Register a newly purchased vehicle

a picture of a Kansas License Plate

Did you get a new vehicle or are you thinking about it? This process can be troublesome, we know! There are some many different rules, forms and requirements! Don't worry! Taking a few minutes to get prepared will help you breeze through the process.

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.

  • Recently purchased vehicles must be registered within 60 days of the purchase date.

In Person

Step 1.Know the Cost

There are 3 basic fees to register a recently purchased motor vehicle. Some of the fees can vary depending on your unique vehicle purchase 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.

Sales Tax

This tax is paid one time and is just like any other tax you pay at the time of a purchase. You might pay this at the time you purchase the vehicle from a dealership, but if not, it will need to be paid before the vehicle can be registered. Use the Kansas Sales Tax Estimator Tool.

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.
    • The title must have all the signatures for the sale. This includes all the sellers and all the buyers.

  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
    • Driver's License or Picture Identification Card
    • Passport

  5. Bill of Sale
    • If you made a Kansas dealership purchase, you will need the Sales Tax Receipt.
    • If you purchased from a private citizen or an out of state dealership you will need a Bill of Sale(PDF, 15KB)

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 Vehicles.

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

We recommend that your reserve a day to two before. 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

Whether you are in a hurry or have found some extra time today you check open appointment times and even get in line before you head in on the same day. Follow the link to make a same day appointment.

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

We want you to get your tasks completed quickly, without having to wait! Electing not to reserve in advance or same day could result in longer wait time. If reserving a spot does not work 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 3 basic fees to register a recently purchased motor vehicle. Some of the fees can vary depending on your unique vehicle purchase 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.

Sales Tax

This tax is paid one time and is just like any other tax you pay at the time of a purchase. You might pay this at the time you purchase the vehicle from a dealership, but if not, it will need to be paid before the vehicle can be registered. Use the Kansas Sales Tax Estimator Tool.

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.
    • The title must have all the signatures for the sale. This includes all the sellers and all the buyers.

  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
    • Driver's License or Picture Identification Card
    • Passport

  5. Bill of Sale
    • If you made a Kansas dealership purchase, you will need the Sales Tax Receipt.
    • If you purchased from a private citizen or an out of state dealership you will need a Bill of Sale(PDF, 15KB)

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.

Get a Refund

Did you recently sell or donated a vehicle, or did an insurance company declare your vehicle a total loss? Did you move out of Kansas and now have your vehicle registered in another State?

You might be eligible for a refund for a portion of registration fees and property tax. Here are the steps that you need to take to get a refund.

Step 1.Gather Your Information

You will need a few things. Let's get them gathered to make the process smooth.

  • Kansas License Plate Number and the actual plate.
  • Registered owner's Social Security number.

Step 2.Complete the Refund Application

Motor Vehicle Refund Form

Step 3.Put your Refund Request Package Together

  • License Plate
  • Completed and signed Motor Vehicle Refund Form

Step 4.Do a Double Check

We cannot process your refund if any of the items are not included. Anything missing will require use to send the packet back you, and we do not want you to have to wait for your refund. We expect to refund for eligible and completed packets within 30 days.

Step 5.Pick Drop off Mail it or Visit the Office

Once your packet is ready, you can either:

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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