If you buy a car from a dealership in Kansas, they handle everything. They print a paper tag, tape it to your rear window, and you are good to go.
But if you buy from a Private Seller (Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or a neighbor), you are on your own. You legally cannot drive the car until you visit the County Treasurer to get a 60-Day Permit.
This guide explains how to get that permit, why you can’t get it online, and why you should bring your checkbook for the taxes.
The Standard: Kansas 60-Day Temporary Permit for Private Sales
In Kansas, there is no “30-Day” tag anymore. The standard temporary registration is the 60-Day Permit.
Purpose: Allows you to drive legally while waiting for the Title to be processed or for a lien release from a bank.Validity: 60 days from the Date of Purchase (not the date you apply). Cost: $8.00 (Permit Fee) + $5.00 (County Fee) + Sales Tax.
Can I Get a 60-Day Temporary Tag Online?
No. For a private sale, you almost always must visit the County Treasurer’s Office in person.
- Why? The clerk must physically inspect the Title to ensure it hasn’t been altered or forged before issuing a permit.
The Sales Tax Surprise: What You Must Pay to Get Your Tag
This is where most buyers get stuck. To get your $13 temporary tag, you must often pay the Sales Tax on the vehicle right then and there.
- The Math: If you bought a truck for $20,000 and your local tax rate is 9%, you must pay $1,800 at the counter just to get the temporary paper tag.
- Payment: Many counties charge a ~2.5% fee for credit cards, so bringing a personal check or cash saves you money.
The 1-Day Transport Permit (K.S.A. 8-198): Rules and Restrictions
If you just need to move a car from the seller’s house to your house, or to the Highway Patrol for an inspection, you don’t need a full 60-day permit. You can use the 1-Day Transport Permit (K.S.A. 8-198).
- Validity: 24 Hours.
- Cost: ~$1.00 – $5.00 (Varies by county; Sedgwick County charges $1).
- Restriction: You must drive directly from Point A to Point B. You cannot stop for groceries.
New Residents: Out-of-State Vehicle Transfer and the MVE-1 Inspection
If you moved to Kansas with a car registered in Missouri or Texas, you might need a temporary tag if your old plates have expired.
The “MVE-1” Requirement: Before the County Treasurer gives you a tag, you must visit the Kansas Highway Patrol for a VIN Inspection.
- Go: To a KHP Inspection Station (Check hours—many are mornings only).
- Pay: $20.00 (Cash is often required).
- Get: The pink MVE-1 Form.
- Register: Take the MVE-1 to the County Treasurer to get your plates.
- See our full guide: Transferring Your Out-of-State License & Car to Kansas.
Required Documents Checklist for the County Treasurer
When you walk into the County Treasurer’s office, bring these four things or you will be sent home:
- The Title: Properly signed over to you. (If the seller has a loan, you need the Electronic Sales Agreement).
- Proof of Insurance: Must be a valid Kansas policy with the new car’s VIN listed.
- Bill of Sale: Used to calculate how much sales tax you owe.
- Cash/Check: To pay the taxes and fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are a Kansas resident, no. Missouri dealers often issue 30-day tags, but once you cross the border into Kansas, you technically need to register it within 60 days. If you buy privately in MO, you need a Kansas 1-Day permit to drive it home legally.
Only if you have a valid reason, like a lost title or a lien release delay from the bank. You cannot get an extension just because you didn’t have the money for taxes.
No. You need a clean Kansas Driving Record to get a license, but for vehicle tags, they only care about Insurance and Taxes.
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