What Kansas requires on your license plate
Kansas issues standard passenger plates with a white background, blue border on the left side, and the state name across the top. Your plate displays a combination of letters and numbers unique to your vehicle. The format changed in 2020 to a new design, but both old and new plates remain valid on the road.
Kansas does not require a front plate — only a rear plate is mandatory. If you choose to display a front plate, it must be the same design as your rear plate. Personalized plates are available if you want letters or numbers other than the random assignment, though they cost more and take longer to receive.
Key Takeaways
- New vehicle registrations in Kansas come with a plate issued by the county where you register, and you receive it before you leave the office.
- Plate renewals happen every two years and are handled by mail or online through the Kansas Department of Revenue, not at a physical office.
- Personalized plates take four to six weeks to arrive and cost an additional fee beyond your standard registration renewal.
- If your plate is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a replacement from your county treasurer's office for a small fee.
- Kansas offers special plates for military service, disabled veterans, and certain organizations, each with its own design and may be able to access rules.
Getting a plate when you buy a new vehicle
When you purchase a vehicle in Kansas, you register it at your county treasurer's office. Bring your proof of ownership (title or bill of sale), proof of insurance, and a photo ID. The treasurer's office assigns your plate on the spot and gives it to you before you leave — you do not wait for it to arrive by mail.
The plate is tied to your vehicle's Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and remains with that vehicle as long as you own it in Kansas. If you move to a different county within Kansas, you do not need a new plate; your existing plate stays valid. You only get a new plate if you buy a different vehicle or if your current plate is damaged or lost.
Renewing your plate every two years
Kansas registration and plates renew together every two years. You will receive a renewal notice in the mail about 30 days before your expiration date. The notice tells you the amount due and your options for paying.
You can renew by mail by sending your payment and the renewal notice back to the Kansas Department of Revenue. You can also renew online at the state's vehicle registration website if you have your renewal notice number and vehicle information. Do not renew at the county treasurer's office — renewals are handled only by mail or online. Your new plate arrives by mail within two to three weeks of payment.
Personalized plates and special designs
Kansas offers personalized plates where you choose the letters and numbers instead of receiving a random assignment. You can request a personalized plate when you first register a vehicle or during any renewal. The request goes through the Kansas Department of Revenue, and you pay an additional fee beyond your standard registration cost.
Personalized plates take four to six weeks to arrive. You can check availability of your desired combination online before you submit your request. Kansas also offers special plates for military veterans, disabled veterans, Purple Heart recipients, and certain professional organizations. Each special plate has its own design and may have different may be able to access requirements or fees.
Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged plate
If your plate is lost, stolen, or damaged, contact your county treasurer's office to request a replacement. You will need to provide your vehicle information and proof of ownership. The replacement plate costs a small fee, typically under $10, though the exact amount varies by county.
Replacement plates are usually issued the same day or within a few business days. If your plate was stolen, some counties ask you to file a police report first, though this is not always required. Your replacement plate will have the same number and letter combination as your original plate unless you request a different one.
Transferring a plate to a new vehicle
You cannot transfer a Kansas plate from one vehicle to another. When you sell or trade in your vehicle, that plate stays with it or is surrendered to the county. When you buy a new vehicle, you receive a new plate assigned to that vehicle's VIN.
The only exception is a personalized plate: if you have a personalized plate and buy a new vehicle, you can request to have that same personalized combination issued on a new plate for your new vehicle. You pay a transfer fee to move the personalization to the new vehicle's plate. Contact your county treasurer's office to start this process.
Special plates for military and disabled drivers
Kansas issues special plates for military service members, disabled veterans, and Purple Heart recipients. These plates have distinct designs and may come with parking privileges or other benefits. To get a military or veteran plate, you must show proof of service or disability status through military discharge papers or a VA disability letter.
Disabled driver plates are different from military plates. If you have a disability that affects your mobility, you can request a disabled person plate through your county treasurer's office. You will need a physician's statement confirming your disability. These plates allow you to use accessible parking spaces marked for disabled drivers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to go to the county office to renew my plate?
No. Renewals are handled by mail or online only. You send your renewal notice and payment to the Kansas Department of Revenue, or you renew through their website. The county treasurer's office handles only new registrations for vehicles you are buying, not renewals.
What happens if my registration expires while I am waiting for a renewal plate?
Your registration is valid until the expiration date on your current plate, even if your renewal plate has not arrived yet. Once you submit your renewal payment by mail or online, you are covered. Keep your renewal notice or confirmation email as proof if you are stopped by police before the new plate arrives.
Can I keep my old plate if I buy a new vehicle?
No, standard plates cannot be transferred. Your old plate stays with your old vehicle. However, if you have a personalized plate, you can transfer the personalization to a new plate for your new vehicle by paying a transfer fee through your county treasurer's office.
How much does a personalized plate cost?
Personalized plates cost more than standard plates, but the exact amount varies. The additional fee is set by the Kansas Department of Revenue and is added to your standard registration renewal cost. Check the state's website or call your county treasurer's office for the current fee.
What do I do if my plate is damaged or faded?
Contact your county treasurer's office and request a replacement plate. Bring your vehicle registration or proof of ownership. You will pay a replacement fee, usually under $10. The new plate will have the same number and letter combination as your original plate.