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Writer's pictureJeff Guymon

Kansas Car Registration: Everything You Need To Know

Updated: Aug 13, 2020

Whether you’re a Kansas local or you’ve just moved to Kansas, this article provides instructions to register a new vehicle, renew your motor vehicle registration and answer additional questions you may have regarding the Kansas Car Registration process.

Questions addressed in this article are:

  • Can I renew my registration online?

  • How do I register a new vehicle/used vehicle?

  • How do I register my vehicle in Kansas as a new resident?

  • What fees are involved to register a vehicle in Kansas?

  • Does Kansas require vehicle inspections or emissions testing?

  • Are there any special circumstances?

How To Complete Your Kansas Vehicle Registration Online


To stay compliant with Kansas vehicle registration laws, you must register your vehicle with the Kansas Department of Revenue (DOR). Kansas does not require an emissions inspection to register your vehicle. Registration renewal remains valid for a year, and the renewal month in which you renew your vehicle will depend on the first letter of the registered owner’s last name.


The renewal periods are:

  • Letter A = January 15 to February 28

  • Letter B = February 15 to March 31

  • Letters C-D = March 15 to April 30

  • Letters E,F,G = April 15 to May 31

  • Letters H-I = May 15 to June 30

  • Letters J,K,L = June 15 to July 31

  • Letters M,N,O = July 15 to August 31

  • Letters P,Q,R = August 15 to September 30

  • Letter S = September 15 to October 31

  • Letters T,V,W = October 15 to November 30

  • Letters U,X,Y,Z = November 15 to December 31

  • Heavy Trucks and Trailers = Renew by Dec. 31

For example, Chase Smith can renew his vehicle registration starting on the 15th of September and MUST renew it by the final day of the period, October 31st. There are no exceptions, and a grace period will not be given.


IMPORTANT: Stay up to date with COVID-19 related extensions that may affect your Kansas vehicle registration process.

To complete your registration renewal via online services, visit iKan.

  • iKan mobile application for iOS users

  • iKan mobile application for Android users

Eligibility requirements for online registration renewal:

  • Must have received a renewal notice and PIN.

  • Your vehicle registration has not passed its expiration date.

  • Your insurance company must be a participant with the DOR’s online verification system.

  • You must pay your renewal fee with an electronic check/debit card or credit card (Visa, Master Card, Discover, or American Express).

IMPORTANT: If you are in the military or do not meet any of the requirements above, you will need to renew your registration by mail or in person at your local County Treasurer’s motor vehicle office.


You will need to enter the PIN that was included in your renewal notice. Additionally, you will provide your vehicle year, proof of insurance, payment information, and telephone number. It is a good idea to print a copy of your registration receipt. Your renewed registration and decal will be delivered by mail within 5 to 7 business days. In the event that you do not receive your materials, contact your local County Treasurer’s motor vehicle office to check the status of your application.

How to Complete your Registration Renewal Offline


By Mail

Checklist for registration renewal by mail:

  • Is all your information correct on your renewal notice?

  • Make out a check or money order for your renewal fee

  • Provide proof of Kansas auto insurance

  • Enclose your payment and proof of insurance, and return registration renewal application to the address provided on your renewal notice (address varies by county)

Your renewed registration and decal will be delivered by mail by mail within 5 to 7 business days. In the event that you do not receive your materials, contact your local County Treasurer’s motor vehicle office to check the status of your application.


IMPORTANT: If you did not receive a renewal notice or lost it and you would still like to renew your registration online or by mail, a duplicate can be obtained online, or by calling (785) 296-3621 (PIN numbers will not be provided over the phone).


Be prepared to provide:

  • Your name

  • Your vehicle’s license plate number

  • Your vehicle identification number (VIN)

  • Your vehicle’s year and make

If you moved recently, update your address by visiting your local County Treasurer’s motor vehicle office, as renewal notices may not be forwarded to your new address. Call the office beforehand to check for additional required documents to update your record.

In-Person

To complete your registration renewal in person, visit your local County Treasurer’s motor vehicle office.


Checklist for registration renewal in-person:

  • Is all your information correct on your renewal notice?

  • Current Kansas registration or license plate number

  • Provide proof of auto insurance

  • Payment for your renewal fee (cash, check, money order, credit/debit card)

New Kansas Resident Vehicle Registration

As a new resident to Kansas, there are special requirements that need to be met in order to register your vehicle. Please follow along to get more instruction.


Residency Requirements:

A new resident must prove their Kansas residency and register their vehicle within the first 90 days of moving to Kansas. Before obtaining a vehicle registration certificate, your vehicle must go through a VIN inspection by the Kansas Highway Patrol at a motor vehicle inspection station. Make sure you bring:

  • Your Kansas driver’s license.

  • The car’s title.

    • If there is a lien on your vehicle, or if the title is being held by a lienholder, you will need to fax the front and back of the title to the Kansas DOR or desired inspection station.

  • Payment for a $20 inspection fee. Contact the inspection station beforehand for payment information.

During the VIN inspection, if there are discrepancies with either the vehicle identification number or the title document, further documentation may be required by the State of Kansas. Correspondence pertaining to VIN verification inspections shall be mailed to:


Kansas Department of Revenue Division of Vehicles

Titles and Registration Bureau

915 SW Harrison

Topeka, Kansas 66626-0001


Upon completion of the inspection, you will receive a Motor Vehicle Examination Certificate (Form MVE-1) and are now eligible to apply for a Kansas car registration certificate. Visit your local County Treasurer’s motor vehicle office with:

  • Proof of car insurance

  • A Motor Vehicle Examination Certificate (Form MVE-1).

  • The car’s title

    • The person named on the title is the only one who can apply for vehicle registration.

    • If two names are listed on the title, only one of the persons must be present and the absent owner must provide a Vehicle Power of Attorney (Form TR-41).

  • A completed Title and Registration Manual Application (Form TR-212a).

  • Payment for registration fees. Contact the inspection station beforehand for payment information.

New Registration for A Purchased Vehicle


Whether you purchased a vehicle from a dealership -- new or used, or from a private party, you must register your vehicle with the Kansas DOR within 60 days of the purchase date.

If you purchased your vehicle from a dealership (new or used), the dealer will submit a Kansas vehicle registration application for you along with the sales tax receipt. Your registration and decal will be delivered by mail within 5 to 7 business days.


In the event that you do not receive your materials, contact your local County Treasurer’s motor vehicle office to check the status of your application. A temporary 60-day tag may be displayed until you receive your registration. Your temporary permit can be obtained from the Kansas auto dealer where you purchased your vehicle, or from your local County Treasurer’s motor vehicle office.


If your vehicle was purchased from a private party, you will have to complete your title transfer and registration of your vehicle in person by visiting your local County Treasurer’s motor vehicle office with:

  • The title (signed and filled out by the seller).

  • A Bill of Sale (Form TR-312) ONLY if:

    • The purchase price is not listed on the title OR

    • Your vehicle was purchased outside of Kansas

  • Proof of Kansas auto insurance

  • A Motor Vehicle Examination Certificate (Form MVE-1) if the title is from out-of-state.

  • A completed Title and Registration Manual Application (Form TR-212a).

  • Payment for the registration fee, in addition to the title transfer fee of $10.

A helpful tip, if you’re a Kansas resident and purchased a vehicle while temporarily living out-of-state, you can register your vehicle online or by mail. You will need to assign someone Power of Attorney, and follow the registration instructions for online or by mail as described above.


IMPORTANT: Kansas vehicle registration certificates are valid for one year, with the exception of new vehicle registrations. The registration on a newly purchased vehicle is valid from the time you purchased your vehicle to your designated registration period, which is based on the first letter of your last name.

Temporary Kansas Vehicle Registration

The state of Kansas will grant you a 60-day permit before applying for permanent registration. To obtain a temporary vehicle tag, you must visit your local County Treasurer’s motor vehicle office with:

  • Proof of insurance

  • The car title

  • A bill of sale

  • Payment to cover $13 fee

Temporary 60-day permits cannot be extended, and only one permit is issued per vehicle.

Kansas Vehicle Registration Fees


Registration

Kansas vehicle registration and renewal fees are based on vehicle type and weight. Your local County Treasurer’s office will calculate any additional fees depending on if you have a specialized license plate and local county sales tax, and/or personal property taxes. Your renewal notice provides a breakdown of all fees and exactly how much you owe to renew your registration. You can estimate your Vehicle Property Tax owed using the Kansas DOR online calculator.

If renewing your registration in person, you can expect to be charged a $5 convenience fee in addition to the base fees below:

  • Passenger vehicles (4,500 lbs. or less): $42.50

  • Passenger vehicles (4,500 lbs. or more): $52.25

  • Motorcycles: $28.25

  • Motorized bicycles: $28.25

  • Electrically-propelled motor vehicle: $14

Currently, the Kansas DOR does not impose a late fee for renewing a registration after its expiration date. However, it is illegal to drive without a current registration, and if caught, you may be subject to a citation and fee.


Titles

  • To replace a lost, stolen, or damaged title, you can apply for a duplicate title in person, or by mail from your local County Treasurer’s motor vehicle office.

  • In order to make any corrections or additions to your title, you must take a copy of your title to your county’s motor vehicle office and complete a new Kansas title application.

  • Out of state titles for used motor vehicles require the owner to take it to a Kansas motor vehicle inspection station to obtain A Motor Vehicle Examination Certificate (Form MVE-1).

  • If there is a lienholder or a lien on the title, a lien release is required. This can be done by acquiring a notarized lien release (Form TR-150), or a letter from the lienholder releasing the lean.

  • Reference the Kansas DOR website to learn more about your Kansas title.

Special Circumstances


There are a few special circumstances regarding Kansas vehicle registration, and who is required to register their vehicle and maintain a current registration.


In-State Kansas Military Personnel

Kansas residents who are active duty in the military are eligible for a motor vehicle property tax exemption (does not apply to leased vehicles). You must submit an Affidavit for Motor Vehicle Tax Exemption (Form TR-601) to your local county treasurer. Check with your county tag office, as you may also be asked to provide additional information.


Kansas Military Personnel Stationed Out-of-State

If your Kansas car registration expires while you are deployed, the Kansas DOR will grant you a seven day grace period to drive with an expired registration upon your return. You will need to provide a Temporary Transit Permit completed by an authorized officer from your stationed military base, and proof of auto insurance.

Non-Resident Military Personnel or Out-of-State Students

Out-of-state military personnel and out-of-state students attending college are not required to register their vehicles with the Kansas DOR. You must still visit your local County Treasurer’s motor vehicle office with a completed Out-Of-State VIN Verification Form (TR-65).

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