Vehicle Registration and Tag Renewal
Frequently Asked Questions

Note:  All fees referenced on this page are effective January 1, 2008.

Registration

1. What are your office locations and hours?

2. What papers will I need to title my vehicle?

3. Where can I get power of attorney, lienholder consent, Affidavit of Purchase Price and other required forms?

4. Do I have to register my vehicle if I am going to sell it?

5. I'm moving to Kansas from another state.  What steps do I need to take to properly register my vehicle?

6. Where can I get my vehicle inspected? What are their hours?

7. Why aren't my tags good for a full year?

8. Do I have to register my vehicle in Sedgwick County if I own property in another county or state?

9. I own businesses in several counties in Kansas, where do I register my vehicle?

Fees/Payment/Refunds

1. How much will it cost to register my vehicle?

2. How can I pay for my tags and taxes?

3. My renewal form says some counties require 2 checks for all renewals sent by mail. Is this a requirement in Sedgwick County? 

4. What do I need to know about delinquent taxes?

5. How can I get a refund and what forms will I need?

Tag Renewal/Replacement

1. How can I renew my tags if I did not receive a renewal notice in the mail?

2. How can I find out if my renewal has been processed?

3. My tag/decal was stolen.  What do I do?

Title

1. How can I get a replacement title if my title is lost/stolen/destroyed?
2. My title shows a lien holder on it. Do I have to have that removed if it has been paid off?

Electronic Title

1. How do I buy a vehicle with an Electronic Title?

2. How do I register a vehicle with an Electronic Title?

3. How do I change lienholders with an Electronic Title?

4. How do I sell a vehicle with an Electronic Title?

Permits/Specialty Plates

1. When can I get a 30 day permit and how do I get one?

2. What is a 1 day permit?

3. Can I get an extension on my temporary permit or tag?

4. Where can I go to renew my handicapped placard? Where do I mail it?

5. How can I get information about personalized tags?

6. I have a distinctive/specialty tag and wish to transfer it to another vehicle I already own or to a new purchase. How can I do this?

Driver's License

1. Do I have to get a Kansas driver's license if I have Kansas plates?

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• How much will it cost to register my vehicle?
   
  1. To calculate registration, click on the description of the vehicle you are registering below and look at the corresponding chart .
      

  2. Connect the first letter of your last name with the month you purchased your vehicle, i.e., using the chart if the first letter of your last name is B and you purchased the vehicle in September, your registration fee is $21.00.
     Autos- 4500 lbs or less | Autos- 4500 lbs and Over | 12M or less Trucks
     Motorcycles |  Motorized Bicycles | Special Interest-Street Rod
     RV Trailers
     Truck Registration Schedule and Service Fee Chart
      

  3. Title and tag fee is $10.50.

  4. Modernization Fee is $4.00.
      

  5. For your property tax amount, use our Motor Vehicle Property Tax Estimator or  call (316) 660-9110. This will start with a recording. DO NOT push any buttons and you will get an information operator. The recording says to call 660-9110 for property tax; this refers to property tax on an Recreational Vehicle only.
      

  6. Sales tax will be collected in the tag office if the vehicle was purchased from an individual or out of state car dealer. The rate is 6.3% as of January 1, 2008.  There may be additional sales tax based on the city of purchase or residence.
      

  7. Add the fees from b, c, d, and e.  This is an estimate only, based on the information you have entered.
      

  8. Additional Information:
      

     1. If you have sold a similar vehicle and have a current tag to transfer:  the fee to transfer is $6.50; a $10.00 title fee; plus $4.00 modernization fee which brings the total to $20.50. To get the difference in property tax between the old and new vehicles, you will need to call 660-9110. Give the operator the year, make and model of the new as well as the old vehicle and tell them you need to know the difference in the taxes.

     2. Names on the title must be exactly the same when you transfer.  For example, Sandra Jones was on the old title and the new title reads Sandra and/or Robert Jones. They would both need to come in to do the transaction because we would be adding Robert to an existing registration.

     3. At least one registered owner's Kansas driver's license  number is required on every personal vehicle title application or renewal. Owners of vehicles registered in a business name will be asked to furnish their FEIN number which will be entered instead of a driver’s license number. Leased vehicle users will be asked for the lessee’s Kansas driver’ license number. This information will not print on your receipt and will be on file only with the Kansas Department of Revenue. We do not retain this information at the county level.
        

     4. If the old tag is expired it can only be transferred if it is a personalized tag.
         

     5. If this is your renewal month, your fees will be the same as a new tag minus the 50¢ plate fee.
         

     6. The previous vehicle must be sold or traded in to transfer the tag. Even if the vehicle is not running, as long as the title is still in your name the plate must stay with it.
         

  9. Substation Fee:  A $2.00 fee will be applied to each transaction handled at any of the Tag Office Substations.
     
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• I'm moving to Kansas from another state, how do I register my vehicle?
   

  1. If you have the title, you need to bring in the title, the vehicle, a current driver's license and the proof of insurance. The person who is named on the title is the only one who can register the vehicle. If two names are on the title, i.e., Mary and/or Tom Jones either party may register the vehicle. If it is Mary and Tom Jones, Mary/Tom Jones or Mary Tom Jones, both parties will be needed for initial registration. If both owners cannot come in together the one who is not able to appear may give power of attorney to the party who will apply for registration.The Kansas Highway Patrol inspects the vehicle prior to registration.

  2. At least one registered owner's Kansas driver's license  number is required on every personal vehicle title application or renewal. Owners of vehicles registered in a business name will be asked to furnish their FEIN number which will be entered instead of a driver’s license number. Leased vehicle users will be asked for the lessee’s Kansas driver’ license number. This information will not print on your receipt and will be on file only with the Kansas Department of Revenue. We do not retain this information at the county level.
     

  3. If you do not have your title because the lienholder or the state keeps it until the vehicle is paid for, you will need to call them and have them fax a copy of the front and back of the out of state title to our 200 W. Murdock office at (316) 262-4761.

     Once the copy of your title is received at the Murdock office (call 660-9110 to see if it’s there), you can pick it up and have the Highway Patrol inspection done at the same location between 8:30 am and 3:30 pm, Monday through Friday.

     Remember title work cuts off at all locations at 4:00 pm.

     Sometimes the state you're coming from will request something in writing from the DMV before releasing a copy of the title. In that case please call 660-9110 and request the letter. Please have your payment book available as we will need the information on the vehicle including VIN#

     After you receive your new Kansas license tag, remove all out of state plates from your vehicle.  Effective July 1, 2008, it is illegal to display front plates from another state or country with a Kansas plate on the back of the vehicle.  You may be stopped and ticketed.

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• What papers will I need to title my vehicle?

  Title or Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin (MSO) legally signed over to the buyer, sales tax receipt or Affidavit of Purchase Price, current mileage, proof of insurance coverage. When transferring a license plate you need your current owner's registration or tag number and the name and address of the person to whom the vehicle was sold.

  Please use our Registration Checklist to assist you in getting the necessary papers and forms together before coming to the Tag Office.
  
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• What are your office locations and hours?

  Downtown Office
  200 W. Murdock
  Monday - Friday  8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Title work stops at 4:00 PM
  Vehicle Inspection Hours:  Monday - Friday  8:30 AM to 3:30 PM 

  Northeast - Brittany Shopping Center
  2120 N. Woodlawn, Suite 370
  Monday - Friday  8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Title work stops at 4:00 PM
  Vehicle Inspection Hours:  Tuesdays  Only from 8:30 AM – 1:00 PM 
  Substation Fee:  A $2.00 fee will be applied to each transaction handled at any of the Tag Office Substations.

  West - Chadsworth Shopping Center
  2330 North Maize Road Suite 1100
  Monday - Friday  8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Title work stops at 4:00 PM
  Vehicle Inspection Hours:  Thursdays Only from 8:30 AM to 1:00 PM
  Substation Fee:  A $2.00 fee will be applied to each transaction handled at any of the Tag Office Substations.

  Derby - Towne Center
  212 W. Greenway
  Monday - Friday  8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Title work stops at 4:00 PM
  Vehicle Inspection Hours:  Tuesdays Only from 8:30 AM to 1:00 PM 
  Substation Fee:  A $2.00 fee will be applied to each transaction handled at any of the Tag Office Substations.

  Title work at all office locations is processed Monday – Friday 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM

  2009 Recognized County Holidays

  Sedgwick County Offices will be closed on the following dates in observance of the corresponding holiday.  Sedgwick County Emergency Services are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a years and can be accessed by calling 911.

  • January 1, Thursday - New Year's
  • January 19, Monday - Martin Luther King Jr. Day
  • February 16, Monday - President's Day
  • May 25, Monday - Memorial Day
  • July 3, Friday - Independence Day
  • September 7, Monday - Labor Day
  • November 11, Wednesday - Veterans Day
  • November 26 & 27, Thursday & Friday - Thanksgiving
  • December 25, Friday - Christmas

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• Where can I get my vehicle inspected, and what are their hours?

  All out of state titled vehicles, Kansas non-highway titled vehicles and salvage titled vehicles require inspection prior to tagging in Kansas.  Inspection fee is $10.00 cash for out of state and non-highway titles, $15.00 for salvage titles.  Non-highway titles & Salvage titles can only be inspected at 200 W. Murdock, Downtown Office.  The inspection locations and hours are: 

  Downtown
  200 W. Murdock
  Monday through Friday 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM

  Brittany Tag Office                               
  TUESDAYS ONLY from 8:30 AM – 1:00 PM
  2120 N. Woodlawn #370

  Chadsworth Tag Office                                         
  THURSDAYS ONLY from 8:30 AM to 1:00 PM
  2330 N. Maize Rd. #1100

  Derby Tag Office
  TUESDAYS ONLY from 8:30 AM to 1:00 PM
  212 W. Greenway #12
  
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• How can I renew my tags if I didn't get a renewal notice in the mail?

  If there is a week or more before your tags expire, call 660-9110 with your license tag numbers and current mailing address and we will mail a renewal notice to you.

  If you have to come in, bring last year’s registration receipt, tag number, current insurance card, and a picture identification card or driver’s license.  You must be an owner who is named on the vehicle title to sign the renewal forms.  If you are handling the renewal on behalf of an absentee owner, he/she must sign a Power of Attorney form to allow you to complete the registration.

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• How can I get a refund and what forms will I need?

  Bring in license plates) (In order to claim a refund on personalized tags, both plates must be surrendered), current registration receipt, name and address of person to whom vehicle was sold. Refunds are calculated from the month they are processed, not from the date of sale. (Use Out-of-State or Instate Refund form.)

  Please allow 30 business days to receive a refund check.

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• Where can I get a power of attorney/lienholder consent/Affidavit of Purchase Price, etc.?
   
  Affidavit of Purchase Price; Power of Attorney, Affidavit of Relationship, Affidavit to a Fact, Duplicate Title, Handicap Placard and Tag, Military Affidavit, Personal Property Affidavits, Lienholder Consent, Request for Access to Vehicle Records , Sellers Affidavit/Notification of Sale, are all available here to download.  Adobe Acrobat ® Reader is required to view tag forms. The forms are designed to be filled out on-line then printed allowing for a cleaner document.
  
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• My tag/decal was stolen, what do I do?

  You will need to report the plate stolen to the police and obtain a case number.  If the theft occurred in Sedgwick County call 383-7352 and make the report through the Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office.  If the theft occurred in Wichita make the report through the Wichita Police Department by calling 268-4221.  If your tag was stolen in any other city within Sedgwick County make the report through that city's respective police department by calling them directly.

  Bring the case number, tag number and proof of insurance and we will replace the tag for $3.00. (The price at a substation would be $5.00 including the $2.00 per transaction fee.)

  To replace a decal only, please complete the Affidavit of Lost or Stolen Vehicle Registration  found in the Forms Section of this website.  You may present the completed form in person at any of our offices.  The cost of replacement is $.50 plus $2.00 if using a substation location.  You do not have to notify law enforcement for a case number if only the decal is missing.

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• Personalized Tags

  We are now accepting 2010 series personalized tag reorders for those Sedgwick County residents who have received reorder forms from the Kansas Department of Motor Vehicles.  Due to a change in state law in 2009, there will now be only one license tag with a unique spelling issued in the entire state of Kansas.  Previously each county could have such a unique spelling and it could be used on an auto, truck or motorcycle.  For more information visit our Personalized Tag Information System.

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• Transferring distinctive/specialty tag  to another vehicle.
  
  Anytime you wish to change your distinctive/specialty tag to a vehicle other than the one listed on the original certification or renewal certification form. You are required to obtain a new certification from the issuing institution or charity before processing.
  
  For specific requirements for transferring distinctive/specialty tags to a currently owned vehicle or newly purchased vehicle, please call 660-9110
  
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• Delinquent Taxes

  If your name or business appears on this list, you will have to resolve the problem before processing any work in this office. To see if your name appears on the list go to the Delinquent Tax Site.

  If the person or business named is not you, you will need to complete a Delinquent Tax Affidavit.  For our office to notarize this form, you will need to present picture identification with a current address.

  Prior years' delinquent taxes must be paid prior to processing any further registration work.  The taxes may be paid at any tag location or at the Treasurer's Office in the Sedgwick County Courthouse, 525 N. Main.

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• How can I pay?

  We accept cash, check with valid identification, money order, cashiers check, Discover, Visa and MasterCard. Make checks payable to Ron Estes, Sedgwick County Treasurer.

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• My registration renewal form says that some counties require 2 checks and to call your county treasurer. Do you require 2 checks? 

  No, one check is fine. 

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• Where can I go to renew my handicapped placard? Where do I mail it?

  You may print a Self Certification of Continued Eligibility for Disabled Parking Privilege form (TR-159a) to self certify permanent disability at no fee.  You can also go to any of the tag office locations listed in question #5 above or you can mail it to:
  

  Sedgwick County Treasurer
  P. O. Box 2909
  Wichita, KS 67201-2909

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• Why aren't my tags good for a full year?

  Tag renewals are good for a full year.  Tags for vehicles bought new within the year will be good for the period between the purchase date and the expiration date, in some cases this will be for just a partial year.

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• Can I get an extension on my temporary permit or tag?

  No, there are no extensions

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• I own businesses in several counties in Kansas, where do I register my vehicle?

  The vehicle should be registered in the county where the main business is located.

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• Do I have to get a Kansas driver's license if I have Kansas plates?

  Yes. Kansas Driver's License Examination Stations

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• Do I have to register my vehicle if I am going to sell it?

  Yes, you first have to acquire a title in your name, before it can be sold to another individual or business.

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• When can I get a 30 day permit and how do I get one?

  30 Day Permits can ONLY be issued on newly purchased vehicles.  New owner's  name and Kansas driver's license number MUST be assigned on the back of the title.  It cannot be the same owner!  These permits are valid only for the first 30 days of ownership.  Only one 30 day permit can be issued to any person per vehicle sale.  The date of sale is the legal date of purchase, which is used to determine the expiration date of permit.  Proof of insurance coverage must be provided for the vehicle.  Permit cost is $8.00.

  At least one registered owner's Kansas driver's license number is required on every personal vehicle title application or renewal. Owners of vehicles registered in a business name will be asked to furnish their FEIN number which will be entered instead of a driver’s license number. Leased vehicle users will be asked for the lessee’s Kansas driver’ license number. This information will not print on your receipt and will be on file only with the Kansas Department of Revenue. We do not retain this information at the county level.

  30 day permits can also be obtained with an Electronic Sales agreement form, Electronic POA form & owner's registration.

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• What is a 1 day permit?

  1 Day Permits are valid ONLY to take a vehicle from where it is currently parked, to the Vehicle Inspection Station and back again.  These same day use permits are NOT valid to move the vehicle for ANY other reason.  Vehicle Inspections for salvage or non-highway are only available at the downtown Tag Office, 200 W. Murdock.  The inspection cost is $10 for an out of state or Kansas non-highway title, cash preferred.  $15.00 for a salvage title. The permit can be purchased at any Tag Office location for $1.00.  Title and proof of insurance must be provided for the vehicle. 

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• Do I have to register my vehicle in Sedgwick County if I own property in another county or state?

  Registration of vehicles is governed by Kansas State Statute K.S.A. 8-129.  If you are a resident of Sedgwick County you must register your vehicle here.  The only exception to this is if you are active duty military or an undergraduate student attending college in Sedgwick County.  The Sedgwick County Sheriff Department's Tag Enforcement Unit is responsible for identifying and charging individuals who are in violation of this statute.  This is a misdemeanor offense.  Persons convicted of this charge may be subject to a fine up to $2500.00 and may also be responsible for the payment of back taxes due to the state of Kansas and Sedgwick County.

  To report a violation to the Tag Enforcement Unit click here.

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• How do I sell a vehicle with an Electronic Title?

  The Electronic Title Sales Agreement is printed and filled out in its entirety by the seller.  The signatures and hand printed names of both the seller and the buyer must be affixed.  Seller must attach a copy of the vehicle's current registration receipt and any lienholder's name and address.  The seller agrees by his signature on the Electronic Title Sales Agreement to deliver the properly assigned Kansas title (paper title in his name) within thirty days of the date of sale.

  If possible, the seller should provide the buyer with a notarized lien release with the Sales Agreement.  The buyer can present the Sales Agreement, Lien Release and Proof of Insurance at any Tag Office to purchase a thirty day permit and send the Lien Release to the Department of Motor Vehicles.  This ensures the State will issue the Kansas title in a timely manner.

  If seller and buyer agree to have the title mailed directly to the buyer after issuance, they can complete a Power of Attorney & Odometer Disclosure for Electronic Title form.  The seller authorizes the buyer to complete the new issued title reassignment into the buyer's name for purpose of registration.

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• How do I buy a vehicle with an Electronic Title?

  After the buyer has satisfied the asking price, both parties will fill out the Electronic Sales Agreement. This form will allow the buyer to purchase a 30 day tag for $8.00 or $10.00 at a substation.

  Seller must attach a copy of the vehicle's current registration showing their name as owner and the lienholder's name to the Electronic Sales Agreement.
  
  The buyer can also have the Power of Attorney & Odometer Disclosure for Electronic Title filled out at the same time.  This allows the paper title to be mailed directly to the buyer who can use the Power of Attorney to assign to title themselves.
  
  If at all possible, the buyer should bring the notarized lien release with them when they apply for 30 day permit to have processed by our office.  This ensures the buyer the paper title will be sent to them within the 30 day period.
  
  The seller agrees by his signature on the Electronic Sales Agreement to deliver the properly assigned Kansas Certificate of Title (paper title) within the 30 day period.
   
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• How do I register a vehicle with an Electronic Title?

  A person coming into Kansas from another state that is an E-Title state can register their vehicle using their current registration, current mileage, proof of insurance, and lienholder's name and address.  The state of Kansas will contact the lienholder and get a paper title issued from prior state and will send registered owner a letter and copy of the title at which time the vehicle will have to be inspected by the Kansas Highway Patrol.

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• How do I change Lienholders with an Electronic Title?

  You will furnish the registration, current mileage, proof of insurance and a lien release from the previous lienholder, plus the name and mailing address of the new lienholder to be added.

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• How can I find out if my renewal has been processed?
  
  Call our office at 660-9110.  Please have your plate number and current mailing address when you call.  Allow a minimum of 5 business days to receive your receipt and decal.

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• How can I get a replacement title if my title is lost/stolen/destroyed?

  For a lost title that did not have a lien listed on the face of the document, you must fill out an application for a duplicate title (TR-720B) and bring it, along with a copy of current vehicle registration, to any one of the tag offices. If the title was stolen, you must also provide a case number from the police department. If the title has been mutilated, any remaining pieces of the title should be returned with the application. Cost is $10.00

  For a title which had a lien listed on the face of the document, you must fill out an application for a duplicate & reissue title (TR-720B) and bring it, along with a copy of current vehicle registration, to any one of the tag offices. You will also need a notarized lien release before you can make an application for a new title. If the title was stolen, you must also provide a case number from the police department. If the title has been mutilated, any remaining pieces of the title should be returned with the application. Cost is $20.00

  If you have any questions regarding your paper title, please call 660-9110 for more information.

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• My title shows a lien holder on it. Do I have to have that removed if it has been paid off?

  No. If you have received a lien release from your lender you can attach it to the title. This document is proof the lien has been released.

  If you would like to remove the lien holder’s name from the title, you must fill out an application for a reissue title (TR-720B) and bring it, along with your current vehicle registration, title and lien release to any one of the tag offices. Cost is $10.00

  If you have any questions regarding your paper title, please call 660-9110 for more information.

Information on this page is effective 03/13/2009

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last update: 11/12/09
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