New to Kansas

a picture of a Kansas License Plate

Have you recently relocated to Kansas and need to register your vehicle? This process can be troublesome, we know! Don't worry, the information below should make this process a breeze. 

The Basics

To legally operate a motor vehicle in the State of Kansas it must be titled in the state and county where the vehicle is garaged.


In Person

Step 1.Know the Cost

There are a few basic fees to register a vehicle when you have moved to Kansas. Some of the fees can vary depending on your unique vehicle and tag selection. Let's review the fees and get tools that might help you in estimating the total cost. These are estimate tools and if you have any questions, you should visit our offices. 

Registration

This is due annually and is based on the vehicle classification.

For a standard passenger motor vehicle, the cost is $30.00. For a complete list of registration charges see Motor Vehicle Fees.

Personal Property Tax

This tax is due annually and is pro-rated based on the month that you are paying the tax. Use the Vehicle Property Tax Calculator to get an estimate of the cost.

Step 2.Gather What You Need

Depending on your unique situation you might need additional items.

  1. Original Title
    • This must be the original document and not a copy.
    • If you are making payments on the vehicle and do not have your title, you will need to Request Original Title(PDF, 90KB). This document will need to be submitted to your lienholder for the title to be printed and sent to Kansas for registration. 

  2. VIN Inspection Form (MVE-1)
    • You must have this for a vehicle with any out-of-state title.
    • You can complete this step with Kansas Highway Patrol.

  3. Proof of Insurance
    This must be the proof from your insurance provider and be coverage that is in effect on the day you register.

  4. Identification
    • Government Issued Photo Identification 

Step 3.Know Any Special Requirements

Many things can affect the list of documents that you need to finalize the registration process. This is not a complete list of possible items needed in special circumstances, but these are the most common.

Situations like, inheritance of a vehicle, or open liens might require additional documents.

Document Needed Situation
Power of Attorney(PDF, 44KB) Required if both owners cannot be present for joint title and registration.
Lien Release Required if the current title shows a lien and you have paid off the loan.
Certificate of Trust Required if titling in the trust’s name.
Heir Affidavit Required if the vehicle is part of an inheritance.
Transfer On Death Affidavit Required when the vehicle is to be transferred from a decedent to another person.

 

For a full list for Kansas forms for titling and other tasks visit the Kansas Department of Motor Vehicle.

Step 4.Do you want a special plate?

Do you want a distinctive plate (Personalized Tag)? Make sure to review the Special Tags information.

Step 5.Determine the Best Way to Visit the Office

Best Choice

This option is the best to get a time that works for your schedule. Follow the link to pick your appointment time.

Make an Appointment

Do It Today

We offer a walk-in option daily for you to grab a virtual ticket online to be seen in one of our offices. 

If the choices are grayed out, preventing you from selecting the location, we have met capacity for the day. Please use the first option and make an appointment for another day.

GET IN LINE: Same Day

Walk In Option

Electing not to reserve in advance or same day could result in longer wait time. You can walk into our offices but check those wait times!

In some circumstances business demands exceed our ability to process all customers and will we "cut-off" walk in services. Don't take the chance! Schedule your appointment.

Step 6.Say Hello!

When it is your appointment time, head in to our office with your documents and form of payment. You can pay by cash, credit, debit, money order, cashier's check or personal check (with I.D.)

Wyandotte County Courthouse

710 N 7th St Trfy, Suite 240, Kansas City, KS 66101

Wyandotte County Annex

8200 State Avenue, Kansas City, KS 66112

Mail

Step 1.Know the Cost

There are a few basic fees to register a recently purchased motor vehicle. Some of the fees can vary depending on your unique vehicle and tag selection. Let's review the fees and get tools that might help you in estimating the total cost. These are estimate tools and if you have any questions, you should visit our offices. 

Registration

This is due annually and is based on the vehicle classification.

For a standard passenger motor vehicle, the cost is $30.00. For a complete list of registration charges see Motor Vehicle Fees.

Personal Property Tax

This tax is due annually and is pro-rated based on the month that you are paying the tax. Use the Vehicle Property Tax Calculator to get an estimate of the cost.

Step 2.Gather What You Need

For standard purchases you will need the basics. Depending on your unique situation you might need additional items.

  1. Original Title
    • This must be the original document and not a copy.
    • If you are making payments on the vehicle and do not have your title, you will need to Request Original Title. This document will need to be submitted to your lienholder for the title to be printed and sent to Kansas for registration. 

  2. VIN Inspection Form (MVE-1)
  3. Proof of Insurance
    This must be the proof from your insurance provider and be coverage that is in effect on the day you register.

  4. Identification
    • Government Issued Photo Identification

Step 3.Know any Special Requirements

Lots can effect the list of documents that you need to finalize the registration process. This is not a complete list of possible items needed in special circumstances, but these are the most common.

Situations like, inheritance of a vehicle, or open liens might require additional documents.

Document Needed Situation
Power of Attorney(PDF, 44KB) Required if both owners cannot be present for joint title and registration.
Lien Release Required if the current title shows a lien and you have paid off the loan.
Certificate of Trust Required if titling in the trust’s name.
Heir Affidavit Required if the vehicle is part of an inheritance.
Transfer on Death Affidavit Required when the vehicle is to be transferred from a decedent to another person.

 

Step 4.Do you want a special plate?

Do you want a distinctive plate (Personalized Tag)? Make sure to review the Special Tags information.

Step 5.Fill out the paperwork for Mail in or Drop Off

We will need a couple of signatures and your contact information to get the process rolling.

Mail In or Drop Off Form

Step 6.Drop it off or Mail it in

Once your packet is ready, you can either:

  • Drop off your packet in the locked drop box at the Annex location at 8200 State Ave., Kansas City, KS 66112

  • Mail your packet to the Courthouse location at 710 N 7th St, Suite 240, Kansas City, KS 66101

Please Note: We cannot process your request if any of the following items are not included. We will only contact you if your packet is complete. We will automatically return any incomplete title packets the same day or next day's business.

Out-of-State Title Inspections

If you need to register a vehicle with an out of state title you will need an inspection.

 

Kansas Highway Patrol Inspection Stations for the Kansas City Metro area have moved to an appointment-only operation beginning June 2024. To schedule an appointment, please visit: Kansas Highway Patrol VIN Inspection.  

Change Something

Have you moved? Is your address different from what is on your title or registration?

 

Getting your records up-to-date will make processes go faster.

 

Update My Address

Permits

Need to get a 1-day or 60-day Permit? How about information on lost or stolen plates?

 

Learn More

Related Information

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