What Kansas custom plates are and who can order them
Kansas lets you replace your standard license plate with a custom plate that displays a message, design, or combination of letters and numbers you choose. The state offers several types of custom plates — personalized plates with your own text, specialty plates that support causes or organizations, and commemorative plates marking specific groups or events. You must own or lease a vehicle registered in Kansas and have a valid driver's license to order one.
Custom plates cost more than standard plates and require you to go through the Kansas Department of Revenue, Division of Vehicles. The process takes several weeks from order to delivery, so plan ahead if you need the plate by a specific date.
Key Takeaways
- Kansas offers personalized plates where you choose the text, plus specialty plates supporting specific causes, organizations, or groups.
- You order through the Kansas Department of Revenue online or by mail, and the cost varies by plate type — personalized plates typically cost more than standard ones.
- The state checks your requested text against a list of banned words and phrases before approving your order.
- Delivery usually takes four to six weeks after approval, so submit your order well before you need the plate on your vehicle.
- You can transfer a personalized plate to a different vehicle you own, but the plate stays with you if you sell the car.
Types of custom plates available in Kansas
Personalized plates let you choose up to seven characters — letters, numbers, or a mix. You can add a single symbol or design element depending on the plate style. Kansas offers several base designs, including the standard blue-and-white plate, wildlife designs, and plates supporting specific causes.
Specialty plates support organizations, professions, or groups. Examples include plates for military veterans, college alumni, conservation efforts, and professional associations. Each specialty plate has a fixed design and message, but some allow personalization within that framework. The revenue from specialty plates often goes to the organization or cause listed on the plate.
Commemorative plates mark specific groups — such as Pearl Harbor survivors or Purple Heart recipients — and typically cannot be personalized beyond the standard design.
How to order a custom plate online or by mail
The fastest route is the Kansas Department of Revenue website. Go to the Division of Vehicles section, select "Personalized Plates" or "Specialty Plates," and enter your requested text. The system checks when ready against Kansas's banned-word list and tells you whether your choice is available. If approved, you pay the fee online and receive a confirmation number.
If you prefer to order by mail, read the process form from the Division of Vehicles website or request one by phone at 785-296-3963. Fill in your vehicle information, driver's license number, and your requested plate text. Mail the form with a check or money order to the Kansas Department of Revenue, Division of Vehicles, 915 SW Harrison Street, Topeka, KS 66626. Processing by mail takes longer — typically two to three weeks before the department even reviews your request.
Whichever method you use, have your vehicle registration number and driver's license ready. If you are ordering a specialty plate that supports a specific organization, you may need to provide proof of membership or may be able to access.
Costs and what happens if your text is rejected
Personalized plate fees vary depending on the design you choose, but typically range from $50 to $100 for the initial plate, plus your standard vehicle registration renewal fee. Specialty plates usually cost between $25 and $75 extra, depending on the cause or organization. These fees are in addition to your regular registration, not instead of it.
Kansas rejects text that contains profanity, slurs, sexually explicit content, or references to illegal activity. The state also blocks combinations that could be confused with official government plates or that impersonate law enforcement. If your requested text is rejected, you will receive notice and can resubmit with different text at no additional charge.
Some requests are rejected because they are too similar to plates already issued in Kansas. If that happens, the department will suggest alternatives or let you know you can try again after a waiting period.
Timeline from order to receiving your plate
Online orders are usually reviewed within one to two business days. Once approved, the plate is manufactured and mailed to you, which typically takes three to four weeks. By mail, add another two to three weeks for the department to receive and process your form before manufacturing begins.
You will receive a confirmation email or letter with a tracking number once your plate ships. During the manufacturing period, you can continue using your old plate. When your custom plate arrives, you swap it out yourself — no trip to the DMV is needed.
If you need a plate urgently, contact the Division of Vehicles by phone to ask whether expedited processing is available. This is not may provide and may carry an additional fee.
Transferring or keeping your custom plate when you sell your vehicle
A personalized plate belongs to you, not to the vehicle. If you sell or trade in your car, you can transfer the plate to another vehicle you own by submitting a transfer form to the Division of Vehicles. You will need the registration for the new vehicle and a small transfer fee.
If you do not transfer the plate and the vehicle is sold, the plate is retired and cannot be used by the new owner. This is different from standard plates, which transfer with the vehicle. If you want to keep your personalized plate but are not moving it to another vehicle when ready, you can request to have it held in your name for a limited time — contact the Division of Vehicles for the current hold period and any associated fees.
Renewing or replacing a custom plate
Custom plates renew on the same schedule as your vehicle registration — typically every two years in Kansas. You renew online through the Division of Vehicles website or by mail with your registration renewal notice. The renewal fee is the same as the original custom plate fee, plus your standard registration renewal cost.
If your custom plate is damaged, lost, or stolen, contact the Division of Vehicles to request a replacement. You will need to pay a replacement fee, which is usually lower than the original plate cost. Bring your vehicle registration and driver's license to speed up the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use numbers and letters together on a personalized plate?
Yes. Kansas allows you to mix letters and numbers in any order, up to seven characters total. You can also add one symbol or design element depending on the plate style you choose. The system will show you what your plate will look like before you submit your order.
What if someone else already has the personalized text I want?
Kansas does not issue duplicate personalized plates. If your requested text is already in use, the system will reject it and suggest alternatives. You can choose different text and resubmit at no extra charge.
Do I have to display my old plate while I wait for my custom plate to arrive?
Yes. You must display a valid license plate at all times while driving. Continue using your old plate until your custom plate arrives. Once it arrives, you can swap it out when ready — no paperwork or inspection is required.
Can I order a custom plate for a motorcycle or trailer?
Kansas offers custom plates for most vehicle types, including motorcycles and trailers, though the character limits and design options may differ. Check the Division of Vehicles website or call 785-296-3963 to confirm what is available for your specific vehicle type.
What happens to my custom plate if my registration lapses?
If your vehicle registration expires and you do not renew it, your custom plate becomes invalid. You cannot display it on a vehicle. If you renew your registration later, you can renew the custom plate at the same time. If the plate has been retired or reassigned, you may need to choose new text.