1. Home
  2. kansas
  3. car insurance

How to Get a Kansas License Plate: A Complete Guide

Learn how to get a Kansas license plate with this step-by-step guide. Find out the required documents, fees, and process to register your vehicle.

Save hundreds today by comparing quotes from the nation’s top insurance companies

shield No junk mail. Instant results. Always free.

ProgressiveLiberty MutualRoot
The GeneralAmerican FamilyElephant
Amani Turnage

shieldWhy You Can Trust EverQuote

EverQuote powers millions of shopper requests every month, teaming up with industry-leading insurance specialists to address real-world challenges faced by people every day. We partner with the largest insurance providers in the nation, and our content is carefully crafted by experts and reviewed by licensed insurance agents for accuracy and relevance.

Good news — you've got a fresh set of wheels. Now, you need a Kansas license plate so you can drive your vehicle on the road. The Kansas Department of Revenue oversees vehicle titling, registration, and tags, so you'll go through them to get a license plate for your car. Here's how to do that.

Requirements for Registering a New Vehicle in Kansas

Unlike many other states, Kansas vehicle registration occurs in your local County Treasurer's Office rather than the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). You can visit anytime they're open to register your vehicle. Bring the following documents with you:

  • A signed manufacturer's statement or certificate of origin (MSO / MCO)
  • Proof of valid Kansas auto insurance
  • A sales tax receipt
  • Money to pay the vehicle's property tax

If there is more than one registered owner on the MCO or MSO, look at the language used to define the relationship. If it includes 'and' terminology, such as "Mary and Tom Jones," both owners need to sign the document. Only one signature is required if the MCO uses 'or' to describe the owners.

An MCO or MSO that doesn't use either term automatically defaults to 'and' terminology. That means both owners must sign the MCO or MSO before the County Treasurer will approve the registration.

You'll receive a paper license plate you can attach to your vehicle. It's valid for driving until your new Kansas license plate arrives in the mail, which can take up to three weeks.

How to Transfer Kansas License Plates Between Vehicles

Maybe you're trading your older vehicle for a new or used car. If that's the case, you can transfer your plate rather than requesting a fresh one. But you'll still need to visit the County Treasurer to document the change.

Plan on bringing the same documents that you would for a new vehicle — a signed MSO/MCO, proof of insurance, and a sales tax receipt. You'll also need a copy of your most recent registration receipt for your previous car. If you don't have the registration receipt, providing the license plate number can facilitate the transaction. However, plan on paying a duplicate registration fee.

The County Treasurer's Office will ask you for the name of the buyer and the date you sold the car to them. That information should be on the vehicle's bill of sale.

Replacing Lost or Damaged Kansas License Plates

Did you lose your license plate? Or maybe it's lost its legibility over time. Don't drive with unreadable plates — instead, visit your local County Treasurer's Office to get a new set.

Take a copy of the vehicle's registration and your current car insurance policy to show the representative. You'll fill out the TR-211 motor vehicle forms to request a new plate. There may be a small charge for the transaction.

Specialty and Personalized Kansas License Plate Options

If you're interested in specialty plates, Kansas has lots of options. Numerous organizations, including universities, colleges, and the military, have specialty plates. There are Kansas custom license plates for firefighters, Shriners, and certain non-profits like the Eisenhower Foundation.

Kansas also offers personalized license plates. You can include up to six letters, numbers, or spaces on a personalized plate. Be sure to check its availability before submitting an application.

There may be a fee for specialty and personalized plates. Since the cost varies by county, check with your local County Treasurer for current fees.

Renewing Your License Plate: Kansas Process

Kansas requires annual renewal for vehicle registration and current license plates. You should receive a notice in the mail 30 days before they expire. Online renewal is available (with a convenience fee), or you can schedule an appointment at your local County Treasurer's office to take care of it in person.

Once you pay the renewal fee, you'll receive a current registration card and a new decal to apply to your plate. The decal indicates the new expiration date for the vehicle's tags and registration.

Get Your Kansas License Plate Today — Compare Car Insurance Rates Now!

The process to register and tag a vehicle in Kansas is pretty straightforward. So long as you have the necessary documents and pay the required fees, you'll get your new vehicle license plate within a few weeks.

Remember to have proof of insurance before registering your car. EverQuote can help with that. Our free service provides custom Kansas car insurance rate comparisons. It only takes a few minutes of your time, and it can save you money. Check your rates with EverQuote today!

FAQs

Why is Kansas replacing license plates?
+
Kansas moved from embossed license plates to digital license plates in 2018. The new plates uses a digital printer to apply tag numbers to metal license plates. The state's Department of Revenue believes digital license plates will save money and reduce waste. It also notes that law enforcement may have difficulty reading faded embossed tags in emergency situations. Newer tags use special flat printing that isn't as likely to fade.
Do you need to have two license plates in Kansas?
+
No. Just one standard license plate is required for passenger vehicles. You should attach your new tag to the rear of the vehicle before driving it on Kansas roads.
Why does my Kansas license plate have 7 digits?
+
Kansas began issuing license plates with seven digits in January 2024. Standard, non-personalized plates now use a combination of numbers and letters. If you received a new plate in 2024 or after, it likely has seven digits. Know that Kansas is transitioning older embossed license tags to the new digital plate style. If you still have an embossed license plate, you'll receive a new set of tags when it's time to renew your vehicle's registration.
How much is a personalized license plate in Kansas?
+
Most specialty plates require a one-time fee at the time you register the vehicle. The fee can be up to $45. If your specialty plate supports an organization or educational institution, you may owe an annual donation, too. Military-related specialty tags, including the Kansas disabled veteran license plate, don't require extra fees. Keep in mind that you'll need to meet the state's requirements to qualify for a military distinctive license plate.