| Size: | 12x |
| Material: | Aluminum |
| Current Start Date: | |
| Issuer: | Kansas Department of Revenue, Division of Vehicles |
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.
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 6inches in height by 12inches in width, with standardized mounting holes.[1] The 1955 (dated 1956) issue was the first Kansas license plate that complied with these standards.
| Image | Dates issued | Description | Slogan | Serial format | Serials issued | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1913 | Embossed black serial on white plate; diagonal "KAN" at right | none | 12345 | 1 to approximately 39000 | ||
| 1914 | Embossed white serial on dark blue plate; "KAN" at right | none | 12345 | 1 to approximately 59000 | ||
| 1915 | Embossed black serial on golden yellow plate with border line; diagonal "KAN" at right | none | 12345 | 1 to approximately 86000 | ||
| 1916 | Embossed white serial on black plate with border line; "KAN" monogram at right | none | 123456 | 1 to approximately 140000 | ||
| 1917 | Embossed black serial on light green plate with border line; vertical "KAN" at left | none | 123456 | 1 to approximately 183000 | ||
| 1918 | Embossed green serial on white plate with border line; vertical "KAN" at right | none | 123456 | 1 to approximately 205000 | ||
| 1919 | Embossed dark blue serial on light green plate with border line; vertical "KAN" at right | none | 123456 | 1 to approximately 260000 | ||
| 1920 | Embossed white serial on black plate with border line; vertical "KAN" at left | none | 123456 | 1 to approximately 290000 | ||
| 1921 | Embossed black serial on golden yellow plate with border line; "KAN 21" at right | none | 123-456 | 1 to approximately 274-000 | First dated plate. | |
| 1922 | Embossed golden yellow serial on black plate with border line; "KAN 22" at right | none | 123-456 | 1 to approximately 304-000 | ||
| 1923 | Embossed black serial on white plate with border line; vertical "KAN" and "1923" at left and right respectively | none | 123456 | 1 to approximately 350000 | ||
| 1924 | Embossed white serial on green plate with border line; vertical "KAN" and "24" at left | none | 123-456 | 1 to approximately 369-000 | ||
| 1925 | Embossed white serial on red plate with border line; "KAN 25" at right | none | 123-456 | 1 to approximately 409-000 | ||
| 1926 | Embossed white serial on dark blue plate with border line; "KAN 26" at left | none | 123-456 | 1 to approximately 442-000 | ||
| 1927 | Embossed black serial on gray plate with border line; vertical "1927" and "KAN" at left and right respectively | none | 123-456 | 1 to approximately 459-000 | ||
| 1928 | Embossed blue serial on white plate with border line; "KAN 28" at right | none | 123-456 | 1 to approximately 472-000 | ||
| 1929 | Embossed black serial on yellow plate; black lines at top and bottom borders; "KANSAS 1929" at bottom | none | 123-456 | 1 to approximately 507-000 | First use of the full state name. | |
| 1930 | Embossed white serial on black plate; white lines at top and bottom borders; "KANSAS - 1930" at top | none | 112345 101234 100123 | Coded by county of issuance (1, 10 or 100) | First base to use numeric county codes. | |
| 1931 | Embossed white serial on green plate with border line; "KAN 31" at right | none | 1-12345 10-1234 100-123 | Coded by county of issuance (1, 10 or 100) | ||
| 1932 | Embossed black serial on orange plate with border line; "KAN 32" at left | none | 1-12345 10-1234 100-123 | Coded by county of issuance (1, 10 or 100) | ||
| 1933 | Embossed white serial on dark blue plate with border line; "KAN 33" at right | none | 1-12345 10-1234 100-123 | Coded by county of issuance (1, 10 or 100) | ||
| 1934 | Embossed black serial on white plate with border line; "KAN 34" at left | none | 1-12345 10-1234 100-123 | Coded by county of issuance (1, 10 or 100) | ||
| 1935 | Embossed orange serial on black plate with border line; "KAN 35" at right | none | 1-12345 10-1234 100-123 | Coded by county of issuance (1, 10 or 100) | ||
| 1936 | Embossed black serial on orange plate with border line; "KAN 36" at left | none | 1-12345 10-1234 100-123 | Coded by county of issuance (1, 10 or 100) | ||
| 1937 | Embossed yellow serial on black plate with border line; "KAN 37" at right | none | 1-12345 10-1234 100-123 | Coded by county of issuance (1, 10 or 100) | ||
| 1938 | Embossed white serial on black plate with border line; "KAN. '38" centered at bottom | none | 1-12345 10-1234 100-123 | Coded by county of issuance (1, 10 or 100) | ||
| 1939 | Embossed black serial on white plate with border line; "'39 KAN." centered at top | none | 1-12345 10-1234 100-123 | Coded by county of issuance (1, 10 or 100) | ||
| 1940 | Embossed white serial on black plate with border line; "KANSAS '40" centered at bottom | none | 1-12345 10-12345 100-123 | Coded by county of issuance (1, 10 or 100) | ||
| 1941 | Embossed yellow serial on dark red plate with border line; "41 KANSAS" centered at bottom | none | 1-12345 10-12345 100-123 | Coded by county of issuance (1, 10 or 100) | ||
| 1942 | Embossed white serial on green plate with border line; "KANSAS '42" centered at bottom; sunflower decals at bottom corners | none | 1-12345 10-12345 100-123 | Coded by county of issuance (1, 10 or 100) | ||
| 1943 | Revalidated for 1943 with zinc "43" tabs over the '42, due to metal conservation for World War II. | |||||
| 1944 | Embossed red serial on white plate with border line; "KANSAS-44" at top | none | 1-12345 10-12345 100-123 | Coded by county of issuance (1, 10 or 100) | ||
| 1945 | Embossed black serial on white plate; "KANSAS-45" centered at top | none | 1-12345 10-12345 100-123 | Coded by county of issuance (1, 10 or 100) | ||
| 1946 | Embossed blue serial on golden yellow plate; "KANSAS-46" centered at top | none | 1-12345 10-12345 100-123 | Coded by county of issuance (1, 10 or 100) | ||
| 1947 | Embossed black serial on white plate with border line; "19 KANSAS 47" at top | none | 1-12345 10-12345 100-1234 | Coded by county of issuance (1, 10 or 100) | ||
| 1948 | Embossed white serial on black plate with border line; "19 KANSAS 48" at top | none | 1-12345 10-12345 100-1234 | Coded by county of issuance (1, 10 or 100) | ||
| 1949 | Embossed black serial on unpainted aluminum plate with border line; "19 KANSAS 49" at top | "THE WHEAT STATE" at bottom | 1-12345 10-12345 100-1234 | Coded by county of issuance (1, 10 or 100) | ||
| 1950 | Embossed green serial on unpainted aluminum plate with border line; "KANSAS 50" centered at top | "THE WHEAT STATE" centered at bottom | 1-12345 10-12345 100-1234 | Coded by county of issuance (1, 10 or 100) | ||
| 1951 | Embossed white serial on dark blue state-shaped plate with border line; "KANSAS 51" centered at top | "THE WHEAT STATE" centered at bottom | -12345 | Coded by county of issuance | 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. | |
| 1952 | Revalidated for 1952 with white tabs, and for 1953 with yellow tabs, due to metal conservation for the Korean War. | |||||
| 1953 | ||||||
| 1954 | Embossed black serial on white state-shaped plate with border line; "KANSAS 54" centered at top | "THE WHEAT STATE" centered at bottom | -12345 | Coded by county of issuance | ||
| 1955 | Embossed white serial on black state-shaped plate with border line; "KANSAS 55" centered at top | "THE WHEAT STATE" centered at bottom | -12345 | Coded by county of issuance | ||
| 1956 | Embossed black serial on white plate with state-shaped border; "KANSAS 56" centered at top | "THE WHEAT STATE" centered at bottom | -12345 | Coded by county of issuance | 1956 was the first year that Kansas plates complied with the new standardized 6" x 12" measurements. | |
| 1957 | Embossed red serial on white plate with state-shaped border; "KANSAS 57" centered at top | "THE WHEAT STATE" at bottom, offset to right | -12345 | Coded by county of issuance | ||
| 1958 | Embossed yellow serial on blue plate with state-shaped border; "KANSAS 58" centered at top | "THE WHEAT STATE" at bottom, offset to right | -12345 | Coded by county of issuance | ||
| 1959 | Embossed blue serial on yellow plate with state-shaped border; "KANSAS 59" centered at top | "THE WHEAT STATE" at bottom, offset to right | -12345 | Coded by county of issuance | ||
| 1960 | Embossed blue serial on white plate with state-shaped border; "KANSAS 60" centered at top | "CENTENNIAL 1961" at bottom, offset to right | -12345 | Coded by county of issuance | Both this and the 1961 base commemorated Kansas' 100 years of statehood. | |
| 1961 | Embossed brown serial on white plate with state-shaped border; "KANSAS 61" centered at top | "CENTENNIAL 1961" at bottom, offset to right | -12345 | Coded by county of issuance | ||
| 1962 | Embossed white serial on green plate with state-shaped border; "KANSAS 62" centered at top | none | -12345 | Coded by county of issuance | ||
| 1963 | Embossed green serial on white plate with state-shaped border; "KANSAS 63" centered at top | none | -12345 | Coded by county of issuance | ||
| 1964 | Embossed white serial on blue plate with state-shaped border; "KANSAS 64" centered at top | none | -12345 | Coded by county of issuance | ||
| 1965 | Embossed white serial on red plate with state-shaped border; "KANSAS 65" centered at top | "MIDWAY USA" centered at bottom | -12345 | Coded by county of issuance | ||
| 1966 | Embossed white serial on black plate with state-shaped border; "KANSAS 66" centered at top | "MIDWAY USA" centered at bottom | -12345 | Coded by county of issuance | ||
| 1967 | Embossed white serial on Columbia blue plate with state-shaped border; "KANSAS 67" centered at top | "MIDWAY USA" centered at bottom | -12345 | Coded by county of issuance | ||
| 1968 | Embossed yellow serial on black plate with state-shaped border; "KANSAS 68" centered at top | "MIDWAY USA" centered at bottom | -12345 | Coded by county of issuance | ||
| 1969 | Embossed white serial on black plate with state-shaped border; "KANSAS 69" centered at top | "MIDWAY USA" centered at bottom | -12345 | Coded by county of issuance | ||
| 1970 | Embossed white serial on pale green plate with state-shaped border; "KANSAS 70" centered at top | "MIDWAY USA" centered at bottom | -12345 | Coded by county of issuance | ||
| 1971 | Embossed white serial on red plate with state-shaped border; "KANSAS" and month of expiration centered at top and bottom respectively | none | 12345 | Coded by county of issuance | Staggered registration introduced, with the month of expiration determined by the initial letter of the registrant's surname. The 12345 serial format was used only on plates expiring on July 31. | |
| C12345 | Coded by county of issuance and month of expiration (C) | These plates using C12345 expired from July 31 through December 31, 1971. | ||||
| 1972 | Embossed white serial on black plate with state-shaped border; "KANSAS" and month of expiration centered at top and bottom respectively | none | C12345 | Coded by county of issuance and month of expiration (C) | Plates expired from February 29 through December 31, 1972. | |
| 1973 | Embossed gold serial on green plate with state-shaped border; "KANSAS" and month of expiration centered at top and bottom respectively | none | C12345 | Coded by county of issuance and month of expiration (C) | Plates expired from February 28 through December 31, 1973. | |
| 1974 | Embossed white serial on red plate with state-shaped border; "KANSAS" and month of expiration centered at top and bottom respectively | none | C12345 | Coded by county of issuance 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] | |
| As above, but with "KANSAS 74" at top, and without month of expiration | ||||||
| "WHEAT CENTENNIAL" centered at bottom | ||||||
| 1975 | Embossed white serial on green plate with state-shaped border; "KANSAS 75" centered at top | "WHEAT CENTENNIAL" centered at bottom | C12345 | Coded by county of issuance 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. | |
| none |
| Image | Dates issued | Description | Slogan | Serial format | Serials issued | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1976 - 1980 | Embossed white serial on dark blue plate with embossed white state-shaped border and "KANSAS 76" at top | none | C12345 | Coded by county of issuance and month of expiration (C) | |||
| 1980 - December 1981 | Embossed white serial on blue plate with yellow wheat stalk graphic screened at left and "KANSAS" in yellow at top | none | C12345 | Coded by county of issuance 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. | ||
| January 1982 - December 1987 | Embossed blue serial on reflective white plate; gold sunflower and wheat stalk graphic screened at top left and "KANSAS" in blue at top | none | C12345 | Coded by county of issuance 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] | ||
| January 1988 - 1990 | Embossed 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 side | none | ABC 123 | AAA 000 to approximately DVD 999 | |||
| 1990 - December 1993 | DVE 000 to approximately GRR 999 | The county sticker was enlarged and the state name was made more legible. | |||||
| January 1994 - January 2001 | Embossed blue serial on light blue, white and light yellow gradient plate; yellow wheat stalk graphic screened in the center and "KANSAS" in blue at top | none | ABC 123 | GRS 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. | ||
| January 2001 - April 2007 | Embossed 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 top | none | ABC 123 | PBA 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. | ||
| April 2007 - August 14, 2018 | Embossed dark blue serial on light blue plate; top half of state seal screened in white at bottom right and "KANSAS" in dark blue at top | none | 123 ABC | 000 AAA to approximately 850 LJW | Letters I, O, and Q are not used in serials from late 2012 onwards (FFQ being the last). 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. | ||
| August 15, 2018[4] - September 7, 2023 | Same as above, but with screened black serial and pre-printed county code | 895 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. | ||||
| September 8, 2023 - August 18, 2024 | Same as above, but with different serial format | none | 1234ABC | 0000ABB to at least 6730AES | Kansas switched to a 7-character serial format starting on September 8, 2023. | ||
| August 19, 2024[5] - Present | Screened 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 bottom | TBD | TBD | On 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.[6] However, following a widely negative response to the initial proposed redesign[7] and with many locals deeming it too closely resembling the colors of Missouri and New York,[8] 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.[9] |
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.
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.[10]
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.
- 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.
| Image | Type | Dates issued | Design | Serial format | Serials issued | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Personalized passenger | 1975 to 1976 registration years | Embossed white serial on green plate with "KANSAS 75" at top and county abbreviation/truck weight code at bottom | various | various | Kansas first issued vanity plates in 1975 to trucks only | |
| 1976 to 1980 registration years | Embossed white serial on blue plate with "KANSAS 76" at top and county abbreviation/month of expiration at bottom | various | various | 1976 was the first year that vanity plates were issued to cars | ||
| 1980 to 1985 registration years | Embossed dark blue serial on gold reflective plate with "KANSAS" at top and county abbreviation/month of expiration at bottom | various | various | |||
| 1985 to 1990 registration years | Embossed dark blue serial on beige background with dark blue band at top containing "KANSAS" in the center in beige | various | various | |||
| 1990 to 1995 registration years | Embossed dark blue serial on beige background with orange fade at top and stalk of wheat in the center; "KANSAS" in dark blue at top | various | various | |||
| 1995 to 2000 registration years | Embossed blue serial on white plate with sky blue fade at top and blue sunflower graphic at bottom; "KANSAS" in blue at top | various | various | |||
| 2000 to 2005 registration years | Embossed black serial on white plate with gold fade and wild sunflowers at bottom; "KANSAS" in yellow and black at top | various | various | |||
| 2005 to 2010 registration years | Embossed 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 top | various | various | Awarded "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. | ||
| 2010 to 2015 registration years | Embossed 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 top | various | various | |||
| 2015 to 2018 registration years | Embossed black serial on sunflower graphic background plate with "KANSAS" and "SUNFLOWER STATE" in black at top and bottom, respectively | various | various | Kansas stopped taking orders for personalized plates in April 2018 to prepare for the launch of flat plates in August. | ||
| 2018 to 2020 registration years | Screened black serial on sunflower graphic background plate with "KANSAS" and "SUNFLOWER STATE" in black at top and bottom, respectively | various | various | Serial and county stickers became screened in August 2018. | ||
| 2020 to 2025 registration years | Screened white serial on gradient red and yellow background plate with three wind turbines at left; "KANSAS" and "Powering the Future" at top and bottom, respectively | various | various | The background of these plates tend to turn into a single shade of brown from any distance. | ||
| January 1, 2022 – present | Same as 2018 state seal passenger base, with "PERSONALIZED" in black between the bolt holes at the bottom | various | various | Optional choice for personalized plates instead of the regular graphic design. |
These plates share a common all-numeric serial format that started at 1 with K-State in 1997.
| Image | Type | Dates issued | Design | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baker University | 2005 - 2009 | Embossed black serial on white plate with the college's logo and "BAKER UNIVERSITY" at left; "KANSAS" in black at top | Discontinued due to minimum number of yearly registrations not met. Still valid for renewals | |
| Benedictine College | 2016 - 2018 | Embossed black serial on white plate with the college's logo at left; "KANSAS" and "BENEDICTINE COLLEGE" in red at top and bottom, respectively | ||
| 2018 -present | Screened black serial on white plate with the college's logo at left; "KANSAS" and "BENEDICTINE COLLEGE" in red at top and bottom, respectively | |||
| Emporia State University | 2001 - 2018 | Embossed black serial on white plate with the university's mascot, Corky the Hornet, at left and "KANSAS" in black at top | ||
| 2018 -present | Screened black serial on white plate with the university's "Power E" logo at left and "KANSAS" in black at top | |||
| Fort Hays State University | 2003 - 2018 | Embossed black serial on white plate with the university's tiger mascot at left and "KANSAS" in black at top | ||
| 2018 -present | Screened black serial on white plate with the university's tiger mascot at left and "KANSAS" in black at top | |||
| Friends University | 2016 - 2018 | Embossed black serial on white plate with the university's logo at left and "KANSAS" in scarlet at top | ||
| 2018 -present | Screened black serial on white plate with the university's logo at left and "KANSAS" in scarlet at top | |||
| Kansas State University | 1997 - 2018 | Embossed purple serial on white plate with the university's mascot, Willie the Wildcat, at left and "KANSAS" in purple at top |
| |
| late 2018 | Screened black serial on white plate with the university's mascot, Willie the Wildcat, at left and "KANSAS" in purple at top | These plates were issued between 40800 and 42000 | ||
| 2019 -present | Screened 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 | |||
| Ottawa University | 2005 - 2009 | Embossed black serial on white plate with the university's logo and "OTTAWA UNIVERSITY" at left; "KANSAS" in black at top | Discontinued due to minimum number of yearly registrations not met. Still valid for renewals | |
| Pittsburg State University | 2000 - 2018 | Embossed crimson serial on white plate with the university's mascot, Gus the Gorilla, at left and "KANSAS" in crimson at top | ||
| 2018 -present | Screened black serial on white plate with the university's mascot, Gus the Gorilla, at left and "KANSAS" in crimson at top | |||
| University of Kansas | 1998 - 2018 | Embossed blue serial on white plate with the university's mascot, Big Jay, at left and "KANSAS" in blue at top | ||
| 2018 -present | Screened 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 | 2005 - 2018 | Embossed dark blue serial on white plate with the university's mascot, the Ichabod, at left and "KANSAS" in dark blue at top | ||
| 2018 -present | Screened black serial on white plate with the university's mascot, the Ichabod, at left and "KANSAS" in dark blue at top | |||
| Wichita State University | 2000 - 2018 | Embossed black serial on white plate with the university's mascot, WuShock, at left and "KANSAS" in black at top | ||
| 2018 -present | Screened black serial on white plate with the university's mascot, WuShock, at left and "KANSAS" in black at top |
| Image | Type | Dates issued | Design | Serial format | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agriculture | 2005 - 2018 | Embossed black serial on white plate with Kansas Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom (KFAC) logo at the left and "KANSAS" in black at top | 1234 | |||
| late 2018 | Screened black serial on white plate with Kansas Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom (KFAC) logo at the left and "KANSAS" in black at top | |||||
| 2019 -present | Screened 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 | |||||
| Autism Awareness | 2019 -present | Screened black serial on white plate with Kansas Autism Awareness logo at the left and "KANSAS" in blue at top | 1AB | |||
| Braden's Hope | 2022 -present | Screened 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, respectively | 1AB | |||
| Children's Trust Fund | 2000 - 2018 | Embossed blue serial on white plate with Kansas Children's Trust Fund logo at the left and "KANSAS" in blue at top | 12345 | |||
| 2018 -present | Screened black serial on white plate with Kansas Children's Trust Fund logo at the left and "KANSAS" in blue at top | |||||
| Choose Life | 2022 -present | Screened 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, respectively | A123 | |||
| City of Wichita | early 2019 | Screened black serial on graphic of City of Wichita Flag plate with "KANSAS" in white at top | A123 | A small number of plates with black serials were printed in error; owners were mailed correct plates with white serials | ||
| 2019 -present | Screened white serial on graphic of City of Wichita Flag plate with "KANSAS" in white at top | |||||
| Donate Life | 2015 - 2018 | Embossed 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 | 123AB | |||
| 2018 -present | Screened 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 | |||||
| Ducks Unlimited | 2012 - 2018 | Embossed black serial on white plate with graphic of duck head at left; "KANSAS" and "DUCKS UNLIMITED" in black at top and bottom, respectively | 1ABC | |||
| 2018 -present | Screened black serial on white plate with graphic of duck head at left; "KANSAS" and "DUCKS UNLIMITED" in black at top and bottom, respectively | |||||
| Eisenhower Foundation | 2014 - 2018 | Embossed black serial on white plate with "I LIKE IKE" button graphic at left; and "KANSAS" in blue at top | AB12 | |||
| 2018 -present | Screened black serial on white plate with "I LIKE IKE" button graphic at left; and "KANSAS" in blue at top | |||||
| Emergency Medical Services (EMS) | 2008 - 2018 | Embossed 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, respectively | 12345 | Must be employed in the EMS field | ||
| 2018 - present | Screened black serial on white plate with EMS Star of Life symbol at left; "KANSAS" and "EMS" in blue at top and bottom, respectively | |||||
| Firefighter | 2005 - 2018 | Embossed 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, respectively | 12345 | Must be a firefighter - volunteer and retired are also eligible | ||
| 2018 - present | Screened 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 | |||||
| In God We Trust | 2009 - 2018 | Embossed 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 top | AB123 | |||
| 2018 -present | Screened 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 4H Foundation | 2017 - 2018 | Embossed green serial on white with 4H Clover Emblem at left, "KANSAS" and "TO MAKE THE BEST BETTER" slogan in white at top and bottom, respectively | AB1 | |||
| 2018 -present | Screened 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 | |||||
| Kansas Arts Foundation | 2015 - 2018 | Embossed 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, respectively | AB123 | |||
| 2018 -present | Screened 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 Breast Cancer Research | 2008 - 2018 | Embossed 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, respectively | 12345 | |||
| 2018 -present | Screened 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 | |||||
| Kansas Horse Council | 2015 - 2018 | Embossed black serial on sunset field background plate with horse graphic at left; "KANSAS" and "KANSAS HORSE COUNCIL" in black at top and bottom, respectively | ABCD1 | |||
| 2018 -present | Screened 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 Masonic Lodge | 2015 - 2018 | Embossed 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, respectively | ABC1 | |||
| 2018 -present | Screened 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 | |||||
| Kansas State Rifle Association | 2022 -present | Screened 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, respectively | ABC12 | |||
| K-State Veterinary Medicine | 2013 - 2018 | Embossed 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 | AB123 | |||
| 2018 -present | Screened 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 | |||||
| Love, Chloe Foundation | 2022 -present | Screened black serial on blue plate with yellow ribbon and rainbow graphics; "KANSAS" and "FUELING THE FIGHT.ORG" in black at top and bottom, respectively | 1AB | |||
| Shriners | 2002 - 2018 | Embossed 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, respectively | 12345 | |||
| 2018 -present | Screened 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 | |||||
| Special Olympics | 2019 -present | Screened black serial on white plate with Kansas Special Olympics logo at left; "KANSAS" and "KSSO.ORG" in red at top and bottom, respectively | A12 |
| Image | Type | Dates issued | Design | Serial format | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medal of Honor | 2005 - present | Embossed blue serial on white plate with national flag and medal graphic at left; "KANSAS" and "Medal of Honor" in blue at top and bottom, respectively | 1 | Must have been presented the Medal of Honor. | |
| Disabled Veteran | 2001 - 2007 | Same as 2001 state capitol passenger base, with disabled placard and "DISABLED VETERAN" in black at left and bottom, respectively | Must 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.[11] | ||
| 2007 - 2018 | Same as 2007 state seal passenger base, with disabled placard and "DISABLED VETERAN" in dark blue at left and bottom, respectively | ||||
| 2018 - 2023 | Same as 2018 state seal passenger base, with disabled placard and "DISABLED VETERAN" in black at left and bottom, respectively | ||||
| September 2023 - present | Same as above, but with different serial format | ||||
| Ex-Prisoner of War | 1980 - present | Embossed 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, respectively | 1234 | Must 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 | 2011 - 2018 | Embossed 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, respectively | AB12 | Must be a Department of Defense recognized next of kin of deceased military personnel. | |
| 2018 - present | Screened 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 | ||||
| Gold Star Mother | 2009 - 2018 | Embossed 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 bottom | 12345 | Must be the mother of a service member killed on active duty. | |
| 2018 - present | Screened 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 | 2018 - present | Screened black serial on white plate with Korean Service Medal graphic at left and "KANSAS" in blue at top | AB | Must 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 | 1980 - 2018 | Embossed blue serial on white plate with red minuteman graphic at left; "KANSAS" and "NATIONAL GUARD" in red at top and bottom, respectively | 12345 | Must be a member or retired member of the Kansas National Guard. | |
| 2018 - present | Screened 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 | 2018 - present | Screened black serial on white plate with Southwest Asia Service Medal graphic at left; "KANSAS" in blue at top | 12A | Must have been awarded the Southwest Asia Service Medal. | |
| Operation Enduring Freedom | 2018 - present | Screened black serial on white plate with Afghanistan Campaign Medal graphic at left; "KANSAS" in blue at top | 1AB | Must have been awarded the Afghanistan Campaign Medal . | |
| Operation Iraqi Freedom | 2018 - present | Screened black serial on white plate with Iraq Campaign Medal graphic at left; "KANSAS" in blue at top | AB1 | Must have been awarded the Iraq Campaign Medal. | |
| Pearl Harbor Survivor | 1993 - present | Embossed 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, respectively | 1234 | Must have been stationed during the attack at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.[12] | |
| Purple Heart | 1995 - 2018 | Embossed purple serial on white plate with Purple Heart graphic at left; "KANSAS" and "COMBAT WOUNDED" in purple at top and bottom, respectively | 12345 | Must have been awarded the Purple Heart Medal for being combat wounded. | |
| 2018 - present | Screened black serial on white plate with Purple Heart graphic at left; "KANSAS" and "COMBAT WOUNDED" in purple at top and bottom, respectively | ||||
| U.S. Veteran | 1998 - 2007 | Embossed 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 top | 12345 | Must be a currently serving member in the U.S. military or an honorably discharged veteran. | |
| 2007 - 2018 | 12ABC | ||||
| 2018 - present | Screened 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 | 2011 - 2018 | Embossed green serial on white plate with Vietnam Service Medal graphic at left; "KANSAS" and "VIETNAM VETERAN" in red at top and bottom, respectively | 12345 | Must have been awarded the Vietnam Service Medal. | |
| 2018 - present | Screened black serial on white plate with Vietnam Service Medal graphic at left; "KANSAS" and "VIETNAM VETERAN" in red at top and bottom, respectively |
| Image | Type | Dates issued | Design | Serial Format | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amateur Radio Operator | 2001 - 2007 | Same as 2001 state capitol passenger base with call sign as the serial | various | The call sign is used as the plate serial and no county stickers are present. | ||
| 2007 - 2018 | Same as 2007 state seal passenger base with call sign as the serial | various | ||||
| 2018 - present | Same as 2018 state seal passenger base with call sign as the serial | various | ||||
| Antique | Embossed gold serial on blue plate with embossed gold state-shaped border; "KANSAS" and "ANTIQUE" in gold at top and bottom, respectively | ABCDE;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. | |||
| 1982 - 2001 | Embossed navy blue serial on white plate with "KANSAS" and "ANTIQUE" in navy blue at top and bottom, respectively | 123456;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).[13] | |||
| 2001 - 2018 | Embossed blue serial on white plate with "KANSAS" and "ANTIQUE" in blue at top and bottom, respectively | |||||
| 2018 - present | Screened black serial on white plate with "KANSAS" and "ANTIQUE" in blue at top and bottom, respectively | |||||
| Disabled | 2001 - 2007 | Same as 2001 state capitol passenger base with disabled placard at left | 12345 | Requires re-certification every 3 years to retain disabled status. | ||
| 2007 - 2018 | Same as 2007 state seal passenger base with disabled placard at left. | |||||
| 2018 - 2023 | Same as 2018 state seal passenger base with disabled placard at left. | A1234 | ||||
| September 2023 - present | Same as above, but with different serial format | |||||
| Special Interest | 2018 - present | Same as 2018 state seal passenger base with "SPEC" and "VEH" in black on left and right, respectively | 12345 | Issued to special vehicles that are at least 20 years old and have not been altered from original manufacturer specifications. | ||
| Street Rod | 2018 -present | Same as state 2018 seal passenger base with "SPEC", "VEH", and "STREET ROD" in black at left, right, and bottom, respectively | 12345 | Issued to vehicles manufactured in 1949 or before that have been altered or modified and may be referred to as a "street rod.” |
| Apportioned | Embossed black serial on white plate with "KANSAS" and "APPORTIONED" in black at top and bottom, respectively | 123456 | Apportioned trucking vehicles accrue mileage among two or more jurisdictions and have a GVW that exceeds 26,000 pounds. | ||
| Commercial | 2012 - 2018 | Embossed purple serial on white plate with "PWR" at the left, "KANSAS" and "COMMERCIAL" in purple at top and bottom, respectively | 123456 | Most 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. | |
| 2018 - present | Screened black serial on white plate with "PWR" at the left, "KANSAS" and "COMMERCIAL" in purple at top and bottom, respectively | ||||
| Fleet | 2001 - 2018 | Embossed red serial on white plate with "KANSAS" and "FLEET" in red at top and bottom, respectively | F012345 | Used for company fleet vehicles, most commonly seen on vehicles owned by utility companies. | |
| 2018 - present | Screened black serial on white plate with "KANSAS" and "FLEET" in red at top and bottom, respectively | ||||
| Municipal | 1989 - 1994 | Embossed navy blue serial on white plate with "KANSAS" in navy blue at top | 12345 | Municipal 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. | |
| 1994 - 2001 | Embossed blue serial on white plate with "KANSAS" in blue at top | ||||
| 2001 - 2018 | Embossed black serial on white plate with "KANSAS" in black at top | ||||
| 2018 - present | Screened black serial on white plate with "KANSAS" in black at top | A1234 | |||
| Permanent Trailer | 1999 - 2018 | Embossed red serial on white plate with "TRAILER" at left; "KANSAS" and "PERMANENT" in red at top and bottom, respectively | 123456 | Not transferable upon the sale or disposal of the trailer. | |
| 2018 - present | Flat black serial on white plate with "TRAILER" at left; "KANSAS" and "PERMANENT" in red at top and bottom, respectively | ||||
| PWR Permanent Application | 2001 - 2006 | Embossed blue serial on white plate with "PWR" at left; "KANSAS" and "PERM APP" in red at top and bottom, respectively | 123456 | Used for commercial machinery such as semi-trucks, road construction equipment, dump trucks, etc. where a permanent application is needed | |
| 2006 - 2018 | Embossed red serial on white plate with "PWR" at left; "KANSAS" and "PERM APP" in red at top and bottom, respectively | ||||
| 2018 - present | Flat black serial on white plate with "PWR" at left; "KANSAS" and "PERM APP" in red at top and bottom, respectively | Remakes of old numbers on flat plates are common because these plates tend to be damaged from the machinery they are used on | |||
| Rental Fleet | 2020[14] - present | Flat black serial on standard passenger base, using a more condensed font. "PERMANENT" at top right. | R012345 | All rentals seen with "SN" for Shawnee County. | |
| State Trooper/Kansas Highway Patrol | 1983 - 1999 | Embossed blue serial on white plate with Kansas Highway Patrol badge at left; "KANSAS" and "HIGHWAY PATROL" in blue at top and bottom, respectively | 12345 | Two 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. | |
| December 2016 - Present | Embossed 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. | 123 | The Kanas Highway Patrol replated their entire fleet in late 2016 with these blue and gold plates in preparation for their 80th anniversary in 2017. |
| Image | Type | Dates issued | Design | Serial format | Serials issued | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motorcycle | 1975 - 1980 | Embossed white serial on green plate with embossed white state-shaped border and "KANSAS 75" at top. | -1234 | Coded by county of issuance | ||
| 1980 - 1981 | Embossed 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 | ||||
| 1982 - 1988 | Embossed 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. | ||||
| Embossed blue serial on reflective white plate with "KANSAS" and "CYCLE" at top and right, respectively. | 1234 | The debossed "80" and hyphen did not appear on every plate, it depended on the county it was issued to. | ||||
| 1988 - 1994 | Embossed dark blue serial on white plate with "KANSAS" and "CYCLE" at top and bottom, respectively | ABC12 | AAA00 to approximately CNA99 | |||
| 1994 - 2001 | Embossed blue serial on white plate with "KANSAS" and "CYCLE" at top and bottom, respectively | CWY00 to approximately EAR99; LBK00 to approximately MBP99 | ||||
| 2001 - 2007 | Same as State Capitol passenger base with "CYCLE" screened at bottom | OAA00 to approximately QPD99 | ||||
| 2007 - 2018 | Same as 2007 state seal passenger base with "CYCLE" screened at bottom | 12ABC | 00AAA to 99DZZ | |||
| 2018 - 2023 | Same as 2018 state seal passenger base with "CYCLE" screened at bottom | 00EAA to 99FZZ | Serial and county code became screened in August 2018. | |||
| 2023 -present | Same as above, but with different serial format | AB1CD | Starting at AA0AA |