Wikipedia

Vehicle registration plates of Kansas

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.

Kansas
Current series
Size12 in × 6 in
30 cm × 15 cm
MaterialAluminum
Serial format1234ABC
IntroducedAugust 19, 2024 (2024-08-19)
Availability
Issued byKansas Department of Revenue, Division of Vehicles
History
First issuedJuly 1, 1913 (1913-07-01)

Passenger baseplates

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1913 to 1975

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

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 1C12345
10C1234
100C123 		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 A/B-12345 Coded by county of issuance (A/B) First base to use two-letter county codes.
  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 A/B-12345 Coded by county of issuance (A/B)
  1955 Embossed white serial on black state-shaped plate with border line; "KANSAS 55" centered at top "THE WHEAT STATE" centered at bottom A/B-12345 Coded by county of issuance (A/B)
  1956 Embossed black serial on white plate with state-shaped border; "KANSAS 56" centered at top "THE WHEAT STATE" centered at bottom A/B-12345 Coded by county of issuance (A/B) 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 A/B-12345 Coded by county of issuance (A/B)
  1958 Embossed yellow serial on blue plate with state-shaped border; "KANSAS 58" centered at top "THE WHEAT STATE" at bottom, offset to right A/B-12345 Coded by county of issuance (A/B)
  1959 Embossed blue serial on yellow plate with state-shaped border; "KANSAS 59" centered at top "THE WHEAT STATE" at bottom, offset to right A/B-12345 Coded by county of issuance (A/B)
  1960 Embossed blue serial on white plate with state-shaped border; "KANSAS 60" centered at top "CENTENNIAL 1961" at bottom, offset to right A/B-12345 Coded by county of issuance (A/B) 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 A/B-12345 Coded by county of issuance (A/B)
  1962 Embossed white serial on green plate with state-shaped border; "KANSAS 62" centered at top none A/B-12345 Coded by county of issuance (A/B)
  1963 Embossed green serial on white plate with state-shaped border; "KANSAS 63" centered at top none A/B-12345 Coded by county of issuance (A/B)
  1964 Embossed white serial on blue plate with state-shaped border; "KANSAS 64" centered at top none A/B-12345 Coded by county of issuance (A/B)
  1965 Embossed white serial on red plate with state-shaped border; "KANSAS 65" centered at top "MIDWAY USA" centered at bottom A/B-12345 Coded by county of issuance (A/B)
  1966 Embossed white serial on black plate with state-shaped border; "KANSAS 66" centered at top "MIDWAY USA" centered at bottom A/B-12345 Coded by county of issuance (A/B)
  1967 Embossed white serial on Columbia blue plate with state-shaped border; "KANSAS 67" centered at top "MIDWAY USA" centered at bottom A/B-12345 Coded by county of issuance (A/B)
  1968 Embossed yellow serial on black plate with state-shaped border; "KANSAS 68" centered at top "MIDWAY USA" centered at bottom A/B-12345 Coded by county of issuance (A/B)
  1969 Embossed white serial on black plate with state-shaped border; "KANSAS 69" centered at top "MIDWAY USA" centered at bottom A/B-12345 Coded by county of issuance (A/B)
  1970 Embossed white serial on pale green plate with state-shaped border; "KANSAS 70" centered at top "MIDWAY USA" centered at bottom A/B-12345 Coded by county of issuance (A/B)
  1971 Embossed white serial on red plate with state-shaped border; "KANSAS" and month of expiration centered at top and bottom respectively none A/B 12345 Coded by county of issuance (A/B) Staggered registration introduced, with the month of expiration determined by the initial letter of the registrant's surname. The A/B 12345 serial format was used only on plates expiring on July 31.
  A/B C12345 Coded by county of issuance (A/B) and month of expiration (C) These plates using A/B C12345 expired from July 31 through December 31, 1971.
  1972 Embossed white serial on black plate with state-shaped border; "KANSAS" and month of expiration centered at top and bottom respectively none A/B C12345 Coded by county of issuance (A/B) 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 A/B C12345 Coded by county of issuance (A/B) 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 A/B C12345 Coded by county of issuance (A/B) and month of expiration (C) Plates expired from February 28 through December 31, 1974. The first "KANSAS 74" plates expired on July 31, 1974, and the first "Wheat Centennial" plates on August 31, 1974.

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

  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 A/B C12345 Coded by county of issuance (A/B) and month of expiration (C) Plates expired from February 28 through December 31, 1975. The first plates without the slogan expired on August 31, 1975.
  none

1976 to present

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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 A/B C12345 Coded by county of issuance (A/B) 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 A/B C12345 Coded by county of issuance (A/B) and month of expiration (C) Awarded "Plate of the Year" for best new license plate of 1980 by the Automobile License Plate Collectors Association, the first time Kansas was so honored. Discontinued due to legibility issues, but revalidated with stickers until 1988.
  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 A/B C12345 Coded by county of issuance (A/B) and month of expiration (C) Issued only to new registrants. Serials in each county, for each month, continued from where the 1980–81 plates left off.[3]
  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).[3] Ixx, Oxx, and Qxx series were skipped in 2016, 2021, & 2022, respectively.

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 approximately 2899AFJ Kansas switched to a 7-character serial format starting on September 8, 2023.
  August 19, 2024[5]  - Present Screened black serial on light blue, white, and gold gradient plate with dark gray state-shaped border; State Capitol in dark gray at bottom left and "KANSAS" in dark gray centered at top "To the Stars" centered at bottom 1234ABC 2900AFJ to 3510AGP (as of October 15, 2024) 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]


**Standard embossed plates that are registered to farm vehicles were not part of the original replacement plan. According to KDOR, they are scheduled to start replacement on January 1, 2025.

**In some cases, owners of standard embossed plates (non-farm related) have been given renewals for 2025, rather than having to replace their plates with the newest design. There has been no official explanation from KDOR as to why this is the case.

Replacement plates

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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 plate.

County coding

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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

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Yearly Registration Decals

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- 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.

Year 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981* 1981^ 1982
Image              
Year 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989*
Image              
Year 1989^ 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1994^
Image              
Year 1995* 1995^ 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000
Image              
Year 2001 2002* 2002^ 2003 2004 2005 2006
Image              
Year 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2012
Image              
Year 2013 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
Image              
Year 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
Image              

Optional plates

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Personalized Vanity Plates

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Image Type Dates issued Design Serial format Serials issued Notes
  Personalized passenger 1975 registration year 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 1979 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 1984 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 1989 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 1994 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 1999 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 2004 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 2009 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 2014 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 2019 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 2024 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.
  2025 to 2029 registration years Screened black serial on sunrise graphic overlooking the rolling green Flint Hills with "KANSAS" and "To the Stars" at top and bottom, respectively. various various Kansas stopped taking personalized plate orders on October 11, 2024, to prepare for the new design starting January 1, 2025.
  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.

Educational Institution Plates

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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 #1 issued in 1997 is still currently in active use
  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

Organizational Distinctive Plates

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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

Military Distinctive Plates

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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   12345 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  ABC123
  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

Other Distinctive Plates

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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  ABC123
  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.”

Non-passenger plates

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  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.

Motorcycle plates

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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. A/B-1234 Coded by county of issuance (A/B)
  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. A/B 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 (as of September 5, 2023)

References

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  1. ^ Garrish, Christopher (October 2016). "Reconsidering the Standard Plate Size". Plates. Vol. 62, no. 5. Automobile License Plate Collectors Association.
  2. ^ "Turkey Red Wheat - Kansapedia - Kansas Historical Society". www.kshs.org. Retrieved 2022-02-20.
  3. ^ a b Tanner, Eric N. "Kansas Passenger License Plates". allaboutlicenseplates.com. Retrieved December 4, 2020.
  4. ^ Obermeyer, Madison (July 19, 2018). "Don't lose that decal: new license plate production to start Aug. 15". The Wichita Eagle. Retrieved December 13, 2018.
  5. ^ Self, Matthew (August 19, 2024). "New 'To The Stars' Kansas license plate now available". FOX4 Kansas City. Retrieved August 19, 2024.
  6. ^ "Governor Kelly Announces New Standard License Plate Design, Replacement of Embossed Plates". kansas.gov - Office of the Governor. 2023-11-22. Retrieved 2024-02-20.
  7. ^ "Governor Kelly Announces New Path Forward on State License Plate". kansas.gov - Office of the Governor. 2023-11-28. Retrieved 2024-02-20.
  8. ^ Self, Matthew (2023-11-28). "'I've heard you loud and clear': Kansas governor puts stop to new state license plates after public backlash". ksnt.com. Retrieved 2024-02-20.
  9. ^ "Winning Kansas license plate announced". KSN-TV. 2023-12-18. Retrieved 2024-01-02.
  10. ^ Codes from the 2005-06 Kansas state transportation map (index of counties).
  11. ^ "Kansas Department of Revenue Division of Vehicles - Kansas Disabled Veteran Plate". www.ksrevenue.org. Retrieved 2021-06-01.
  12. ^ "Kansas Department of Revenue Division of Vehicles - Pearl Harbor Survivor Plate". www.ksrevenue.org. Retrieved 2021-06-01.
  13. ^ Kansaslicenseplates.com. "Kansaslicenseplates.com". Kansaslicenseplates.com. Retrieved 2024-01-03.
  14. ^ "Rental Cars Can Have Fleet Registration Plates Effective Jan. 1, 2020" (PDF). KsLawEnforcementInfo.
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