New Kansas license plates coming; why you’ll need temporary tags first

4 April 2024

TOPEKA (KSNT) – In the coming months, Kansas drivers will get their new license plates. But while they wait, drivers will use a temporary plate until the new one comes in the mail.

Once your tags expire, you’ll need to get a new license plate. However, you’ll briefly use a temporary plate while your new one comes in the mail.


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For those who have an embossed license plate, the county will send you a new one with printed numbers. The new plates will take about a week to reach you in the mail, but Shawnee County Treasurer Larry Mah says in the meantime, while you have your temporary tags, you can keep your expired plate on your car.

“You do not have to display this,” Mah said. “Just keep it in the car with the decal so if you’re pulled over by law enforcement, you’ll show them this document and the decal, and they should let you go.”

Mah also says you can renew your new plates online or walk in the DMV. Either way, they will give you your temporary tag first and your official license plate will arrive within seven to ten days.


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He also says it’s important to put your sticker on the temporary tag, not the embossed plate. You’ll then switch it to your new plate once it arrives. For more information and FAQ’s on the license plate switch, click here.

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