New Kansas license plate stirs up controversy

A new controversy in Kansas arose on Wednesday, after the above example of the new Kansas license plate design was revealed.

Well, the new Kansas license plate seems to be a hit among literally no one.

— Dr. Josh Anderson (@DrJoshAnderson) November 22, 2023

This new Kansas license plate is horrific. Did they let someone from Mizzou design it? Might as well slap Truman the Tiger on it. (No offense to Mizzou) 👎🏼 pic.twitter.com/IP4sPndz9f

— Jason Lamb (@JasonLambKSN) November 23, 2023

Some critics were noting the similarities of the license plate to Democrat Governor Laura Kelly’s home state of New York’s license plate.

When Kansas was creating our new license plate. https://t.co/eKxYSQMakS pic.twitter.com/bLjacPpnQU

— Joe (@JerkStoreJoe) November 23, 2023

Kid: "Mom, can we have @LauraKellyKS new Kansas License Plate?"

Mom: "We have Laura Kelly's KS License plate at home." #ksleg pic.twitter.com/EdwvgSY2s2

— Michael Austin, KS Economist (@KSEconomist) November 23, 2023

According to a press release regarding the new design, “The new plate displays a wheat-yellow color in the background with black and midnight blue text. The design pays tribute to the state motto, “ad astra per aspera,” with “to the stars” emblazoned across the bottom of the plate.”

“The new license plate design promotes the state and our sense of optimism as Kansans travel near and far,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “It serves as a reminder that there are endless possibilities and that we should always reach for the stars.”

The new license plate designs will be seen on Kansas roadways beginning Spring 2024. According to the press release, “the new design is part of the state’s phased approach to replacing current embossed standard plates because of safety concerns.”

Starting in January 2024, The Kansas Department of Revenue (KDOR) will be phasing out its embossed license plates with the new plate design appearing on vehicles starting March 2024.

“Many of the embossed plates out on the road have become difficult to read due to significant deterioration,” David Harper, Director of KDOR Division of Vehicles, said. “Replacing these plates will not only help law enforcement but ensure that drivers can be easily identified in case of emergency.”

Important things to note:

• Vehicle owners who update their registration in January or February and have embossed license plates will get the current design on flat, print-on-demand plates.

• Vehicle owners who update their registration between March and December and have embossed license plates will get the new design on flat, print-on-demand plates.

• All other standard flat, print-on-demand plates will continue to use the current design.

Kansas Tourism aided in designing the controversial license plate, as noted in the press release.

“Kansas Tourism was thrilled to be part of the process in designing a new state license plate,” said Bridgette Jobe, Director of Kansas Tourism. “Using ‘To the Stars’ proclaims to the rest of the world the Kansas optimistic and forward-looking spirit.”

In opposition to the new plate design, Kansas State Rifle Association (KSRA) encouraged Kansans to get the Gadsden flag plate instead.

Don’t want the New York liberal license plate? Get the Gadsden flag plate! https://t.co/h0PsYfjZfI https://t.co/inEp2XyIRa pic.twitter.com/eXicVyDK2C

— KSRA (@KansasRifle) November 23, 2023

For more information regarding the license plate, click here.