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.
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/BC12345
Coded by county of issuance (A/B) and month of expiration (C)
These plates using A/BC12345 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/BC12345
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/BC12345
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/BC12345
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/BC12345
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
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/BC12345
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/BC12345
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/BC12345
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.
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
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
Kansas has a system of county codes used for identification of the home county of a state resident or company on license plates and state tax forms.[10]
The codes are two letters based on the first letter of and another letter in the name of the county. There is no true convention for the selection of the letters; for example, Bourbon County is the only county that begins with "BO," yet its code is "BB." In most cases, but not all, as noted above, the only county that begins with two particular letters gets those letters. Exceptions are Decatur, Dickinson, Hodgeman, Leavenworth, Logan, McPherson (MC is used for Mitchell), Norton (NO is used for Neosho), Pawnee, and Pottawatomie.
The two-letter code began appearing on Kansas license plates in 1951. From 1930 to 1950, the code was a number based on the order a county ranked in terms of population based on the 1920 United States Census. From 1951 until 1988, the two letters were stamped on the license plate on the far left side, one letter on top of the other. Since then, the letters are on a sticker applied to the upper-left corner of the plate.
There is also a place on the address form of Kansas tax forms to place the county code.
- Regular Auto decals started issuance in 1976 for 1977 expirations of the redesigned 1976 standard license plate. Trucks and other non-highway vehicles using the green 1975 plates were issued 1976 decals upon expiration.
- The decal sizing was changed from square to rectangular in 1994/1995 to be able to fit a similarly sized month sticker above the registration decal.
- The sizing was again changed in some 2012/2013 and all 2014 registrations to a square "smart sticker" that now includes the month, plate number, and registration year on one decal. Smart stickers for 2012 registrations were only issued to new plates in OCT, NOV, & DEC, and 2013 smart sticker issuance began in mid-May. Since the expiration month is now printed directly on the registration, separate month stickers were phased out and newer plates removed the debossed sticker well that had previously been used for the decal.
^ Denotes a decal issued to non-auto, vanity or specialty plate holders.
* Denotes a redesigned standard plate with a natural expiration.
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
These plates share a common all-numeric serial format that started at 1 with K-State in 1997.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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]
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
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
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
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
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.