Car Registration

Once the purchase of a new or used car is complete, you'll need to register and title it in your name. Kansas makes it easy to do with a variety of registration options including in person, telephone, by mail, or online registration.

First-time Registration

Have you just purchased a new or previously owned vehicle? Here's a list of the items you'll need in order to get the title and registration completed in your name.

For a new vehicle:

• A signed and notarized manufacturer's statement of origin, also known as an MSO form

• Your proof of insurance

• Your sales tax receipt if you purchased the vehicle from a dealer

• Proof of payment of personal property taxes

• A Title and Registration Application signed by you

For a previously owned vehicle:

• A Title and Registration Application signed by you

• A completed Odometer Disclosure Statement if the vehicle was previously owned

• Your proof of insurance

• The properly signed title from the previous owner

• A bill of sale or Affidavit of Purchase Price to show the purchase price of the vehicle

• Proof of payment of your personal property taxes

Liens

If your new vehicle was purchased with a loan, there will be a lienholder in place on your title. The lien information will be added when you register the vehicle and change the title over to your name. Once the loan has been paid off or the lien is otherwise released, the lienholder will send the lien release to you at the address on record. Make sure you keep your address up to date with your lender as well as with the DMV.

Liens on Used Cars

If you purchased a used vehicle and a lien is shown on the title, the new title will not be issued to you until the lien has been released. It may be that the lien has been released but a new title was never issued.

Getting a Clear Title

It is very important that, when purchasing a previously owned vehicle that the title is clear and that there are no glitches on the paperwork. The seller must sign in the proper place on the title, and in case of a lien, there should be a release to go with the title. If there is not, or if you are not sure of where the seller should sign, request that the seller accompany you to the local registration office so that you can be sure you're getting a clear title.

Quiet Title Action

In case there is a problem with a title, or if you purchase a vehicle and later discover that the title is not signed correctly or there is no mileage indication, or other title problem, you will have no other option than to speak with and possibly hire an attorney to help you go to court to request a court order. Once you have obtained the court order, the Kansas Department of Revenue will be legally allowed to change the title of the vehicle to your name. This process is called a "quiet title action" and will take a few weeks to complete if it is necessary.

Title Delivery

If there are no liens on the title, and no problems with the title transfer, you should receive your new title within four weeks from the date of application.

Registering and Titling Deadlines

You must apply for a title within 30 days of purchasing your vehicle to avoid late fees and penalties.

Nonoperational Vehicles

Kansas does not offer a special type of registration for nonoperable vehicles.

Fees

The fee for titling is $10 in Kansas. There is also a registration fee and sales tax on the vehicle (unless you already paid the sales tax, and can produce your sales receipt) that you'll pay at the county treasurer's office. Property tax on your vehicle will also be assessed. These fees are based on the value of the vehicle and the owner's place of residence and will be calculated by the Kansas DMV.

Vehicles from Out of State

A motor vehicle inspection is required if your new vehicle's title was issued from a state other than Kansas. You must have an examiner check the vehicle identification number (VIN) against the number listed on the vehicle's title and registration papers. You may do this at any Highway Patrol has inspection stations across the state.

You will then be required to hand-carry the registration and titling documents, along with the inspection certificate, into your local county treasurer's office in order to register and title the vehicle in Kansas.

Registration Renewal

Once you have registered your vehicle for the first time, you should receive a registration renewal notice in the mail before your registration is due to expire. However, it is still your responsibility to renew on time, even if you don't receive a notice.

Renew by Mail

If you receive a renewal notice in the mail, the easiest way for you to renew your vehicle's registration is to fill out the renewal form and return it by mail in the enclosed envelope, along with your payment. Be sure to write your registration number on your check or money order.

Renew in Person

You can easily renew your vehicle in person, and you won't even need to have your renewal reminder with you to do it. Just stop by your local county treasurer's office any time before the registration on your vehicle expires. Make sure you have your license plate number with you when you visit the DMV office, along with your proof of insurance.

Proof of Insurance

Because motor vehicle liability insurance is required in Kansas, it will be necessary for you to show proof of your insurance whenever you renew your registration. If you are using an insurance card issued by your insurance company or broker, be sure that it contains the following:

• Name of the insurance company

• Your name and address

• Insurance policy number

• Year, make and VIN of the vehicle

• Expiration date of the policy

Renew Online

If you are really pressed for time, or if you just prefer to do your business by computer, you may now renew your vehicle's registration online. Before you log in to the renewal screen, have a credit card handy to pay the property taxes and registration renewal fees. Also, be sure that your insurance company is enrolled with the Kansas Division of Motor Vehicles.

Only those insurance companies that are enrolled are able to be verified online. If your insurance company is not registered, you will not be able to renew your registration by computer.

Renew by Phone

You may also renew by telephone by calling (866) 4KS-TAGS (457-8247) and following the prompts to renew your vehicle registration.

Driving Privileges for Non-Citizens

If you're a currently licensed driver from another country and are visiting Kansas, you may drive up to a year within the state. You'll also need to have an International Driver Permit, issued from your home country, which basically translates your license to make it understandable to U.S. officials. Carry both documents with you whenever you're driving.

If you're interested in obtaining a Kansas license, refer to the state's page on this matter to see what types of identification are needed for your situation. Call (785) 296-3963 for more information on how to apply for a license as a non-citizen.