Vehicle registration plates of Kansas

Last updated
Kansas
Kansas Standard License Plate 7-Character Serial.jpg
Current series
Size12 in × 6 in
30 cm × 15 cm
MaterialAluminum
Serial format1234ABC
IntroducedApril 2007 (2007-04)
(revised design introduced August 15, 2018, current format introduced September 8, 2023)
Availability
Issued by Kansas Department of Revenue, Division of Vehicles
History
First issuedJuly 1, 1913 (1913-07-01)

The U.S. state of Kansas first required its residents to register their vehicles and display license plates in 1913. Plates are currently issued by the Kansas Department of Revenue through its Division of Vehicles and only rear plates have been required since 1956.

Contents

Passenger baseplates

1913 to 1975

In 1956, the United States, Canada, and Mexico came to an agreement with the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators, the Automobile Manufacturers Association and the National Safety Council that standardized the size for license plates for vehicles (except those for motorcycles) at 6 inches (15 cm) in height by 12 inches (30 cm) in width, with standardized mounting holes. [1] The 1955 (dated 1956) issue was the first Kansas license plate that complied with these standards.

ImageDates issuedDescriptionSloganSerial formatSerials issuedNotes
Kansas 1913 License Plate - Photo Credits to Nathan Kuehn.jpg 1913Embossed black serial on white plate; diagonal "KAN" at rightnone123451 to approximately 39000
Kansas 1914 License Plate - Photo Credits to Nathan Kuehn.jpg 1914Embossed white serial on dark blue plate; "KAN" at rightnone123451 to approximately 59000
Kansas 1915 License Plate - Photo Credits to Nathan Kuehn.jpg 1915Embossed black serial on golden yellow plate with border line; diagonal "KAN" at rightnone123451 to approximately 86000
Kansas 1916 License Plate - Photo Credits to Nathan Kuehn.jpg 1916Embossed white serial on black plate with border line; "KAN" monogram at rightnone1234561 to approximately 140000
Kansas 1917 License Plate - Photo Credits to Nathan Kuehn.jpg 1917Embossed black serial on light green plate with border line; vertical "KAN" at leftnone1234561 to approximately 183000
Kansas 1918 License Plate - Photo Credits to Nathan Kuehn.jpg 1918Embossed green serial on white plate with border line; vertical "KAN" at rightnone1234561 to approximately 205000
Kansas 1919 License Plate - Photo Credits to Nathan Kuehn.jpg 1919Embossed dark blue serial on light green plate with border line; vertical "KAN" at rightnone1234561 to approximately 260000
Kansas 1920 License Plate - Photo Credits to Nathan Kuehn.jpg 1920Embossed white serial on black plate with border line; vertical "KAN" at leftnone1234561 to approximately 290000
1921 Kansas license plate.jpg 1921Embossed black serial on golden yellow plate with border line; "KAN 21" at rightnone123-4561 to approximately 274-000First dated plate.
Kansas 1922 License Plate - Photo Credits to Nathan Kuehn.jpg 1922Embossed golden yellow serial on black plate with border line; "KAN 22" at rightnone123-4561 to approximately 304-000
Kansas 1923 License Plate - Photo Credits to Nathan Kuehn.jpg 1923Embossed black serial on white plate with border line; vertical "KAN" and "1923" at left and right respectivelynone1234561 to approximately 350000
1924 Kansas license plate.jpg 1924Embossed white serial on green plate with border line; vertical "KAN" and "24" at leftnone123-4561 to approximately 369-000
1925 Kansas License Plate 117762.jpg 1925Embossed white serial on red plate with border line; "KAN 25" at rightnone123-4561 to approximately 409-000
Kansas 1926 License Plate - Photo Credits to Nathan Kuehn.jpg 1926Embossed white serial on dark blue plate with border line; "KAN 26" at leftnone123-4561 to approximately 442-000
1927 Kansas license plate.jpg 1927Embossed black serial on gray plate with border line; vertical "1927" and "KAN" at left and right respectivelynone123-4561 to approximately 459-000
Kansas 1928 License Plate - Photo Credits to Nathan Kuehn.jpg 1928Embossed blue serial on white plate with border line; "KAN 28" at rightnone123-4561 to approximately 472-000
Kansas 1929 License Plate - Photo Credits to Nathan Kuehn.jpg 1929Embossed black serial on yellow plate; black lines at top and bottom borders; "KANSAS 1929" at bottomnone123-4561 to approximately 507-000First use of the full state name.
1930 Kansas license plate 55C321.jpg 1930Embossed white serial on black plate; white lines at top and bottom borders; "KANSAS - 1930" at topnone1C12345
10C1234
100C123
Coded by county of issuance (1, 10 or 100)First base to use numeric county codes.
1931 Kansas license plate 58-3239.png 1931Embossed white serial on green plate with border line; "KAN 31" at rightnone1-12345
10-1234
100-123
Coded by county of issuance (1, 10 or 100)
Kansas 1932 License Plate - Photo Credits to Nathan Kuehn.jpg 1932Embossed black serial on orange plate with border line; "KAN 32" at leftnone1-12345
10-1234
100-123
Coded by county of issuance (1, 10 or 100)
1933-Kansas-license-plate.jpg 1933Embossed white serial on dark blue plate with border line; "KAN 33" at rightnone1-12345
10-1234
100-123
Coded by county of issuance (1, 10 or 100)
1934 Kansas license plate.jpg 1934Embossed black serial on white plate with border line; "KAN 34" at leftnone1-12345
10-1234
100-123
Coded by county of issuance (1, 10 or 100)
Kansas 1935 License Plate - Photo Credits to Kyle Eilts.jpg 1935Embossed orange serial on black plate with border line; "KAN 35" at rightnone1-12345
10-1234
100-123
Coded by county of issuance (1, 10 or 100)
1936 Kansas license plate.JPG 1936Embossed black serial on orange plate with border line; "KAN 36" at leftnone1-12345
10-1234
100-123
Coded by county of issuance (1, 10 or 100)
Kansas 1937 License Plate - Photo Credits to Nathan Kuehn.jpg 1937Embossed yellow serial on black plate with border line; "KAN 37" at rightnone1-12345
10-1234
100-123
Coded by county of issuance (1, 10 or 100)
1938 Kansas license plate.JPG 1938Embossed white serial on black plate with border line; "KAN. '38" centered at bottomnone1-12345
10-1234
100-123
Coded by county of issuance (1, 10 or 100)
1939 Kansas license plate.jpg 1939Embossed black serial on white plate with border line; "'39 KAN." centered at topnone1-12345
10-1234
100-123
Coded by county of issuance (1, 10 or 100)
1940 Kansas license plate.jpg 1940Embossed white serial on black plate with border line; "KANSAS '40" centered at bottomnone1-12345
10-12345
100-123
Coded by county of issuance (1, 10 or 100)
1941 Kansas license plate.JPG 1941Embossed yellow serial on dark red plate with border line; "41 KANSAS" centered at bottomnone1-12345
10-12345
100-123
Coded by county of issuance (1, 10 or 100)
1942 Kansas license plate.JPG 1942Embossed white serial on green plate with border line; "KANSAS '42" centered at bottom; sunflower decals at bottom cornersnone1-12345
10-12345
100-123
Coded by county of issuance (1, 10 or 100)
Kansas 1942 License Plate with 1943 Zinc Tab - Photo Credits to Nathan Kuehn.jpg 1943Revalidated for 1943 with zinc "43" tabs over the '42, due to metal conservation for World War II.
Kansas 1944 License Plate - Photo Credits to Nathan Kuehn.jpg 1944Embossed red serial on white plate with border line; "KANSAS-44" at topnone1-12345
10-12345
100-123
Coded by county of issuance (1, 10 or 100)
Kansas 1945 License Plate - Photo Credits to Nathan Kuehn.jpg 1945Embossed black serial on white plate; "KANSAS-45" centered at topnone1-12345
10-12345
100-123
Coded by county of issuance (1, 10 or 100)
Kansas License Plate 1946 - Photo Credits to Kyle Eilts.jpg 1946Embossed blue serial on golden yellow plate; "KANSAS-46" centered at topnone1-12345
10-12345
100-123
Coded by county of issuance (1, 10 or 100)
1947 Kansas License Plate.JPG 1947Embossed black serial on white plate with border line; "19 KANSAS 47" at topnone1-12345
10-12345
100-1234
Coded by county of issuance (1, 10 or 100)
1948 Kansas license plate.JPG 1948Embossed white serial on black plate with border line; "19 KANSAS 48" at topnone1-12345
10-12345
100-1234
Coded by county of issuance (1, 10 or 100)
1949 Kansas license plate.jpg 1949Embossed black serial on unpainted aluminum plate with border line; "19 KANSAS 49" at top"THE WHEAT STATE" at bottom1-12345
10-12345
100-1234
Coded by county of issuance (1, 10 or 100)
Kansas License Plate 1950 - Photo Credits to Kyle Eilts.jpg 1950Embossed green serial on unpainted aluminum plate with border line; "KANSAS 50" centered at top"THE WHEAT STATE" centered at bottom1-12345
10-12345
100-1234
Coded by county of issuance (1, 10 or 100)
Kansas 1951 license plate - Number JW-201.jpg 1951Embossed white serial on dark blue state-shaped plate with border line; "KANSAS 51" centered at top"THE WHEAT STATE" centered at bottomA/B-12345Coded by county of issuance (A/B)First base to use two-letter county codes. Revalidated for 1952 with white tabs, and for 1953 with yellow tabs, due to metal conservation for the Korean War.
Kansas 1951 License Plate with 1952 Tab - Photo Credits to Nathan Kuehn.jpg 1952Revalidated for 1952 with white tabs, and for 1953 with yellow tabs, due to metal conservation for the Korean War.
1953 Kansas license plate.jpg 1953
Kansas 1954 JW-3154.jpg 1954Embossed black serial on white state-shaped plate with border line; "KANSAS 54" centered at top"THE WHEAT STATE" centered at bottomA/B-12345Coded by county of issuance (A/B)
1955 Kansas license plate.jpg 1955Embossed white serial on black state-shaped plate with border line; "KANSAS 55" centered at top"THE WHEAT STATE" centered at bottomA/B-12345Coded by county of issuance (A/B)
1956 Kansas License Plate.JPG 1956Embossed black serial on white plate with state-shaped border; "KANSAS 56" centered at top"THE WHEAT STATE" centered at bottomA/B-12345Coded by county of issuance (A/B)1956 was the first year that Kansas plates complied with the new standardized 6" x 12" measurements.
1957 Kansas License Plate.jpg 1957Embossed red serial on white plate with state-shaped border; "KANSAS 57" centered at top"THE WHEAT STATE" at bottom, offset to rightA/B-12345Coded by county of issuance (A/B)
1958 Kansas License Plate.JPG 1958Embossed yellow serial on blue plate with state-shaped border; "KANSAS 58" centered at top"THE WHEAT STATE" at bottom, offset to rightA/B-12345Coded by county of issuance (A/B)
1959 Kansas license plate.JPG 1959Embossed blue serial on yellow plate with state-shaped border; "KANSAS 59" centered at top"THE WHEAT STATE" at bottom, offset to rightA/B-12345Coded by county of issuance (A/B)
1960 Kansas license plate.jpg 1960Embossed blue serial on white plate with state-shaped border; "KANSAS 60" centered at top"CENTENNIAL 1961" at bottom, offset to rightA/B-12345Coded by county of issuance (A/B)Both this and the 1961 base commemorated Kansas' 100 years of statehood.
1961 Kansas license plate.JPG 1961Embossed brown serial on white plate with state-shaped border; "KANSAS 61" centered at top"CENTENNIAL 1961" at bottom, offset to rightA/B-12345Coded by county of issuance (A/B)
1962 Kansas license plate.jpg 1962Embossed white serial on green plate with state-shaped border; "KANSAS 62" centered at topnoneA/B-12345Coded by county of issuance (A/B)
1963 KS license plate.JPG 1963Embossed green serial on white plate with state-shaped border; "KANSAS 63" centered at topnoneA/B-12345Coded by county of issuance (A/B)
1964 Kansas license plate.jpg 1964Embossed white serial on blue plate with state-shaped border; "KANSAS 64" centered at topnoneA/B-12345Coded by county of issuance (A/B)
1965 Kansas passenger license plate.jpg 1965Embossed white serial on red plate with state-shaped border; "KANSAS 65" centered at top"MIDWAY USA" centered at bottomA/B-12345Coded by county of issuance (A/B)
1966 Kansas license plate.jpg 1966Embossed white serial on black plate with state-shaped border; "KANSAS 66" centered at top"MIDWAY USA" centered at bottomA/B-12345Coded by county of issuance (A/B)
1967 KS license plate.JPG 1967Embossed white serial on Columbia blue plate with state-shaped border; "KANSAS 67" centered at top"MIDWAY USA" centered at bottomA/B-12345Coded by county of issuance (A/B)
1968 Kansas license plate.jpg 1968Embossed yellow serial on black plate with state-shaped border; "KANSAS 68" centered at top"MIDWAY USA" centered at bottomA/B-12345Coded by county of issuance (A/B)
1969 Kansas license plate.jpg 1969Embossed white serial on black plate with state-shaped border; "KANSAS 69" centered at top"MIDWAY USA" centered at bottomA/B-12345Coded by county of issuance (A/B)
Kansas License Plate 1970 - Photo Credits to Nathan Kuehn.jpg 1970Embossed white serial on pale green plate with state-shaped border; "KANSAS 70" centered at top"MIDWAY USA" centered at bottomA/B-12345Coded by county of issuance (A/B)
Kansas License Plate 1971 Type 1, EXP JUL 31 - Photo Credits to Kyle Eilts.jpg 1971Embossed white serial on red plate with state-shaped border; "KANSAS" and month of expiration centered at top and bottom respectivelynoneA/B 12345Coded by county of issuance (A/B)Staggered registration introduced, with the month of expiration determined by the initial letter of the registrant's surname. The A/B 12345 serial format was used only on plates expiring on July 31.
Kansas License Plate 1971 Type 2, Staggered EXP Month - Photo Credits to Kyle Eilts.jpg A/B C12345Coded by county of issuance (A/B) and month of expiration (C)These plates using A/B C12345 expired from July 31 through December 31, 1971.
Kansas License Plate 1972 - Photo Credits to Nathan Kuehn.jpg 1972Embossed white serial on black plate with state-shaped border; "KANSAS" and month of expiration centered at top and bottom respectivelynoneA/B C12345Coded by county of issuance (A/B) and month of expiration (C)Plates expired from February 29 through December 31, 1972.
Kansas License Plate 1973 - Photo Credits to Nathan Kuehn.jpg 1973Embossed gold serial on green plate with state-shaped border; "KANSAS" and month of expiration centered at top and bottom respectivelynoneA/B C12345Coded by county of issuance (A/B) and month of expiration (C)Plates expired from February 28 through December 31, 1973.
Kansas License Plate 1974 Type 1 with Expiration - Photo Credits to Nathan Kuehn.jpg 1974Embossed white serial on red plate with state-shaped border; "KANSAS" and month of expiration centered at top and bottom respectivelynoneA/B C12345Coded by county of issuance (A/B) and month of expiration (C)Plates expired from February 28 through December 31, 1974. The first "KANSAS 74" plates expired on July 31, 1974, and the first "Wheat Centennial" plates on August 31, 1974.

In 1974, Kansas hosted a "Wheat Centennial" celebration commemorating the first Turkey Red wheat planting according to folklore. [2]

Kansas License Plate 1974 Type 2 Plain - Photo Credits to Dale Brigger.jpg As above, but with "KANSAS 74" at top, and without month of expiration
Kansas License Plate 1974 Wheat Centennial - Photo Credits to Kyle Eilts.jpg "WHEAT CENTENNIAL" centered at bottom
Kansas License Plate 1975 Wheat Centennial - Photo Credits to Kyle Eilts.jpg 1975Embossed white serial on green plate with state-shaped border; "KANSAS 75" centered at top"WHEAT CENTENNIAL" centered at bottomA/B C12345Coded by county of issuance (A/B) and month of expiration (C)Plates expired from February 28 through December 31, 1975. The first plates without the slogan expired on August 31, 1975.
Kansas License Plate 1975 Type 2 Plain - Photo Credits to Nathan Kuehn.jpg none

1976 to present

ImageDates issuedDescriptionSloganSerial formatSerials issuedNotes
Kansas 1976 License Plate.JPG 1976 - 1980Embossed white serial on dark blue plate with embossed white state-shaped border and "KANSAS 76" at topnoneA/B C12345Coded by county of issuance (A/B) and month of expiration (C)
Kansas 1986 license plate.jpg 1980  - December 1981Embossed white serial on blue plate with yellow wheat stalk graphic screened at left and "KANSAS" in yellow at topnoneA/B C12345Coded by county of issuance (A/B) and month of expiration (C)Awarded "Plate of the Year" for best new license plate of 1980 by the Automobile License Plate Collectors Association, the first time Kansas was so honored. Discontinued due to legibility issues, but revalidated with stickers until 1988.
Kansas 1985 plate.jpg January 1982 - December 1987Embossed blue serial on reflective white plate; gold sunflower and wheat stalk graphic screened at top left and "KANSAS" in blue at topnoneA/B C12345Coded by county of issuance (A/B) and month of expiration (C)Issued only to new registrants. Serials in each county, for each month, continued from where the 1980–81 plates left off. [3]
1988-1990 Kansas Standard License Plate.jpg January 1988 - 1990Embossed dark blue serial on white plate; brown wheat stalk graphic screened in the center; pale yellow band screened across top containing stylized "KANSAS" in the center and three dark blue stripes on either sidenoneABC 123AAA 000 to approximately DVD 999
Kansas License Plate 1990-1993.jpg 1990 - December 1993DVE 000 to approximately GRR 999The county sticker was enlarged and the state name was made more legible.
Kansas Standard License Plate 1994-2001.jpg January 1994 - January 2001Embossed blue serial on light blue, white and light yellow gradient plate; yellow wheat stalk graphic screened in the center and "KANSAS" in blue at topnoneABC 123GRS 000 to approximately PAZ 999;
SMA 000 to approximately SVC 499
Awarded "Plate of the Year" for best new license plate of 1994 by the Automobile License Plate Collectors Association, the second time Kansas was so honored.
Kansas Capitol Plate '11.jpg January 2001 - April 2007Embossed black serial on sky blue plate; State Capitol screened in the center surrounded by clouds; fading gold band screened at bottom with gold wheat stalks at left and "KANSAS" in black at topnoneABC 123PBA 000 to SLZ 999;
TAA 000 to approximately XWB 016
Revalidated through December 31, 2023 with the last expiration being December 31, 2024*.

A state-wide replacement of all standard embossed plates started on January 1, 2024. Owners of old embossed plates will be required to replace them with the newest design at their annual renewal.

Kansas License Plate Base 2007-2018 (045 BKR).jpg April 2007 - August 14, 2018Embossed dark blue serial on light blue plate; top half of state seal screened in white at bottom right and "KANSAS" in dark blue at topnone123 ABC000 AAA to approximately

850 LJW

Letters I, O, and Q are not used in serials from late 2012 onwards (FFQ being the last). [3] Ixx series was skipped in 2016.

Revalidated through December 31, 2023 with the last expiration being December 31, 2024*. A state-wide replacement of all standard embossed plates started on January 1, 2024. Owners of old embossed plates will be required to replace them with the newest design at their annual renewal.

Kansas License Plate Standard Flat September 2019.jpg August 15, 2018 [4]  - September 7, 2023Same as above, but with screened black serial and pre-printed county code895 LJW to approximately

999 SGW

Number 666 is no longer being used in serials from late 2018 onwards.

Oxx and Qxx series were skipped in 2021 and 2022, respectively.

Kansas Standard License Plate 7-Character Serial.jpg September 8, 2023 - PresentSame as above, but with different serial formatnone1234ABC0000ABB to at least 1664ACM (as of March 20, 2024)Kansas switched to a 7-character serial format starting on September 8, 2023.
Kansas New Plate 2024.png TBDScreened black serial on light teal, white, and gold gradient plate with dark gray state-shaped border; State Capitol dome in dark gray at bottom left and "KANSAS" in dark gray centered at top"To the Stars" centered at bottomTBDTBDOn November 22, 2023, Kansas Governor Laura Kelly announced a redesigned standard license plate that was slated to replace all standard embossed plates starting in March 2024. This replacement was introduced due to longstanding legibility concerns with older embossed plates - the oldest of which had been on the road since 2001. [5] However, following a widely negative response to the initial proposed redesign [6] and with many locals deeming it too closely resembling the colors of Missouri and New York, [7] Governor Kelly announced a contest on December 11, 2023, between five new designs that Kansans would instead vote on to decide the future plate. On December 15, this plate was chosen as the winner, with over 140,000 votes. [8]

* In some cases, owners of standard embossed plates are being given renewals for 2025, rather than having to replace their plates with the newest design. There has been no official word from KDOR as to why this is taking place.

Replacement plates

Most specialty Kansas license plates are available to be reissued with the same serial number at the owner's request if they become damaged or illegible over time. Since Kansas does not have a rolling replate system, this duty falls on the vehicle owner to make sure their plates are legible to law enforcement and other motorists at all times.

This process includes all Collegiate, Firefighter, EMS, Disabled, and most other specialty plates. However, they will not be reissued with an embossed serial or original designs, even if the plate holder has an older design, such as the first edition Agriculture plates. Instead, they will be issued with the most current design of the plate, and will be completely flat.

The only style of plates that are not eligible to be reissued with the same serial are the standard Ad Astra or Capitol bases. If the owner wishes to retain their standard serial number, they can request it on a personalized vanity plate.

County coding

Kansas has a system of county codes used for identification of the home county of a state resident or company on license plates and state tax forms. [9]

The codes are two letters based on the first letter of and another letter in the name of the county. There is no true convention for the selection of the letters; for example, Bourbon County is the only county that begins with "BO," yet its code is "BB." In most cases, but not all, as noted above, the only county that begins with two particular letters gets those letters. Exceptions are Decatur, Dickinson, Hodgeman, Leavenworth, Logan, McPherson (MC is used for Mitchell), Norton (NO is used for Neosho), Pawnee, and Pottawatomie.

The two-letter code began appearing on Kansas license plates in 1951. From 1930 to 1950, the code was a number based on the order a county ranked in terms of population based on the 1920 United States Census. From 1951 until 1988, the two letters were stamped on the license plate on the far left side, one letter on top of the other. Since then, the letters are on a sticker applied to the upper-left corner of the plate.

There is also a place on the address form of Kansas tax forms to place the county code.

Decals

Yearly Registration Decals

- Regular Auto decals started issuance in 1976 for 1977 expirations of the redesigned 1976 standard license plate. Trucks and other non-highway vehicles using the green 1975 plates were issued 1976 decals upon expiration.

- The decal sizing was changed from square to rectangular in 1994/1995 to be able to fit a similarly sized month sticker above the registration decal.

- The sizing was again changed in some 2012/2013 and all 2014 registrations to a square "smart sticker" that now includes the month, plate number, and registration year on one decal. Smart stickers for 2012 registrations were only issued to new plates in OCT, NOV, & DEC, and 2013 smart sticker issuance began in mid-May. Since the expiration month is now printed directly on the registration, separate month stickers were phased out and newer plates removed the debossed sticker well that had previously been used for the decal.

^ Denotes a decal issued to non-auto, vanity or specialty plate holders.

* Denotes a redesigned standard plate with a natural expiration.

Year19771978197919801981*1981^1982
Image Kansas License Plate Sticker Auto 1977.jpg Kansas License Plate Sticker Auto 1978.jpg Kansas License Plate Sticker Auto 1979.jpg Kansas License Plate Sticker Auto 1980.jpg Kansas License Plate 1981 Debossed Natural Year.jpg Kansas License Plate Sticker 1981 NON HIGHWAY.jpg Kansas License Plate Sticker Auto 1982.jpg
Year1983198419851986198719881989*
Image Kansas License Plate Sticker Auto 1983.jpg Kansas License Plate Sticker Auto 1984.jpg Kansas License Plate Sticker Auto 1985.jpg Kansas License Plate Sticker Auto 1986.jpg Kansas License Plate Sticker Auto 1987.jpg Kansas License Plate Sticker Auto 1988.jpg Kansas License Plate 1989 Natural Expiration Year.jpg
Year1989^199019911992199319941994^
Image Kansas License Plate Auto Sticker 1989.jpg Kansas License Plate Auto Sticker 1990.jpg Kansas License Plate Auto Sticker 1991.jpg Kansas License Plate Auto Sticker 1992.jpg Kansas License Plate Auto Sticker 1993.jpg Kansas License Plate Auto Sticker 1994.jpg 1994 Kansas Registration Sticker New Style.jpg
Year1995*1995^19961997199819992000
Image Kansas License Plate 1995 Natural Expiration Year.jpg Kansas License Plate Auto Sticker 1995.jpg Kansas License Plate Auto Sticker 1996.jpg Kansas License Plate Auto Sticker 1997.jpg Kansas License Plate Auto Sticker 1998.jpg Kansas License Plate Auto Sticker 1999.jpg Kansas License Plate Auto Sticker 2000.jpg
Year20012002*2002^2003200420052006
Image Kansas License Plate Auto Sticker 2001.jpg Kansas License Plate Auto Natural Expiration 2002.jpg Kansas License Plate Auto Sticker 2002.jpg Kansas License Plate Auto Sticker 2003.jpg Kansas License Plate Auto Sticker 2004.jpg Kansas License Plate Auto Sticker 2005.jpg Kansas License Plate Auto Sticker 2006.jpg
Year2007200820092010201120122012
Image Kansas License Plate Auto Sticker 2007.jpg Kansas License Plate Auto Sticker 2008.jpg Kansas License Plate Sticker 2009.jpg Kansas License Plate Sticker 2010.jpg Kansas License Plate Sticker 2011.jpg Kansas License Plate Sticker 2012.jpg Kansas License Plate 2012 Smart Sticker Registration Decal.jpg
Year2013201320142015201620172018
Image Kansas License Plate Sticker 2013.jpg Kansas License Plate 2013 Smart Sticker Registration Decal.jpg Kansas License Plate 2014 Registration Decal.jpg Kansas License Plate 2015 Registration Decal.jpg Kansas License Plate 2016 Registration Decal.jpg Kansas License Plate 2017 Registration Decal.jpg Kansas License Plate 2018 Registration Decal.jpg
Year2019202020212022202320242025
Image Kansas License Plate 2019 Registration Decal.jpg Kansas License Plate 2020 Registration Decal.jpg Kansas License Plate 2021 Registration Decal.jpg Kansas License Plate 2022 Registration Decal.jpg Kansas License Plate 2023 Registration Decal.jpg 2024 Kansas Registration Sticker.jpg Starts on Jan 15, 2024

Optional plates

Personalized Vanity Plates

ImageTypeDates issuedDesignSerial formatSerials issuedNotes
Kansas License Plate 1975 Vanity Truck - Photo Credits to Jason Smith.jpg Personalized passenger1975 to 1976 registration yearsEmbossed white serial on green plate with "KANSAS 75" at top and county abbreviation/truck weight code at bottomvariousvariousKansas first issued vanity plates in 1975 to trucks only
Kansas License Plate 1976 Vanity - Photo Credits to Nathan Kuehn.jpg 1976 to 1980 registration yearsEmbossed white serial on blue plate with "KANSAS 76" at top and county abbreviation/month of expiration at bottomvariousvarious1976 was the first year that vanity plates were issued to cars
Kansas License Plate 1980 Vanity - Photo Credits to Nathan Kuehn.jpg 1980 to 1985 registration yearsEmbossed dark blue serial on gold reflective plate with "KANSAS" at top and county abbreviation/month of expiration at bottomvariousvarious
Kansas License Plate 1985 Vanity - Photo Credits to Nathan Kuehn.jpg 1985 to 1990 registration yearsEmbossed dark blue serial on beige background with dark blue band at top containing "KANSAS" in the center in beigevariousvarious
KS-1995-A.jpg 1990 to 1995 registration yearsEmbossed dark blue serial on beige background with orange fade at top and stalk of wheat in the center; "KANSAS" in dark blue at topvariousvarious
Blank License Plate Shape.svg 1995 to 2000 registration yearsEmbossed blue serial on white plate with sky blue fade at top and blue sunflower graphic at bottom; "KANSAS" in blue at topvariousvarious
Blank License Plate Shape.svg 2000 to 2005 registration yearsEmbossed black serial on white plate with gold fade and wild sunflowers at bottom; "KANSAS" in yellow and black at topvariousvarious
Kansas Vanity License Plate 2005-2010.jpg 2005 to 2010 registration yearsEmbossed brown serial on tan plate with embossed brown state-shaped border, brown buffalo in the center, and "Home On The Range" in brown at bottom; "KANSAS" in brown at topvariousvariousAwarded "Plate of the Year" for best new license plate of 2005 by the Automobile License Plate Collectors Association, the third time Kansas was so honored.
Blank License Plate Shape.svg 2010 to 2015 registration yearsEmbossed brown serial on sunset graphic background plate with old-fashioned windmill at left, modern wind turbine at right, grass at bottom, state seal in the center, and "America's Heartland" in white at bottom; "KANSAS" in dark brown at topvariousvarious
Blank License Plate Shape.svg 2015 to 2018 registration yearsEmbossed black serial on sunflower graphic background plate with "KANSAS" and "SUNFLOWER STATE" in black at top and bottom, respectivelyvariousvariousKansas stopped taking orders for personalized plates in April 2018 to prepare for the launch of flat plates in August.
2018-2020 Kansas Vanity Plate.jpg 2018 to 2020 registration yearsScreened black serial on sunflower graphic background plate with "KANSAS" and "SUNFLOWER STATE" in black at top and bottom, respectivelyvariousvariousSerial and county stickers became screened in August 2018.
Blank License Plate Shape.svg 2020 to 2025 registration yearsScreened white serial on gradient red and yellow background plate with three wind turbines at left; "KANSAS" and "Powering the Future" at top and bottom, respectivelyvariousvariousThe background of these plates tend to turn into a single shade of brown from any distance.
Kansas License Plate Personalized Flat State Seal 2022 - Photo Credits to Kyle Eilts.jpg January 1, 2022 – presentSame as 2018 state seal passenger base, with "PERSONALIZED" in black between the bolt holes at the bottomvariousvariousOptional choice for personalized plates instead of the regular graphic design.

Educational Institution Plates

These plates share a common all-numeric serial format that started at 1 with K-State in 1997.

ImageTypeDates issuedDesignNotes
Kansas License Plate Baker University Embossed - Photo Credits to Jason Smith.jpg Baker University 2005 - 2009Embossed black serial on white plate with the college's logo and "BAKER UNIVERSITY" at left; "KANSAS" in black at topDiscontinued due to minimum number of yearly registrations not met. Still valid for renewals
Benedictine College Kansas License Plate.jpg Benedictine College 2016 - 2018Embossed black serial on white plate with the college's logo at left; "KANSAS" and "BENEDICTINE COLLEGE" in red at top and bottom, respectively
Kansas License Plate Benedictine College Flat - Photo Credits to Nathan Kuehn.jpg 2018 -presentScreened black serial on white plate with the college's logo at left; "KANSAS" and "BENEDICTINE COLLEGE" in red at top and bottom, respectively
Kansas License Plate Emporia State 2008 Embossed - Photo by John Perez.jpg Emporia State University 2001 - 2018Embossed black serial on white plate with the university's mascot, Corky the Hornet, at left and "KANSAS" in black at top
Kansas License Plate Emporia State Flat 2023 - Photo Credits to Kyle Eilts.jpg 2018 -presentScreened black serial on white plate with the university's "Power E" logo at left and "KANSAS" in black at top
Fort Hays State University Kansas License Plate.jpg Fort Hays State University 2003 - 2018Embossed black serial on white plate with the university's tiger mascot at left and "KANSAS" in black at top
Kansas License Plate Fort Hays State Flat - Photo Credits to Kyle Eilts.jpg 2018 -presentScreened black serial on white plate with the university's tiger mascot at left and "KANSAS" in black at top
Friends University Kansas License Plate.jpg Friends University 2016 - 2018Embossed black serial on white plate with the university's logo at left and "KANSAS" in scarlet at top
Blank License Plate Shape.svg 2018 -presentScreened black serial on white plate with the university's logo at left and "KANSAS" in scarlet at top
Kansas License Plate K-State Number 1 Embossed - Photo Credits to Kyle Eilts.jpg Kansas State University 1997 - 2018Embossed purple serial on white plate with the university's mascot, Willie the Wildcat, at left and "KANSAS" in purple at top#1 issued in 1997 is still currently in active use
Kansas License Plate K-State 2nd Edition Flat 2022.jpg late 2018Screened black serial on white plate with the university's mascot, Willie the Wildcat, at left and "KANSAS" in purple at topThese plates were issued between 40800 and 42000
Kansas License Plate K-State Flat Type 2, Go Wildcats - Photo Credits to Nathan Kuehn.jpg 2019 -presentScreened black serial on white plate with the university's mascot, Willie the Wildcat, at left; "KANSAS" and "GO WILDCATS" in purple at top and bottom, respectively
Kansas License Plate Ottawa University Embossed - Photo Credits to Jason Smith.jpg Ottawa University 2005 - 2009Embossed black serial on white plate with the university's logo and "OTTAWA UNIVERSITY" at left; "KANSAS" in black at topDiscontinued due to minimum number of yearly registrations not met. Still valid for renewals
Pittsburg State University Kansas License Plate.jpg Pittsburg State University 2000 - 2018Embossed crimson serial on white plate with the university's mascot, Gus the Gorilla, at left and "KANSAS" in crimson at top
Kansas License Plate Pitt State Flat Custom.png 2018 -presentScreened black serial on white plate with the university's mascot, Gus the Gorilla, at left and "KANSAS" in crimson at top
Kansas License Plate KU Embossed 2022 - Photo Credits to J Kevin Kitzman.jpg University of Kansas 1998 - 2018Embossed blue serial on white plate with the university's mascot, Big Jay, at left and "KANSAS" in blue at top
Kansas License Plate KU Flat 2022 - Photo Credits to J Kevin Kitzman.jpg 2018 -presentScreened black serial on white plate with the university's mascot, Big Jay, at left; "KANSAS" and "ROCK CHALK" in blue at top and bottom, respectively
Washburn University Kansas License Plate.jpg Washburn University 2005 - 2018Embossed dark blue serial on white plate with the university's mascot, the Ichabod, at left and "KANSAS" in dark blue at top
Kansas License Plate Washburn Flat 2022 - Photo Credits to Kyle Eilts.jpg 2018 -presentScreened black serial on white plate with the university's mascot, the Ichabod, at left and "KANSAS" in dark blue at top
Kansas License Plate Wichita State Embossed 2014.jpg Wichita State University 2000 - 2018Embossed black serial on white plate with the university's mascot, WuShock, at left and "KANSAS" in black at top
Blank License Plate Shape.svg 2018 -presentScreened black serial on white plate with the university's mascot, WuShock, at left and "KANSAS" in black at top

Organizational Distinctive Plates

ImageTypeDates issuedDesignSerial formatNotes
Kansas Agriculture License Plate.jpg Agriculture 2005 - 2018Embossed black serial on white plate with Kansas Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom (KFAC) logo at the left and "KANSAS" in black at top1234
Kansas License Plate Agriculture 2nd Edition Flat- Photo Credits to Nathan Kuehn.jpg late 2018Screened black serial on white plate with Kansas Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom (KFAC) logo at the left and "KANSAS" in black at top
Kansas License Plate Agriculture 3rd Edition Flat - Photo Credits to Nathan Kuehn.jpg 2019 -presentScreened black serial on white plate with Kansas Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom (KFAC) logo at the left; blue band containing "KANSAS" in white at top and "AGRICULTURE" in black at bottom
Kansas License Plate Autism Awareness Flat 2020 - Photo Credits to Jason Smith.jpg Autism Awareness 2019 -presentScreened black serial on white plate with Kansas Autism Awareness logo at the left and "KANSAS" in blue at top1AB
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Braden's Hope 2022 -presentScreened black serial on white plate with red border and Braden's Hope for Childhood Cancer logo at left; "KANSAS" in blue and "Delivering HOPE" in red at top and bottom, respectively1AB
Kansas License Plate Children's Trust Fund 2002 Embossed - Photo by Jack Walker.jpg Children's Trust Fund 2000 - 2018Embossed blue serial on white plate with Kansas Children's Trust Fund logo at the left and "KANSAS" in blue at top12345
Blank License Plate Shape.svg 2018 -presentScreened black serial on white plate with Kansas Children's Trust Fund logo at the left and "KANSAS" in blue at top
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Choose Life 2022 -presentScreened black serial on white plate with red and pink border and Kansas Choose Life logo at left; "KANSAS" in blue and "Choose LIFE" in pink at top and bottom, respectivelyA123
Kansas License Plate City of Wichita Black Error - Photo Credits to Nathan Kuehn.jpg City of Wichita early 2019Screened black serial on graphic of City of Wichita Flag plate with "KANSAS" in white at topA123A small number of plates with black serials were printed in error; owners were mailed correct plates with white serials
Kansas License Plate City of Wichita - Photo credits to Alex Burbidge.jpg 2019 -presentScreened white serial on graphic of City of Wichita Flag plate with "KANSAS" in white at top
Kansas License Plate Donate Life Embossed - Photo Credits to Nathan Kuehn.jpg Donate Life 2015 - 2018Embossed black serial on green and white plate with Donate Life America logo at left; "KANSAS" and "Be an Organ, Eye and Tissue Donor" in black at top and bottom, respectively123AB
Blank License Plate Shape.svg 2018 -presentScreened black serial on green and white plate with Donate Life America logo at left; "KANSAS" and "Be an Organ, Eye and Tissue Donor" in black at top and bottom, respectively
Kansas License Plate Ducks Unlimited 2020.jpg Ducks Unlimited 2012 - 2018Embossed black serial on white plate with graphic of duck head at left; "KANSAS" and "DUCKS UNLIMITED" in black at top and bottom, respectively1ABC
Blank License Plate Shape.svg 2018 -presentScreened black serial on white plate with graphic of duck head at left; "KANSAS" and "DUCKS UNLIMITED" in black at top and bottom, respectively
Kansas License Plate Eisenhower Foundation Embossed 2017 - Photo by Tom Allen.jpg Eisenhower Foundation 2014 - 2018Embossed black serial on white plate with "I LIKE IKE" button graphic at left; and "KANSAS" in blue at topAB12
Kansas License Plate Eisenhower Foundation Flat - Photo Credits to Nathan Kuehn.jpg 2018 -presentScreened black serial on white plate with "I LIKE IKE" button graphic at left; and "KANSAS" in blue at top
Kansas EMS License Plate.jpg Emergency Medical Services (EMS) 2008 - 2018Embossed blue serial on white plate with embossed blue state-shape border and EMS Star of Life symbol at left; "KANSAS" and "EMS" in blue at top and bottom, respectively12345Must be employed in the EMS field
Kansas License Plate EMS Flat - Photo Credits to Nathan Kuehn.jpg 2018 - presentScreened black serial on white plate with EMS Star of Life symbol at left; "KANSAS" and "EMS" in blue at top and bottom, respectively
Kansas Firefighter License Plate.jpg Firefighter 2005 - 2018Embossed red serial on gold plate with embossed red state-shape border and Firefighter Maltese Cross symbol at left; "KANSAS" and "FIREFIGHTER" in red at top and bottom, respectively12345Must be a firefighter - volunteer and retired are also eligible
Kansas License Plate Firefighter Flat - Photo Credits to Nathan Kuehn.jpg 2018 - presentScreened black serial on gold plate with red state-shape border and Firefighter Maltese Cross symbol at left; "KANSAS" and "FIREFIGHTER" in red at top and bottom, respectively
Blank License Plate Shape.svg In God We Trust2009 - 2018Embossed dark blue serial on light blue plate with stalks of yellow wheat and "IN GOD WE TRUST" at left in white; "KANSAS" in white at topAB123
Blank License Plate Shape.svg 2018 -presentScreened black serial on light blue plate with stalks of yellow wheat and "IN GOD WE TRUST" at left in white; "KANSAS" in white at top
Kansas License Plate 4-H Embossed - Photo Credits to Nathan Kuehn.jpg Kansas 4H Foundation 2017 - 2018Embossed green serial on white with 4H Clover Emblem at left, "KANSAS" and "TO MAKE THE BEST BETTER" slogan in white at top and bottom, respectivelyAB1
Kansas License Plate 4-H Flat - Photo Credits to Jason Smith.jpg 2018 -presentScreened black serial on white plate with 4H Clover Emblem at left, "KANSAS" and "TO MAKE THE BEST BETTER" slogan in white at top and bottom, respectively
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Kansas Arts Foundation 2015 - 2018Embossed dark blue serial on dark blue/black plate with Kansas Arts Foundation logo at left; "KANSAS" and "State of the Arts" in yellow at top and bottom, respectivelyAB123
Blank License Plate Shape.svg 2018 -presentScreened black serial on dark blue/black plate with Kansas Arts Foundation logo at left; "KANSAS" and "State of the Arts" in yellow at top and bottom, respectively
Kansas License Plate Breast Cancer Embossed 2016 - Photo Credits to Jason Smith.jpg Kansas Breast Cancer Research 2008 - 2018Embossed pink serial on white plate with Breast Cancer Awareness Ribbon and a sunflower at left; "KANSAS" in blue and "DRIVEN TO CURE" in white at top and bottom, respectively12345
Kansas License Plate Breast Cancer Flat - Photo Credits to Nathan Kuehn.jpg 2018 -presentScreened black serial on white plate with Breast Cancer Awareness Ribbon and a sunflower at left; "KANSAS" in pink and "DRIVEN TO CURE" in white at top and bottom, respectively
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Kansas Horse Council 2015 - 2018Embossed black serial on sunset field background plate with horse graphic at left; "KANSAS" and "KANSAS HORSE COUNCIL" in black at top and bottom, respectivelyABCD1
Blank License Plate Shape.svg 2018 -presentScreened black serial on sunset field background plate with horse graphic at left; "KANSAS" and "KANSAS HORSE COUNCIL" in black at top and bottom, respectively
Kansas Freemasons License Plate.jpg Kansas Masonic Lodge 2015 - 2018Embossed dark blue serial on gray plate with Kansas Freemason logo at the left; "KANSAS" and "KANSAS FREEMASONS - ON THE LEVEL" in blue at top and bottom, respectivelyABC1
Kansas License Plate Freemasons Flat - Photo Credits to Nathan Kuehn.jpg 2018 -presentScreened black serial on gray plate with Kansas Freemason logo at the left; "KANSAS" and "KANSAS FREEMASONS - ON THE LEVEL" in blue at top and bottom, respectively
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Kansas State Rifle Association 2022 -presentScreened black serial on yellow plate with Gadsen Flag Don't Tread on Me logo at left; "KANSAS" and "Kansas State Rifle Association" in black at top and bottom, respectivelyABC12
Kansas Pet Friendly License Plate.jpg K-State Veterinary Medicine 2013 - 2018Embossed black serial on white plate with animal graphic at left; gold bars at top, "KANSAS" and "I'm Pet Friendly" in purple at top and bottom, respectivelyAB123
Kansas License Plate Pet Friendly Flat - Photo Credits to Nathan Kuehn.jpg 2018 -presentScreened black serial on white plate with animal graphic at left; gold bars at top, "KANSAS" and "I'm Pet Friendly" in purple at top and bottom, respectively
Kansas License Plate Childhood Cancer Love, Chloe Foundation - Photo Credits to Joe Smith.jpg Love, Chloe Foundation 2022 -presentScreened black serial on blue plate with yellow ribbon and rainbow graphics; "KANSAS" and "FUELING THE FIGHT.ORG" in black at top and bottom, respectively1AB
Kansas Shriner's License Plate.jpg Shriners 2002 - 2018Embossed red serial on white plate with Shriner's logo at right, graphic of man and child at left; "KANSAS" and "SHRINERS HELP KIDS" in red at top and bottom, respectively12345
Blank License Plate Shape.svg 2018 -presentScreened black serial on white plate with Shriner's logo at right, graphic of man and child at left; "KANSAS" and "SHRINERS HELP KIDS" in red at top and bottom, respectively
Kansas License Plate Special Olympics - Photo Credits to Nathan Kuehn.jpg Special Olympics 2019 -presentScreened black serial on white plate with Kansas Special Olympics logo at left; "KANSAS" and "KSSO.ORG" in red at top and bottom, respectivelyA12

Military Distinctive Plates

ImageTypeDates issuedDesignSerial formatNotes
Kansas License Plate Medal of Honor Embossed 2007 - Photo by Peter Whipple.jpg Medal of Honor 2005 - presentEmbossed blue serial on white plate with national flag and medal graphic at left; "KANSAS" and "Medal of Honor" in blue at top and bottom, respectively1Must have been presented the Medal of Honor.
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Disabled Veteran2001 - 2007Same as 2001 state capitol passenger base, with disabled placard and "DISABLED VETERAN" in black at left and bottom, respectively Wheelchair symbol.svg 12345Must have served in the armed forces of the United States and are entitled to compensation for either a service-connected disability, the loss of limbs, or permanent visual impairment. [10]
Disabled Veteran Kansas License Plate.jpg 2007 - 2018Same as 2007 state seal passenger base, with disabled placard and "DISABLED VETERAN" in dark blue at left and bottom, respectively
Kansas License Plate Disabled Vet Flat 2020 - Photo Credits to Nathan Kuehn.jpg 2018 - 2023Same as 2018 state seal passenger base, with disabled placard and "DISABLED VETERAN" in black at left and bottom, respectively
Blank License Plate Shape.svg September 2023 - presentSame as above, but with different serial format Wheelchair symbol.svg ABC123
Kansas License Plate Ex-POW Embossed July 2011 - Photo by Leo Good.jpg Ex-Prisoner of War1980 - presentEmbossed blue serial on white plate with American Ex-Prisoners of War shield and motto in red at left; "KANSAS" and "EX-PRISONER OF WAR" in red at top and bottom, respectively1234Must have been held as a prisoner of war while serving in the military, including any civilian who was held as a prisoner of war.
Families of the Fallen Kansas License Plate.jpg Families of the Fallen2011 - 2018Embossed blue serial on white plate with blue border; Gold Star and Next of Kin lapel button graphics at left; "KANSAS" and "FAMILIES OF THE FALLEN" in red at top and bottom, respectivelyAB12Must be a Department of Defense recognized next of kin of deceased military personnel.
Blank License Plate Shape.svg 2018 - presentScreened black serial on white plate with blue border; Gold Star and Next of Kin lapel button graphics at left; "KANSAS" and "FAMILIES OF THE FALLEN" in red at top and bottom, respectively
Kansas License Plate Gold Star Mother Embossed 2013 - Photo by Tom Allen.jpg Gold Star Mother 2009 - 2018Embossed blue serial on white plate with Gold Star Mother graphic at left and gray state shape at right; "KANSAS" in gold on dark blue bar at top and "HONORING THOSE WHO HAVE FALLEN" on gold bar at bottom12345Must be the mother of a service member killed on active duty.
Blank License Plate Shape.svg 2018 - presentScreened black serial on white plate with Gold Star Mother graphic at left and gray state shape at right; "KANSAS" in gold on dark blue bar at top and "HONORING THOSE WHO HAVE FALLEN" on gold bar at bottom
Korean War Veteran Kansas License Plate.png Korean War Veteran2018 - presentScreened black serial on white plate with Korean Service Medal graphic at left and "KANSAS" in blue at topABMust have been a service member that showed honorable service on active duty between June 25, 1950, and January 31, 1955, during the Korean War, or awarded the Korean Service Medal.
National Guard Kansas License Plate.jpg National Guard 1980 - 2018Embossed blue serial on white plate with red minuteman graphic at left; "KANSAS" and "NATIONAL GUARD" in red at top and bottom, respectively12345Must be a member or retired member of the Kansas National Guard.
Kansas License Plate National Guard Flat - Photo Credits to Nathan Kuehn.jpg 2018 - presentScreened black serial on white plate with red minuteman graphic at left; "KANSAS" and "NATIONAL GUARD" in red at top and bottom, respectively
Operation Desert Storm Kansas License Plate.png Operation Desert Storm 2018 - presentScreened black serial on white plate with Southwest Asia Service Medal graphic at left; "KANSAS" in blue at top12AMust have been awarded the Southwest Asia Service Medal.
Operation Enduring Freedom Kansas License Plate.png Operation Enduring Freedom 2018 - presentScreened black serial on white plate with Afghanistan Campaign Medal graphic at left; "KANSAS" in blue at top1ABMust have been awarded the Afghanistan Campaign Medal .
Operation Iraqi Freedom Kansas License Plate.png Operation Iraqi Freedom 2018 - presentScreened black serial on white plate with Iraq Campaign Medal graphic at left; "KANSAS" in blue at topAB1Must have been awarded the Iraq Campaign Medal.
Pearl Harbor Survivor Kansas License Plate.jpg Pearl Harbor Survivor1993 - presentEmbossed red serial on white plate with logo of the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association at left; "KANSAS" and "Pearl Harbor Survivor" in red at top and bottom, respectively1234Must have been stationed during the attack at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. [11]
Kansas License Plate Purple Heart Embossed 2008.jpg Purple Heart 1995 - 2018Embossed purple serial on white plate with Purple Heart graphic at left; "KANSAS" and "COMBAT WOUNDED" in purple at top and bottom, respectively12345Must have been awarded the Purple Heart Medal for being combat wounded.
Kansas License Plate Purple Heart 2022 Flat - Photo from Marc Welby.jpg 2018 - presentScreened black serial on white plate with Purple Heart graphic at left; "KANSAS" and "COMBAT WOUNDED" in purple at top and bottom, respectively
Kansas License Plate US Veteran July 2001.jpg U.S. Veteran1998 - 2007Embossed blue serial on white plate with "U.S. VETERAN" and national coat of arms in blue at left, together with five red stars; "KANSAS" in blue at top12345Must be a currently serving member in the U.S. military or an honorably discharged veteran.
US Veteran Kansas License Plate New.jpg 2007 - 201812ABC
Kansas License Plate US Veteran Flat October 2020.jpg 2018 - presentScreened black serial on white plate with "U.S. VETERAN" and national coat of arms in blue at left, together with five red stars; "KANSAS" in blue at top
Vietnam Veteran Kansas License Plate.jpg Vietnam Veteran2011 - 2018Embossed green serial on white plate with Vietnam Service Medal graphic at left; "KANSAS" and "VIETNAM VETERAN" in red at top and bottom, respectively12345Must have been awarded the Vietnam Service Medal.
Kansas License Plate Vietnam Veteran Flat - Photo Credits to Nathan Kuehn.jpg 2018 - presentScreened black serial on white plate with Vietnam Service Medal graphic at left; "KANSAS" and "VIETNAM VETERAN" in red at top and bottom, respectively

Other Distinctive Plates

ImageTypeDates issuedDesignSerial FormatNotes
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Amateur Radio Operator2001 - 2007Same as 2001 state capitol passenger base with call sign as the serialvariousThe call sign is used as the plate serial and no county stickers are present.
Blank License Plate Shape.svg 2007 - 2018Same as 2007 state seal passenger base with call sign as the serialvarious
Kansas Amateur Radio License Plate.jpg 2018 - presentSame as 2018 state seal passenger base with call sign as the serialvarious
Kansas License Plate 1980s Antique Blue and Gold - Photo Credits to Kyle Eilts.jpg AntiqueEmbossed gold serial on blue plate with embossed gold state-shaped border; "KANSAS" and "ANTIQUE" in gold at top and bottom, respectivelyABCDE;

various

Random letters were issued in lieu of numbers.

These plates are no longer issued, but still valid if displayed on the original vehicle it was registered to.

Kansas License Plate 1980s Antique - Photo Credits to Kyle Eilts.jpg 1982 - 2001Embossed navy blue serial on white plate with "KANSAS" and "ANTIQUE" in navy blue at top and bottom, respectively123456;

various

Can be issued to any vehicle 35 years or older. (1989 and older vehicles are eligible as of January 1, 2024)

The owner can also choose to use an original Kansas license plate with correct year stickers instead (Speciality Antique). [12]

Kansas Antique License Plate.jpg 2001 - 2018Embossed blue serial on white plate with "KANSAS" and "ANTIQUE" in blue at top and bottom, respectively
Kansas License Plate Antique Flat - Photo Credits to Joe Smith.jpg 2018 - presentScreened black serial on white plate with "KANSAS" and "ANTIQUE" in blue at top and bottom, respectively
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Disabled2001 - 2007Same as 2001 state capitol passenger base with disabled placard at left Wheelchair symbol.svg 12345Requires re-certification every 3 years to retain disabled status.
Kansas License Plate Disabled Embossed 2016 - Photo Credits to Jason Smith.jpg 2007 - 2018Same as 2007 state seal passenger base with disabled placard at left.
Kansas License Plate Disabled Flat 2020 - Photo Credits to Nathan Kuehn.jpg 2018 - 2023Same as 2018 state seal passenger base with disabled placard at left. Wheelchair symbol.svg A1234
Blank License Plate Shape.svg September 2023 - presentSame as above, but with different serial format Wheelchair symbol.svg ABC123
Kansas Special Interest License Plate.jpg Special Interest2018 - presentSame as 2018 state seal passenger base with "SPEC" and "VEH" in black on left and right, respectively12345Issued to special vehicles that are at least 20 years old and have not been altered from original manufacturer specifications.
Kansas Street Rod License Plate.jpg Street Rod2018 -presentSame as state 2018 seal passenger base with "SPEC", "VEH", and "STREET ROD" in black at left, right, and bottom, respectively12345Issued to vehicles manufactured in 1949 or before that have been altered or modified and may be referred to as a "street rod.”

Non-passenger plates

Kansas License Plate Apportioned - Photo Credits to Nathan Kuehn.jpg ApportionedEmbossed black serial on white plate with "KANSAS" and "APPORTIONED" in black at top and bottom, respectively123456Apportioned trucking vehicles accrue mileage among two or more jurisdictions and have a GVW that exceeds 26,000 pounds.
Kansas Commercial License Plate.jpg Commercial2012 - 2018Embossed purple serial on white plate with "PWR" at the left, "KANSAS" and "COMMERCIAL" in purple at top and bottom, respectively123456Most commonly used on semi-trucks or heavy machinery owned by a commercial company, but can also be used on trucks or SUVs owned by the same company. No annual registration stickers or county identification is needed.
Kansas PWR Commercial License Plate Flat.jpg 2018 - presentScreened black serial on white plate with "PWR" at the left, "KANSAS" and "COMMERCIAL" in purple at top and bottom, respectively
Kansas License Plate Fleet - Photo Credits to Nathan Kuehn.jpg Fleet2001 - 2018Embossed red serial on white plate with "KANSAS" and "FLEET" in red at top and bottom, respectivelyF012345Used for company fleet vehicles, most commonly seen on vehicles owned by utility companies.
Blank License Plate Shape.svg 2018 - presentScreened black serial on white plate with "KANSAS" and "FLEET" in red at top and bottom, respectively
Kansas License Plate Municipal 1989-94 - Photo Credits to Kyle Eilts.jpg Municipal1989 - 1994Embossed navy blue serial on white plate with "KANSAS" in navy blue at top12345Municipal plates use a county sticker in the top left along with the designation sticker at the bottom such as "CITY" or "COUNTY".

They can be used for police cars, fire department SUVs, county vehicles, and school district vehicles. These plates are not transferable upon the sale or disposal of the vehicle.

Kansas License Plate Municipal 1994-01 - Photo Credits to Kyle Eilts.jpg 1994 - 2001Embossed blue serial on white plate with "KANSAS" in blue at top
Kansas County License Plate.jpg 2001 - 2018Embossed black serial on white plate with "KANSAS" in black at top
Kansas License Plate Municipal Flat 2018 - Photo Credits to Kyle Eilts.jpg 2018 - presentScreened black serial on white plate with "KANSAS" in black at topA1234
Kansas Permanent Trailer License Plate.jpg Permanent Trailer1999 - 2018Embossed red serial on white plate with "TRAILER" at left; "KANSAS" and "PERMANENT" in red at top and bottom, respectively123456Not transferable upon the sale or disposal of the trailer.
Blank License Plate Shape.svg 2018 - presentFlat black serial on white plate with "TRAILER" at left; "KANSAS" and "PERMANENT" in red at top and bottom, respectively
Kansas License Plate PWR Permanent Application Embossed Blue 2005 - Photo by Norm Russo.jpg PWR Permanent Application2001 - 2006Embossed blue serial on white plate with "PWR" at left; "KANSAS" and "PERM APP" in red at top and bottom, respectively123456Used for commercial machinery such as semi-trucks, road construction equipment, dump trucks, etc. where a permanent application is needed
Kansas License Plate PWR Permanent Application Embossed Red 2017 - Photo from Marc Welby.jpg 2006 - 2018Embossed red serial on white plate with "PWR" at left; "KANSAS" and "PERM APP" in red at top and bottom, respectively
Blank License Plate Shape.svg 2018 - presentFlat black serial on white plate with "PWR" at left; "KANSAS" and "PERM APP" in red at top and bottom, respectivelyRemakes of old numbers on flat plates are common because these plates tend to be damaged from the machinery they are used on
Kansas License Plate Highway Patrol Embossed 2000 - Photo Credits to Jason Smith.jpg State Trooper/

Kansas Highway Patrol

1983 - 1999Embossed blue serial on white plate with Kansas Highway Patrol badge at left; "KANSAS" and "HIGHWAY PATROL" in blue at top and bottom, respectively12345Two plates are issued to State Trooper vehicles by the Kansas Highway Patrol for the front and rear. Each State Trooper is assigned a number and carries that same number through each plate design change.
Kansas State Trooper License Plate 2016.jpg December 2016 - PresentEmbossed white serial on blue plate with Kansas Highway Patrol badge at left, "STATE TROOPER" and "Serving Kansas since 1937" in gold at top and bottom, respectively.123The Kanas Highway Patrol replated their entire fleet in late 2016 with these blue and gold plates in preparation for their 80th anniversary in 2017.

Motorcycle plates

ImageTypeDates issuedDesignSerial formatSerials issuedNotes
Kansas License Plate 1975 Motorcycle - Photo Credits to Kyle Eilts.jpg Motorcycle 1975 - 1980Embossed white serial on green plate with embossed white state-shaped border and "KANSAS 75" at top.A/B-1234Coded by county of issuance (A/B)
Kansas License Plate 1980 Motorcycle - Photo Credits to Kyle Eilts.jpg 1980 - 1981Embossed white serial on blue plate with "KANSAS 75" and "CYCLE" at top and right, respectively.Similar to the 1980 passenger base, these plates were discontinued due to legibility issues in late 1981
Kansas License Plate 1982 Motorcycle Type 1 - Photo Credits to Kyle Eilts.jpg 1982 - 1988Embossed blue serial on reflective white plate with "KANSAS" and "CYCLE" at top and right, respectively.Despite the debossed "80" in the lower left, these plates were not issued until 1982.
Kansas License Plate 1982 Motorcycle Type 2 - Photo Credits to Kyle Eilts.jpg Embossed blue serial on reflective white plate with "KANSAS" and "CYCLE" at top and right, respectively.A/B 1234The debossed "80" and hyphen did not appear on every plate, it depended on the county it was issued to.
Kansas License Plate Motorcycle 1989 - Photo Credits to Kyle Eilts.jpg 1988 - 1994Embossed dark blue serial on white plate with "KANSAS" and "CYCLE" at top and bottom, respectivelyABC12AAA00 to approximately CNA99
Kansas License Plate 1994 Motorcycle - Photo Credits to Kyle Eilts.jpg 1994 - 2001Embossed blue serial on white plate with "KANSAS" and "CYCLE" at top and bottom, respectivelyCWY00 to approximately EAR99;
LBK00 to approximately MBP99
Blank License Plate Shape.svg 2001 - 2007Same as State Capitol passenger base with "CYCLE" screened at bottomOAA00 to approximately QPD99
Kansas Motorcycle License Plate 2007-2018.jpg 2007 - 2018Same as 2007 state seal passenger base with "CYCLE" screened at bottom12ABC00AAA to 99DZZ
Blank License Plate Shape.svg 2018 - 2023Same as 2018 state seal passenger base with "CYCLE" screened at bottom00EAA to 99FZZSerial and county code became screened in August 2018.
Blank License Plate Shape.svg 2023 -presentSame as above, but with different serial formatAB1CDStarting at AA0AA (as of September 5, 2023)

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vehicle registration plate</span> Devices displaying a character string that uniquely identifies a particular vehicle.

A vehicle registration plate, also known as a number plate or license plate or licence plate, is a metal or plastic plate attached to a motor vehicle or trailer for official identification purposes. All countries require registration plates for road vehicles such as cars, trucks, and motorcycles. Whether they are required for other vehicles, such as bicycles, boats, or tractors, may vary by jurisdiction. The registration identifier is a numeric or alphanumeric ID that uniquely identifies the vehicle or vehicle owner within the issuing region's vehicle register. In some countries, the identifier is unique within the entire country, while in others it is unique within a state or province. Whether the identifier is associated with a vehicle or a person also varies by issuing agency. There are also electronic license plates.

The most common format for vehicle registration plates in Romania consists of black letters on white background in the format CC 12 ABC, where CC is a two letter county code, 12 is a two digit group, and ABC is a three letter group. For Bucharest, the format is B 12 ABC or B 123 ABC, where B is code for Bucharest city, 12 and 123 is a two or three digit group, and ABC is a three letter group. The left side of the plate bears a blue vertical strip displaying the 12 stars of the European Union and the country code of Romania (RO). Between 1992-2007 the band featured the Romanian flag instead of the 12 stars. All lettering comes from the Latin alphabet.

The Italian vehicle registration plates are the compulsory alphanumeric plates used to display the registration mark of motor vehicles registered in Italy. They have existed in the country since 1897.

In the United States, vehicle registration plates, known as license plates, are issued by a department of motor vehicles, an agency of the state or territorial government, or in the case of the District of Columbia, the district government. Some Native American tribes also issue plates. The U.S. federal government issues plates only for its own vehicle fleet and for vehicles owned by foreign diplomats. Until the 1980s, diplomatic plates were issued by the state in which the consulate or embassy was located.

In Sweden, vehicle registration plates are used for most types of vehicles. They have three letters first, a space and two digits and one digit or letter after. The combination is mostly a random number and has no connection with a geographic location. The last digit is used to show what month the vehicle tax has to be paid, and before 2018 it was also used to show what month the car had to undergo vehicle inspection. Vehicles like police cars, fire trucks, public buses and trolley buses use the same type of plate as normal private cars and cannot be directly distinguished by the plate alone. Military vehicles have special plates. Part of the vehicle data is public and can be retrieved online.

In Iceland, vehicle registration plates are issued by the Icelandic Transport Authority. The plates are made of aluminium with reflective base and embossed characters. There are eleven different styles corresponding to the vehicle's type and tax status. Icelandic registration plates follow the EU standard for registration plates, with the Icelandic emblem with the letters IS on the left side with a standard (EU) size of 520 x 110mm.

The U.S. state of Indiana first required its residents to register their motor vehicles in 1905. Registrants provided their own license plates for display until July 1, 1913, when the state began to issue plates.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vehicle registration plates of Thailand</span> Thailand vehicle license plates

Thailand's vehicle registration plates are issued by the Department of Land Transport (DLT) of the Ministry of Transport. They must be displayed on all motorized road vehicles, as required by the Motor Vehicle Act, B.E. 2522 and the Land Transport Act, B.E. 2522. The plates vary in design, colors and dimensions according to the type of vehicle, but usually display a registration number and the vehicle's province of registration. Specifications are given in Ministry of Transport regulations. Current style started in 1975 for most vehicle types, but with small changes in 1997, and 1997 for motorcycles.

Vehicle registration plates of Canada, also known as licence plates, are issued by provincial or territorial government agencies. Registration plates in Canada are typically attached to motor vehicles or trailers for official identification purposes. Some Canadian registration plates have unique designs, shapes, and slogans related to the issuing jurisdiction. For example, registration plates issued in the Northwest Territories are shaped like a polar bear. In Alberta, registration plates typically display the words "Wild Rose Country."

In the United States, the appearance of license plates is frequently chosen to contain symbols, colors, or slogans associated with the issuing jurisdiction, which are the 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, the five inhabited U.S. territories, and Native American tribes, each of which independently registers motor vehicles. Regular-issue license plates for passenger vehicles typically have six or seven characters, with vanity plates having up to eight characters in a few states.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vehicle registration plates of New York</span> New York vehicle license plates

The U.S. state of New York was the first to require its residents to register their motor vehicles, in 1901. Registrants provided their own license plates for display, featuring their initials until 1903 and numbers thereafter, until the state began to issue plates in 1910.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vehicle registration plates of New Jersey</span> New Jersey vehicle license plates

The U.S. state of New Jersey first required its residents to register their motor vehicles in 1903. Registrants provided their own license plates for display until 1908, when the state began to issue plates.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vehicle registration plates of Massachusetts</span> Massachusetts vehicle license plates

Massachusetts was the first U.S. state to issue license plates. Plates are currently issued by the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vehicle registration plates of Colorado</span> Colorado vehicle license plates

The U.S. state of Colorado first required its residents to register their motor vehicles and display license plates in 1913. As of 2024, plates are issued by the Colorado Department of Revenue through its Division of Motor Vehicles. Front and rear plates are required for most classes of vehicles, while only rear plates are required for motorcycles and trailers.

The U.S. state of Illinois first required its residents to register their motor vehicles in 1907. Registrants provided their own license plates for display until 1911, when the state began to issue plates. As of 2023, plates are issued by the Illinois Secretary of State.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vehicle registration plates of Alabama</span> Alabama vehicle license plates

The U.S. state of Alabama first required its residents to register their motor vehicles and display license plates in 1911.

The U.S. state of Ohio first required its residents to register their motor vehicles and display license plates in 1908, although several cities within the state issued their own license plates from as early as 1902.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vehicle registration plates of California</span> California vehicle license plates

The U.S. state of California first required its residents to register their motor vehicles in 1905. Registrants provided their own license plates for display until 1914, when the state began to issue plates. Plates are currently issued by the California Department of Motor Vehicles.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vehicle registration plates of Connecticut</span> Connecticut vehicle license plates

The U.S. state of Connecticut first required its residents to register their motor vehicles in 1903. Registrants provided their own license plates for display until 1905, when the state began to issue plates. Since then, Connecticut has used a variety of license plate designs, and has issued different designs for passenger, non-passenger, and, more recently, optional plate types that often require an additional fee. As of 2024, plates are issued by the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles.

An Israeli vehicle registration plate, or an Israeli license plate, is a vehicle registration plate, a metal or plastic plate or plates attached to a motor vehicle or trailer, used in Israel for official identification purposes.

References

  1. Garrish, Christopher (October 2016). "Reconsidering the Standard Plate Size". Plates. Vol. 62, no. 5. Automobile License Plate Collectors Association.
  2. "Turkey Red Wheat - Kansapedia - Kansas Historical Society". www.kshs.org. Retrieved 2022-02-20.
  3. 1 2 Tanner, Eric N. "Kansas Passenger License Plates". allaboutlicenseplates.com. Retrieved December 4, 2020.
  4. Obermeyer, Madison (July 19, 2018). "Don't lose that decal: new license plate production to start Aug. 15". The Wichita Eagle . Retrieved December 13, 2018.
  5. "Governor Kelly Announces New Standard License Plate Design, Replacement of Embossed Plates". kansas.gov - Office of the Governor. 2023-11-22. Retrieved 2024-02-20.
  6. "Governor Kelly Announces New Path Forward on State License Plate". kansas.gov - Office of the Governor. 2023-11-28. Retrieved 2024-02-20.
  7. Self, Matthew (2023-11-28). "'I've heard you loud and clear': Kansas governor puts stop to new state license plates after public backlash". ksnt.com. Retrieved 2024-02-20.
  8. "Winning Kansas license plate announced". KSN-TV. 2023-12-18. Retrieved 2024-01-02.
  9. Codes from the 2005-06 Kansas state transportation map (index of counties).
  10. "Kansas Department of Revenue Division of Vehicles - Kansas Disabled Veteran Plate". www.ksrevenue.org. Retrieved 2021-06-01.
  11. "Kansas Department of Revenue Division of Vehicles - Pearl Harbor Survivor Plate". www.ksrevenue.org. Retrieved 2021-06-01.
  12. Kansaslicenseplates.com. "Kansaslicenseplates.com". Kansaslicenseplates.com. Retrieved 2024-01-03.