Updated on July 17, 2021
The first motor vehicle registration law in Kansas was enacted in 1913, with embossed black and white license plates. By 1956, the Sunflower State required a rear plate. By 2019, close to one million vehicles were registered in Kansas. Today, the Ford F-Series is the most popular vehicle in KS, while in 2018, it was the Toyota Camry.

To register a vehicle in Kansas or to renew tags, you need to show proof of auto insurance coverage. To register a trailer in the Sunflower State, you can use the insurance policy of the vehicle that’s towing that trailer. If you’re transferring your Kansas license plate from a car you traded or sold within the last month, you can use the auto insurance from that vehicle the was traded/sold. For out-of-state vehicles the Kansas Highway Patrol must inspect the VIN number, before you can get a Kansas title and registration. Keep reading for specifics on Kansas tags.

Kansas Vehicle Registration Renewal Guide

How to Renew a Car Registration in Kansas

The state of Kansas requires that vehicle owners renew their registration in the state each year. The cycle for renewal will depend on first letter of your last name. The renewal cycles are:

• January 15 through February 28: Letter A
• February 15 through March 31: Letter B
• March 15 through April 30: Letters C,D
• April 15 through May 31: Letters E-G
• May 15 through June 30th: Letters H,I
• June 15 through July 31: Letters J-L
• July 15 through August 31: Letters M-O
• August 15 through September 30: Letters P-R
• September 15 through October 31: Letter S
• October 15 through November 30: Letters T, V, and W
• November 15 through December 31: Letters U, X, Y, and Z

You can renew your registration starting on the 15 of the month, but must renew it by the final day of the cycle. There is no grace period.

You should receive a notice before your registration expires. This will include the fee amount, information about your vehicle, a PIN for online renewal if you are eligible, and any outstanding issues that you may need to resolve before you renew, such as outstanding taxes.

If you do not receive or no longer have your renewal notice you will have to renew your registration in person at a local Kansas Department of Revenue (DOR) office.

How to Replace Car Registration Paperwork in Kansas

Driving a vehicle in the state of Kansas requires a valid state license plate, certificate of registration and validation decals. Like any other state, Kansas has its own departments that process replacement car registration requests. These items and their replacements are issued by the Kansas Department of Revenue Division of Vehicles or DOR, and your the County Clerk’s office.

In order to meet Kansas state requirements, you must ensure all registration is up to date. The Kansas County Clerk’s office has multiple locations across the state. Most Kansas replacement registration requests must be completed in person during regular business hours.

How to Replace Your Vehicle Registration

A valid car registration is required in order to operate a vehicle in Kansas state. The registration certificate is a document that details the car’s vital information including the VIN, vehicle description, and date the vehicle was registered.

Kansas drivers are required to show this certificate as proof of registration if requested by law enforcement. If the certificate of registration is not provided, the driver could incur tickets and stiff penalties as a result.

Replacement car registration documents are requested in person. You will need to turn in a completed Title and Registration Application (TR-212a) form at the office location. County information can be found at the Kansas Department of Revenue Division of Vehicles website as well. Identification and a completed application will be required for any duplicate registration requests.

Replacing a Lost, Stolen or Damaged License Plate in Kansas

Operating a vehicle legally in the state of Kansas requires an up to date license plate. Fines and penalties can be incurred if the plates are damaged and destroyed beyond clear identification.

If your license plates are damaged, missing or have been stolen you will need to request replacements immediately to avoid further complications.

Kansas Duplicate Vehicle Registration Requests

Damaged and destroyed plates do not need to be returned to the state. To receive a replacement car registration plate or duplicate plate you must complete a Custom Plate and Decal Application (TR-211) form. Then take the completed form to your local County Clerk’s office. You will also need valid identification for yourself as well as the car.

The following vehicle information will be required upon request:

• Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
• Vehicle make.
• Vehicle model.
• Vehicle type.
• Vehicle color.

Please note, you should also file a police report immediately if you believe your license plate was stolen.

Replacing a License Plate Sticker In Kansas

Vehicle stickers are required on every Kansas license plate. Kansas stickers include the month and year of sticker expiration date. Replacement vehicle registration is available if you have lost or misplaced your license decals. Be sure to apply for replacement car registration as soon as possible.

You can apply for and receive replacement stickers at your local County Clerk’s office location by submitting a completed Custom Plate and Decal Application (TR-211) form.

Replacing Your Kansas Motor Vehicle Registration

Whether you have a damaged registration card, or your plates were stolen, the process of receiving a replacement vehicle registration is too difficult. Expect to provide all valid information in person. Provide proof of identity, the vehicle information as well as an application request form and you will have no issues getting exactly what you need.

Some services not detailed here may be completed by mail or online. Contact your local County’s office more information on how to replace your vehicle registration.

It’s a good idea to request all duplicate registration immediately in order to avoid additional fees.