Winds of change: Kansas personalized plates get new design

A new design is breezing its way onto Kansas personalized license plates starting this month. The design, “Powering the Future,” features a series of turbines set against a Kansas sunrise and pays tribute to the state’s history and status of embracing wind energy. Kansas is ranked number one in the nation for wind energy production.

The Kansas Department of Revenue began issuing the plates on Jan. 15. Customers with the 2015 “Sunflower State” personalized plate may retain their plates as a keepsake, but must switch to the new design if they want to keep their current personalization. Notifications will be mailed 45 days prior to their regular registration due date. To order the new “Powering the Future Plate,” visit your local county treasurer’s office with your current registration receipt, photo ID and proof of insurance. Cost of the plates is $45.50 plus normal registration fees and taxes.

Citizens with standard vehicle Kansas tags will not be affected by the design change.

In addition to offering personalized license plates, the Department of Revenue also offers more than 40 distinctive license plate options, covering interests from collegiate pride to cancer awareness and more.

Most of the distinctive plates are available to everyone, but some have requirements such as being a veteran or firefighter. Customers pay a one-time issuance fee for the plate and then an annual contribution to the plate’s cause or organization, in addition to the standard registration fees and property taxes.

According to the Department of Revenue, the top five currently issued distinctive plates are:

In God We Trust                               18,160

Kansas State University                 12,054

University of Kansas                        6,504

Breast Cancer Awareness             4,465

Pittsburg State University             3,687