Custom Car Registration in Kansas

The procedure for obtaining a Kansas classic car registration must be completed through the state Department of Revenue (DOR) before operating your motor vehicle on public roads within the state. The registration procedure does not differ from the car registration process for a regular motor vehicle. Vehicle owners can register their antique cars or street rods by presenting the required documentation in person at a local DOR office.

The difference in procedures between custom car registration and registry for standard vehicles is that at the end, you may choose personalized license plates for your antique vehicle, special interest or street rod. Therefore, drivers who are registering special vehicles will be required to provide the necessary documents and to submit payment for the applicable fees and license plates cost. For more information about how to register a custom car in Kansas or how to apply for classic car license plates, continue reading the sections below.

Definition of a Street Rod or Antique Vehicle in Kansas

The Kansas classic car registration procedure is the same for every type of motor vehicle. However, the process for obtaining vintage car license plates may differ depending on the specific regulations and the category in which their vehicle belongs. Therefore, drivers need to know the difference between antique vehicles, special interest cars and street rods.

An antique vehicle is a car, truck or a motorcycle that is 35 years old or more and which is not altered and keeps the original model from the manufacturer. However, vehicles that are older than 35 years, manufactured in 1949 or before and have been modified and altered from the original model, are known as street rods.

The main difference between antique vehicles and street rods is in the level of alteration or modification that has been done to them. Therefore, before applying for historical car tags in Kansas, make sure you are familiar with the type of vehicle you own and find out the requirements for special license plates.

Steps in the Kansas Street Rod or Antique Vehicle Registration Process

Applying for a classic car license plate in Kansas is a procedure administered by the state Department of Revenue (DOR). Applicants will be required to visit a DOR branch in person and provide the necessary paperwork. The antique or custom car registration procedure usually mandates drivers to complete the following requirements for a standard car registration:

  • Provide your Kansas car title.
  • Submit a bill of sale.
  • Obtain and submit a VIN inspection from the Kansas Highway Patrol.
  • Pay the applicable registration fees.

In addition, as one of the requirements, applicants must apply for antique license plates, special interest plates or street rod plates.

Drivers will be able to obtain antique car license plates in Kansas by completing a Personalized Plate Application (form TR-715) and submitting it along with proof of antique auto insurance and payment for the applicable fees at a local KS DOR office.

Motorists who want to obtain special interest or street rod license plates will be required to complete a Special Interest/Street Rod Affidavit (form TR-145) and submit it to a local DOR branch with proof of car insurance and payment for the fees.

Fees to Register a Street Rod or Antique Vehicle in Kansas

The final step in the application process for special interest/street rods or antique license plates is to provide payment for the applicable fees.

When obtaining antique car license plates in Kansas, drivers will be required to pay a one-time fee of $40. Note that antique license plates do not have to be renewed, but drivers will be required to pay property taxes on annual basis. When personalized classic car license plates are requested, applicants will be mandated to pay $45.50 in addition to the $40 registration fee.

Owners of street rods who apply for special interest/street rod license plates will pay a one-time fee of $20. The annual fee for special interest registration is $26 in addition to the required property taxes.

Note: Drivers who are renewing their street rod or historical vehicle registration are also required to renew car registrations for their standard passenger vehicles.

Last updated on Monday, March 9 2020.