Registration FAQs

How can I find my local county treasurer's office?

Check the motor vehicle page of the Kansas County Treasurer's Association Web site for a link to local offices.

How do I apply for a title for my new car?

You'll need to make sure you have all the necessary paperwork before you head out to the local county treasurer's office. Check the title to make sure it is filled out correctly, and be sure you have a completed bill of sale indicating the purchase price of the vehicle so that the treasurer's office can figure the correct tax.

What's the deadline for the application to title and register a vehicle?

You must apply for the title transfer within 30 days of the purchase of the vehicle. If you miss the 30-day deadline, you will be assessed a late fee of $2, plus you may be charged a penalty or interest on the personal property tax portion of the registration fees.

Can I get a special registration for my nonoperational vehicle?

No. Kansas does not offer special registrations for nonoperable vehicles.

I'm new to Kansas, and have just gotten unpacked. I know I need to change my driver's license and registration, but where do I start?

Welcome to Kansas.

You might begin by taking a look at our section devoted to new residents. You'll find out exactly what you'll need to title and register your vehicles in our title and car registration sections. Next, find out how to make arrangements for your license plates and placards. And, once again, welcome to the Heartland of America.

I'm disabled and have a parking placard and my car has disabled license plates. Can I get another placard, just in case I lose the one I have?

Unfortunately, no. The law in Kansas states that you may have either two disabled placards or one placard and one disabled license plate set. If you do not wish to have the disabled license plates and would rather have the two placards, you may return the plate set. See our section for drivers with disabilities for more information.

How much does it cost to title and register a car in Kansas?

The only firm cost involved in the titling and registration process in Kansas is the $10 titling fee. Registration costs are based on the purchase price of the vehicle, the owner's county of residence and the value of the vehicle. The county treasurer's office will have more details when you go to register the vehicle.

I heard that I need to have my application for title and registration signed by a notary before I can register my car. Is this correct?

Not any longer. As of July 1, 2002, Kansas no longer requires a notarized signature on a title assignment or on any other affidavits; however, all lien release forms still need to be notarized.

How do I get a disabled parking license plate or placard?

Start by checking our special section about drivers with disabilities for all the details you'll need to apply for disabled parking placards or license plates.

You will need to download and print the Application for Disabled Parking Placard. Fill this out and take it with you to your doctor so that he or she may complete the physician's statement.

This form may also be signed by a nurse practitioner, a licensed physician assistant, a chiropractor, a podiatrist or a registered Christian Science practitioner. It may not be signed by the doctor's medical assistant, office manager, LVN or other office personnel.

What's the turnaround time for getting a title back from the state?

If there has been a lien on the vehicle that must be released, the title will not be processed until that is resolved. Otherwise, it usually takes about four weeks after you apply to process the title.

I renewed my registration online, but it has yet to arrive in my mailbox. What should I do?

If you have not received your registration documents after two weeks, contact your local county treasurer.

How do I obtain a duplicate title?

Easy. Submit a completed duplicate title application along with a $10 fee to your county treasurer. You can either deliver the application in person or put your faith in the postal service.

Any idea on how to obtain duplicate license plates or decals?

Complete a duplicate license plate and decal application and deliver it in person to your county treasurer.

Don't ask how, but I lost my registration. How do I snare a duplicate?

You must pay a visit to your county treasurer. You'll be asked to complete a duplicate registration form and pay a fee of 50 cents.

I’ve heard the IRS honors a tax deduction that has to do with my vehicle registration fees. Is this true?

Yes. The scoop is that the IRS counts a vehicle registration fee that's based on your vehicle's value as a personal property tax, which is deductible. This is true even if your state calls the fee a "registration fee" or a "vehicle use fee." Check out page 146 of the IRS's Publication 17 for more details.

But before you start entering your registration fees on line 7 of the 1040A form, double check to make sure your state calculates the car registration fee based on the car's value. For example, if your state charges you 1% of the car's value each year as a vehicle fee, and you pay $100 based on your car's value ($10,000), then you can deduct $100. If your state charges you for 1% of the car's value, plus a bunch of other miscellaneous fees, then you can still only deduct the $100. The fees might be itemized on your vehicle registration card or registration renewal form.

Other states ignore the car's value and charge only based on the vehicle weight; in those cases, you can't take the deduction.

If you aren't sure about whether the state charges this fee or you can't find the fee, contact your local motor-vehicle office. If you have questions about taking the deduction, call a tax professional or the IRS.