Vehicle registration plates of Kansas explained

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.

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 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.

ImageDates issuedDescriptionSloganSerial formatSerials issuedNotes
1913Embossed black serial on white plate; diagonal "KAN" at rightnone123451 to approximately 39000
1914Embossed white serial on dark blue plate; "KAN" at rightnone123451 to approximately 59000
1915Embossed black serial on golden yellow plate with border line; diagonal "KAN" at rightnone123451 to approximately 86000
1916Embossed white serial on black plate with border line; "KAN" monogram at rightnone1234561 to approximately 140000
1917Embossed black serial on light green plate with border line; vertical "KAN" at leftnone1234561 to approximately 183000
1918Embossed green serial on white plate with border line; vertical "KAN" at rightnone1234561 to approximately 205000
1919Embossed dark blue serial on light green plate with border line; vertical "KAN" at rightnone1234561 to approximately 260000
1920Embossed white serial on black plate with border line; vertical "KAN" at leftnone1234561 to approximately 290000
1921Embossed black serial on golden yellow plate with border line; "KAN 21" at rightnone123-4561 to approximately 274-000First dated plate.
1922Embossed golden yellow serial on black plate with border line; "KAN 22" at rightnone123-4561 to approximately 304-000
1923Embossed black serial on white plate with border line; vertical "KAN" and "1923" at left and right respectivelynone1234561 to approximately 350000
1924Embossed white serial on green plate with border line; vertical "KAN" and "24" at leftnone123-4561 to approximately 369-000
1925Embossed white serial on red plate with border line; "KAN 25" at rightnone123-4561 to approximately 409-000
1926Embossed white serial on dark blue plate with border line; "KAN 26" at leftnone123-4561 to approximately 442-000
1927Embossed black serial on gray plate with border line; vertical "1927" and "KAN" at left and right respectivelynone123-4561 to approximately 459-000
1928Embossed blue serial on white plate with border line; "KAN 28" at rightnone123-4561 to approximately 472-000
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.
1930Embossed white serial on black plate; white lines at top and bottom borders; "KANSAS - 1930" at topnone112345
101234
100123
Coded by county of issuance (1, 10 or 100)First base to use numeric county codes.
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
1943Revalidated for 1943 with zinc "43" tabs over the '42, due to metal conservation for World War II.
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
1951Embossed white serial on dark blue state-shaped plate with border line; "KANSAS 51" centered at top"THE WHEAT STATE" centered at bottom-12345Coded 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.
1952Revalidated for 1952 with white tabs, and for 1953 with yellow tabs, due to metal conservation for the Korean War.
1953
1954Embossed black serial on white state-shaped plate with border line; "KANSAS 54" centered at top"THE WHEAT STATE" centered at bottom-12345Coded by county of issuance
1955Embossed white serial on black state-shaped plate with border line; "KANSAS 55" centered at top"THE WHEAT STATE" centered at bottom-12345Coded by county of issuance
1956Embossed black serial on white plate with state-shaped border; "KANSAS 56" centered at top"THE WHEAT STATE" centered at bottom-12345Coded by county of issuance 1956 was the first year that Kansas plates complied with the new standardized 6" x 12" measurements.
1957Embossed red serial on white plate with state-shaped border; "KANSAS 57" centered at top"THE WHEAT STATE" at bottom, offset to right-12345Coded by county of issuance
1958Embossed yellow serial on blue plate with state-shaped border; "KANSAS 58" centered at top"THE WHEAT STATE" at bottom, offset to right-12345Coded by county of issuance
1959Embossed blue serial on yellow plate with state-shaped border; "KANSAS 59" centered at top"THE WHEAT STATE" at bottom, offset to right-12345Coded by county of issuance
1960Embossed blue serial on white plate with state-shaped border; "KANSAS 60" centered at top"CENTENNIAL 1961" at bottom, offset to right-12345Coded by county of issuance Both this and the 1961 base commemorated Kansas' 100 years of statehood.
1961Embossed brown serial on white plate with state-shaped border; "KANSAS 61" centered at top"CENTENNIAL 1961" at bottom, offset to right-12345Coded by county of issuance
1962Embossed white serial on green plate with state-shaped border; "KANSAS 62" centered at topnone-12345Coded by county of issuance
1963Embossed green serial on white plate with state-shaped border; "KANSAS 63" centered at topnone-12345Coded by county of issuance
1964Embossed white serial on blue plate with state-shaped border; "KANSAS 64" centered at topnone-12345Coded by county of issuance
1965Embossed white serial on red plate with state-shaped border; "KANSAS 65" centered at top"MIDWAY USA" centered at bottom-12345Coded by county of issuance
1966Embossed white serial on black plate with state-shaped border; "KANSAS 66" centered at top"MIDWAY USA" centered at bottom-12345Coded by county of issuance
1967Embossed white serial on Columbia blue plate with state-shaped border; "KANSAS 67" centered at top"MIDWAY USA" centered at bottom-12345Coded by county of issuance
1968Embossed yellow serial on black plate with state-shaped border; "KANSAS 68" centered at top"MIDWAY USA" centered at bottom-12345Coded by county of issuance
1969Embossed white serial on black plate with state-shaped border; "KANSAS 69" centered at top"MIDWAY USA" centered at bottom-12345Coded by county of issuance
1970Embossed white serial on pale green plate with state-shaped border; "KANSAS 70" centered at top"MIDWAY USA" centered at bottom-12345Coded by county of issuance
1971Embossed white serial on red plate with state-shaped border; "KANSAS" and month of expiration centered at top and bottom respectivelynone 12345Coded 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.
 C12345Coded by county of issuance and month of expiration (C)These plates using  C12345 expired from July 31 through December 31, 1971.
1972Embossed white serial on black plate with state-shaped border; "KANSAS" and month of expiration centered at top and bottom respectivelynone C12345Coded by county of issuance and month of expiration (C)Plates expired from February 29 through December 31, 1972.
1973Embossed gold serial on green plate with state-shaped border; "KANSAS" and month of expiration centered at top and bottom respectivelynone C12345Coded by county of issuance and month of expiration (C)Plates expired from February 28 through December 31, 1973.
1974Embossed white serial on red plate with state-shaped border; "KANSAS" and month of expiration centered at top and bottom respectivelynone C12345Coded 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
1975Embossed white serial on green plate with state-shaped border; "KANSAS 75" centered at top"WHEAT CENTENNIAL" centered at bottom C12345Coded 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

1976 to present

ImageDates issuedDescriptionSloganSerial formatSerials issuedNotes
1976 - 1980Embossed white serial on dark blue plate with embossed white state-shaped border and "KANSAS 76" at topnone C12345Coded by county of issuance and month of expiration (C)
1980  - December 1981Embossed white serial on blue plate with yellow wheat stalk graphic screened at left and "KANSAS" in yellow at topnone C12345Coded 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 1987Embossed blue serial on reflective white plate; gold sunflower and wheat stalk graphic screened at top left and "KANSAS" in blue at topnone C12345Coded 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 - 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
1990 - December 1993DVE 000 to approximately GRR 999The county sticker was enlarged and the state name was made more legible.
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.
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 top noneABC 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.
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 LJWLetters 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, 2023Same as above, but with screened black serial and pre-printed county code895 LJW to approximately 999 SGWNumber 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, 2024Same as above, but with different serial formatnone1234ABC0000ABB to at least 6730AES Kansas switched to a 7-character serial format starting on September 8, 2023.
August 19, 2024[5]   - PresentScreened 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.[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]
* 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.[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.

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.

Optional plates

Personalized Vanity Plates

ImageTypeDates issuedDesignSerial formatSerials issuedNotes
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
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
1980 to 1985 registration yearsEmbossed dark blue serial on gold reflective plate with "KANSAS" at top and county abbreviation/month of expiration at bottomvariousvarious
1985 to 1990 registration yearsEmbossed dark blue serial on beige background with dark blue band at top containing "KANSAS" in the center in beigevariousvarious
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
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
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
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.
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
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 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.
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, respectivelyvariousvarious The background of these plates tend to turn into a single shade of brown from any distance.
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.

Image TypeDates issuedDesignNotes
Baker University2005 - 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 College2016 - 2018Embossed black serial on white plate with the college's logo at left; "KANSAS" and "BENEDICTINE COLLEGE" in red at top and bottom, respectively
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
Emporia State University2001 - 2018Embossed black serial on white plate with the university's mascot, Corky the Hornet, at left and "KANSAS" in black at top
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 University2003 - 2018Embossed black serial on white plate with the university's tiger mascot at left and "KANSAS" in black at top
2018 -presentScreened black serial on white plate with the university's tiger mascot at left and "KANSAS" in black at top
Friends University2016 - 2018Embossed black serial on white plate with the university's logo at left and "KANSAS" in scarlet at top
2018 -presentScreened black serial on white plate with the university's logo at left and "KANSAS" in scarlet at top
Kansas State University1997 - 2018Embossed purple serial on white plate with the university's mascot, Willie the Wildcat, at left and "KANSAS" in purple at top
  1. 1 issued in 1997 is still currently in active use
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
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
Ottawa University2005 - 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 University2000 - 2018Embossed crimson serial on white plate with the university's mascot, Gus the Gorilla, at left and "KANSAS" in crimson at top
2018 -presentScreened black serial on white plate with the university's mascot, Gus the Gorilla, at left and "KANSAS" in crimson at top
University of Kansas1998 - 2018Embossed blue serial on white plate with the university's mascot, Big Jay, at left and "KANSAS" in blue at top
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 University2005 - 2018Embossed dark blue serial on white plate with the university's mascot, the Ichabod, at left and "KANSAS" in dark blue at top
2018 -presentScreened black serial on white plate with the university's mascot, the Ichabod, at left and "KANSAS" in dark blue at top
Wichita State University2000 - 2018Embossed black serial on white plate with the university's mascot, WuShock, at left and "KANSAS" in black at top
2018 -presentScreened black serial on white plate with the university's mascot, WuShock, at left and "KANSAS" in black at top

Organizational Distinctive Plates

Image TypeDates issuedDesignSerial formatNotes
Agriculture2005 - 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
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
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
Autism Awareness2019 -presentScreened black serial on white plate with Kansas Autism Awareness logo at the left and "KANSAS" in blue at top1AB
Braden's Hope2022 -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
Children's Trust Fund2000 - 2018Embossed blue serial on white plate with Kansas Children's Trust Fund logo at the left and "KANSAS" in blue at top12345
2018 -presentScreened black serial on white plate with Kansas Children's Trust Fund logo at the left and "KANSAS" in blue at top
Choose Life2022 -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
City of Wichitaearly 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
2019 -presentScreened white serial on graphic of City of Wichita Flag plate with "KANSAS" in white at top
Donate Life2015 - 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
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
Ducks Unlimited2012 - 2018Embossed black serial on white plate with graphic of duck head at left; "KANSAS" and "DUCKS UNLIMITED" in black at top and bottom, respectively1ABC
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
Eisenhower Foundation2014 - 2018Embossed black serial on white plate with "I LIKE IKE" button graphic at left; and "KANSAS" in blue at topAB12
2018 -presentScreened black serial on white plate with "I LIKE IKE" button graphic at left; and "KANSAS" in blue at top
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
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
Firefighter2005 - 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
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
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
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 4H Foundation2017 - 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
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
Kansas Arts Foundation2015 - 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
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 Breast Cancer Research2008 - 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
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
Kansas Horse Council2015 - 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
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 Masonic Lodge2015 - 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
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
Kansas State Rifle Association2022 -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
K-State Veterinary Medicine2013 - 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
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
Love, Chloe Foundation2022 -presentScreened 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
Shriners2002 - 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
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
Special Olympics2019 -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
Medal of Honor2005 - 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.
Disabled Veteran2001 - 2007Same as 2001 state capitol passenger base, with disabled placard and "DISABLED VETERAN" in black at left and bottom, respectivelyMust 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 - 2018Same as 2007 state seal passenger base, with disabled placard and "DISABLED VETERAN" in dark blue at left and bottom, respectively
2018 - 2023Same as 2018 state seal passenger base, with disabled placard and "DISABLED VETERAN" in black at left and bottom, respectively
September 2023 - presentSame as above, but with different serial format
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 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.
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
Gold Star Mother2009 - 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.
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 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 Guard1980 - 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.
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 Storm2018 - 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 Freedom2018 - 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 Freedom2018 - 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 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.[12]
Purple Heart1995 - 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.
2018 - presentScreened black serial on white plate with Purple Heart graphic at left; "KANSAS" and "COMBAT WOUNDED" in purple at top and bottom, respectively
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.
2007 - 201812ABC
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 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.
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

Image TypeDates issuedDesignSerial FormatNotes
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.
2007 - 2018Same as 2007 state seal passenger base with call sign as the serialvarious
2018 - presentSame as 2018 state seal passenger base with call sign as the serialvarious
AntiqueEmbossed gold serial on blue plate with embossed gold state-shaped border; "KANSAS" and "ANTIQUE" in gold at top and bottom, respectivelyABCDE;variousRandom 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 - 2001Embossed navy blue serial on white plate with "KANSAS" and "ANTIQUE" in navy blue at top and bottom, respectively123456;variousCan 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 - 2018Embossed blue serial on white plate with "KANSAS" and "ANTIQUE" in blue at top and bottom, respectively
2018 - presentScreened black serial on white plate with "KANSAS" and "ANTIQUE" in blue at top and bottom, respectively
Disabled2001 - 2007Same as 2001 state capitol passenger base with disabled placard at left12345Requires re-certification every 3 years to retain disabled status.
2007 - 2018Same as 2007 state seal passenger base with disabled placard at left.
2018 - 2023Same as 2018 state seal passenger base with disabled placard at left.A1234
September 2023 - presentSame as above, but with different serial format
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.
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

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.
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.
2018 - presentScreened black serial on white plate with "PWR" at the left, "KANSAS" and "COMMERCIAL" in purple at top and bottom, respectively
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.
2018 - presentScreened black serial on white plate with "KANSAS" and "FLEET" in red at top and bottom, respectively
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.
1994 - 2001Embossed blue serial on white plate with "KANSAS" in blue at top
2001 - 2018Embossed black serial on white plate with "KANSAS" in black at top
2018 - presentScreened black serial on white plate with "KANSAS" in black at topA1234
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.
2018 - presentFlat black serial on white plate with "TRAILER" at left; "KANSAS" and "PERMANENT" in red at top and bottom, respectively
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
2006 - 2018Embossed red serial on white plate with "PWR" at left; "KANSAS" and "PERM APP" in red at top and bottom, respectively
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
Rental Fleet2020[14] - presentFlat black serial on standard passenger base, using a more condensed font. "PERMANENT" at top right.R012345All rentals seen with "SN" for Shawnee County.
State Trooper/Kansas Highway Patrol1983 - 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.
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
Motorcycle1975 - 1980Embossed white serial on green plate with embossed white state-shaped border and "KANSAS 75" at top.-1234Coded by county of issuance
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
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.
Embossed blue serial on reflective white plate with "KANSAS" and "CYCLE" at top and right, respectively. 1234The debossed "80" and hyphen did not appear on every plate, it depended on the county it was issued to.
1988 - 1994Embossed dark blue serial on white plate with "KANSAS" and "CYCLE" at top and bottom, respectivelyABC12AAA00 to approximately CNA99
1994 - 2001Embossed blue serial on white plate with "KANSAS" and "CYCLE" at top and bottom, respectivelyCWY00 to approximately EAR99;
LBK00 to approximately MBP99
2001 - 2007Same as State Capitol passenger base with "CYCLE" screened at bottomOAA00 to approximately QPD99
2007 - 2018Same as 2007 state seal passenger base with "CYCLE" screened at bottom12ABC00AAA to 99DZZ
2018 - 2023Same as 2018 state seal passenger base with "CYCLE" screened at bottom00EAA to 99FZZSerial and county code became screened in August 2018.
2023 -presentSame as above, but with different serial formatAB1CDStarting at AA0AA

External links

Notes and References

  1. Garrish . Christopher . October 2016 . Reconsidering the Standard Plate Size . Plates . . 62 . 5.
  2. Web site: Turkey Red Wheat - Kansapedia - Kansas Historical Society. 2022-02-20. www.kshs.org.
  3. Web site: Tanner . Eric N. . Kansas Passenger License Plates . allaboutlicenseplates.com . December 4, 2020.
  4. News: Obermeyer . Madison . July 19, 2018 . Don't lose that decal: new license plate production to start Aug. 15 . . December 13, 2018.
  5. News: Self . Matthew . August 19, 2024 . New 'To The Stars' Kansas license plate now available . FOX4 Kansas City . August 19, 2024.
  6. Web site: 2023-11-22 . Governor Kelly Announces New Standard License Plate Design, Replacement of Embossed Plates . 2024-02-20 . kansas.gov - Office of the Governor.
  7. Web site: 2023-11-28 . Governor Kelly Announces New Path Forward on State License Plate . 2024-02-20 . kansas.gov - Office of the Governor.
  8. Web site: Self . Matthew . 2023-11-28 . ‘I’ve heard you loud and clear’: Kansas governor puts stop to new state license plates after public backlash . 2024-02-20 . ksnt.com.
  9. Web site: 2023-12-18 . Winning Kansas license plate announced . 2024-01-02 . KSN-TV . en-US.
  10. Codes from the 2005-06 Kansas state transportation map (index of counties).
  11. Web site: Kansas Department of Revenue Division of Vehicles - Kansas Disabled Veteran Plate. 2021-06-01. www.ksrevenue.org.
  12. Web site: Kansas Department of Revenue Division of Vehicles - Pearl Harbor Survivor Plate. 2021-06-01. www.ksrevenue.org.
  13. Web site: Kansaslicenseplates.com . Kansaslicenseplates.com . 2024-01-03 . Kansaslicenseplates.com . en-US.
  14. Web site: Rental Cars Can Have Fleet Registration Plates Effective Jan. 1, 2020 . KsLawEnforcementInfo.