Motor Vehicles

State Department of Motor Vehicles State laws vary when it comes to motor vehicle insurance requirements, licensing and registration. The term vehicle generally includes automobiles, motorcycles, vans, trailers and boats regularly parked or garaged overnight. Service members and their families will want to understand their state’s laws on registration and licensing before moving to a new state. Visit the USA.gov Motor Vehicle Services page for links to state-specific websites.

Kansas State law requires you to have sufficient liability insurance and a valid driver’s license in order to operate a vehicle. The term “vehicle” generally includes automobiles, motorcycles, vans, trailers and boats regularly parked or garaged overnight. Further, your vehicle must be properly registered. Even though you are in the Military, you may be required to register your vehicle in-state and obtain an in-state license within a few months of moving. Access complete information on insurance, driver’s licensing, and where and how to register your vehicle by visiting the State Department of Motor Vehicles website https://www.ksrevenue.gov/dovindex.html

State laws vary when it comes to motor vehicle insurance requirements, licensing and registration. The term vehicle generally includes automobiles, motorcycles, vans, trailers and boats regularly parked or garaged overnight. Service members and their families will want to understand their state’s laws on registration and licensing before moving to a new state. Visit the USA.gov Motor Vehicle Services page for links to state-specific websites.

Kansas State law requires you to have sufficient liability insurance and a valid driver’s license in order to operate a vehicle. The term “vehicle” generally includes automobiles, motorcycles, vans, trailers and boats regularly parked or garaged overnight. Further, your vehicle must be properly registered. Even though you are in the Military, you may be required to register your vehicle in-state and obtain an in-state license within a few months of moving. Access complete information on insurance, driver’s licensing, and where and how to register your vehicle by visiting the State Department of Motor Vehicles website.

State and local laws regulate the operation of motor vehicles, and these laws can vary by location. Many states regulate the following:

• Seatbelt use
• Child safety seats
• Motorcycle operation
• The use of cellphones and other digital devices while driving

Learn more about motor vehicle laws in your state at the Distraction.gov State Laws page.

You and your passengers must always wear seatbelts while traveling or you will be ticketed and issued heavy fines if seatbelts are not secured. Kansas State law requires that all children 4-7 years of age, be properly restrained in booster seats unless they 

• Weigh more than 80 pounds
• Are taller than 57" (4 ft. 9 in)

Children under 1 year of age should always ride in a rear-facing car seat. Children 1- 3 years of age should remain in a rear-facing car seat until he or she reaches the top height or weight limit allowed by the car seat manufacturing.  At that time, your child is ready to travel in a forward-facing car seat with a harness.   Some states also require younger, smaller children to sit in the back seat.

Motorcycles and their operators are subject to special laws. If you own and operate a motorcycle, you must comply with those laws. Visit the State Department of Motor Vehicles website for more information.

Many States and local jurisdictions have strict laws about the use of cell phones and other digital devices while driving. Research these laws on the State Department of Motor Vehicles website. Tickets will be issued and fines assessed for violating these laws. Play it safe and always use a “hands free” device if you must use a cell phone or other PDA while driving. Hands-free devices must be used while operating a motor vehicle on ALL military installations worldwide.

Valid ID -- You must make sure that you have a valid Military or Civilian photo ID card. Non-ID card family members of a Soldier/Civilian, may be covered under the Trusted Traveler Program. The Trusted Traveler Program, in which valid DOD ID cardholders can vouch for up to 7 occupants in their Vehicle, is reinstated randomly. At anytime for any reason without announcement, the program may be suspended. All occupants aged 18+ in vehicles entering post should always be prepared to present valid identification. To find out the current status of the Trusted Traveler  Program, please call the Visitor Control Center at 785-239-2982 or 239-3138.