's license status or request driver's license records.
3. Visit When It First Opens
Kansas motor vehicle locations tend to get busiest around lunchtime. If possible, show up first thing in the morning when the office first opens. That puts you at the top of the waitlist to talk to a representative.
Key Kansas DMV Resources and Locations
The official Division of Vehicles website is where you'll find most information concerning driving privileges. You can use it to schedule appointments, download a copy of the Kansas Driver License Handbook, and take the written driver's exam. It also offers details about driver education, testing offices, and motor vehicle inspection stations.
For information concerning vehicle registrations, license plates, and titles, visit the Kansas Department of Revenue site. You can find your local County Treasurer's office location there.
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