The number to remember after a move to Kansas is 90 days. That’s how long you have after establishing residency to swap your out-of-state driver’s license for a Kansas one [4], and to register your vehicle here [1]. Before the car can get a Kansas title, the Kansas Highway Patrol has to check its vehicle identification number [2][3].
At a glance
- Kansas driver's license
- Within 90 days of establishing residency [4]
- Vehicle registration
- Within 90 days of establishing residency [1]
- VIN check for out-of-state titles
- Kansas Highway Patrol, $20 minimum [3]
- Emissions test
- Not required [1]
- Minimum car insurance
- $25,000 / $50,000 / $25,000, plus personal injury protection [6]
- Voter registration
- Closes 21 days before an election [8]
| Task | Deadline or rule | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Driver's license | Within 90 days of establishing residency | Kansas Division of Vehicles driver's license office |
| VIN check | Before the vehicle's first Kansas title | Kansas Highway Patrol inspection station |
| Title and registration | Within 90 days of establishing residency | County treasurer's motor vehicle office |
| Car insurance | 25/50/25 liability plus personal injury protection | Your insurer |
| Voter registration | Closes 21 days before the election | Online, or your county election office |
Your driver’s license
The Kansas Department of Revenue says you have 90 days after establishing residency to trade your out-of-state license for a Kansas one [4]. If your out-of-state license is valid, no testing is required. If it’s expired, you’ll take a written and driving exam [4]. If you hold only an out-of-state permit, you’ll need to test in Kansas [5].
- proof of lawful presence,
- proof of your Social Security number,
- two recent proofs of your Kansas residential address, showing your name and physical address (a P.O. box alone doesn’t count),
- your out-of-state license, and
- proof of any legal name change, if your name doesn’t match your lawful presence document.
A hold on your license in another state has to be cleared before Kansas will issue a license; you can get a Kansas ID card in the meantime [5]. Your card comes by mail, usually in 14 to 20 days, but it can take up to 45 [4].
Your vehicle
Register within 90 days
Johnson County’s motor vehicle office states the rule: registration is required within 90 days of establishing a Kansas domicile or residence [1]. You apply for your title and registration at the county treasurer’s office in the county where the vehicle is garaged [2].
Get the VIN checked first
Kansas law requires anyone applying for an original Kansas title on a used vehicle titled in another state to have the Kansas Highway Patrol check that the vehicle identification number on the title is genuine and matches the vehicle [3]. The check costs $20 per hour or part of an hour, with a $20 minimum [3].
The Department of Revenue’s steps [2]:
- Take the vehicle and its title to a Kansas motor vehicle inspection station and get a Motor Vehicle Examination (form MVE-1).
- Take the title, the pink copy of the MVE-1 and proof of insurance to the county treasurer’s motor vehicle office to apply for your Kansas title and registration.
Johnson County’s list of required documents: the original title (no copies), the Highway Patrol VIN inspection, proof of insurance and your previous state’s registration. Depending on your situation, you may also need a power of attorney, a lien release, a certificate of trust, or a sales tax receipt and bill of sale if you bought the vehicle less than six months ago [1].
No emissions test
Johnson County’s motor vehicle office notes that emissions testing is not required [1].
Car insurance
Every Kansas auto liability policy must include at least [6]:
- $25,000 for bodily injury to one person,
- $50,000 for bodily injury to two or more people in one accident, and
- $25,000 for damage to other people’s property.
Policies must also include personal injury protection benefits for you, your household and others [6]. Those include at least $4,500 for medical expenses and at least $4,500 for rehabilitation [7].
Registering to vote
Kansas holds its primary elections on the first Tuesday in August of even-numbered years and general elections on the Tuesday after the first Monday in November; city and school elections are held on the same schedule in odd-numbered years [9].
- Deadline: Registration closes 21 days before an election. Applications through the Division of Vehicles must be received, and mailed applications postmarked, by the 21st day before the election [8].
- Online: You can register online if you have a valid Kansas driver’s license or non-driver ID card. Without one, use the paper application [9].
- Re-register every time you change your name, address or party [9].
- Photo ID: Kansas requires a photo ID to vote in person. A driver’s license or ID card from Kansas or another state works, among others; voters 65 and older can use an expired photo ID [9].
- Advance voting: You can vote early in person at your county election office or a satellite location up to 20 days before an election, or apply for a mail ballot [9].
Sources
- Johnson County, Kansas, Transfer Your Vehicle Registration from Another State
- Kansas Department of Revenue, Vehicle Tags, Titles and Registration
- K.S.A. 8-116a, Vehicle identification number check by highway patrol; out-of-state vehicles; fees
- Kansas Department of Revenue, Driver's License Frequently Asked Questions
- Kansas Department of Revenue, Required Documents and Appointment Scheduling
- K.S.A. 40-3107, Motor vehicle liability insurance policies; required contents
- K.S.A. 40-3103, Definitions (personal injury protection benefits)
- K.S.A. 25-2311, Opening and closing of voter registration
- Kansas Secretary of State, Voter Information
Next steps
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Get a moving quote →Common questions
How long do I have to get a Kansas driver's license after moving?
90 days after establishing residency, according to the Kansas Department of Revenue. If your out-of-state license is valid, no testing is required; if it's expired, you'll take a written and driving exam.
How long do I have to register my car after moving to Kansas?
Johnson County's motor vehicle office says registration is required within 90 days of establishing a Kansas domicile or residence, whether you own, rent or lease. Register through the county treasurer's motor vehicle office in the county where the vehicle is kept.
Does Kansas require an emissions test or a VIN inspection?
Johnson County's motor vehicle office says emissions testing isn't required, but a used vehicle titled in another state has to have its vehicle identification number checked by the Kansas Highway Patrol before it can get a Kansas title. The check costs $20 per hour or part of an hour, with a $20 minimum.
What car insurance is required in Kansas?
Liability coverage of at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury and $25,000 for property damage, plus personal injury protection benefits, including at least $4,500 for medical expenses.
When is the voter registration deadline in Kansas?
Registration closes 21 days before an election. Mailed applications must be postmarked by the 21st day before the election. You can register online if you have a Kansas driver's license or ID card.