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. Visit the KS Department of Revenue for information.

Registration & Licensing Requirements

Kansas Driver's License: Non-resident Active Duty Personnel in Kansas

If you are active duty military on assignment in Kansas, you and your dependents are not required to change your driver's licenses or motor vehicle registrations over to Kansas. As long as you are on active duty, you will not be considered Kansas residents in matters related to motor vehicle driver's licenses or vehicle registrations. If you do register your vehicle in Kansas, you may be eligible for exemption from personal property taxation upon completion of the Kansas Military Personnel Affidavit for Motor Vehicle Tax Exemption (TR-601).

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 Laws

Kansas law requires you to have sufficient liability insurance and a valid driver’s license in order to operate a vehicle. Further, your vehicle must be properly registered. As noted above, active duty members and dependents are not required to have Kansas driver's licenses and registrations; however, the licenses and registrations you do have must be valid and current in your home state of record.

Kansas law requires that all occupants use safety restraints in passenger vehicles. Children under the age of 14 must be secured in the rear seat and wear appropriate safety restraints while the vehicle is in motion.

• All children under the age of 4 must be restrained in a federally approved child safety seat.
• All children 4 to 8 years of age must be restrained in a federally approved child safety seat or booster seat unless the child is taller than 4'9" OR weighs more than 80 pounds. Then they must use a seatbelt.
• Children 8 years and older must be protected by a seatbelt.

Kansas law prohibits the use of any electronic device to "write, send, or read" a written communication while driving. Always use a hands-free device if you must use a cell phone while driving. Hands-free devices must be used while operating a motor vehicle on ALL military installations worldwide.

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

Please see the Kansas Driving Handbook for state-specific laws and regulations.