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Kansas licensing

Do I need a notary license in Kansas?

Yes. Kansas requires a notary license issued by Kansas Secretary of State.

State Laws

Kansas licensing laws

9 verticals covered for Kansas

← All states
Reviewed by Cornerstone Staff28 years of financial services state licensing experienceLast verified August 3, 2026

This guide covers 9 regulated activities in Kansas: Kansas Notary Bond Requirements, Kansas Contractor License Bond Requirements, Kansas Debt Collection Laws & Regulations, Kansas Credit Services Organization Bond Requirements, Kansas Mortgage Laws & Licensing Requirements, Kansas Motor Vehicle Dealer Bond Requirements, Kansas Subdivision Bond Requirements, Kansas Charitable Solicitation Registration, and Kansas Money Transmitter Laws & Licensing. For each one, the summary below names the state agency in charge. It shows whether a license or registration is required. It also shows whether Kansas calls for a surety bond before you can operate.

Oversight in Kansas runs through Kansas Secretary of State, Local city and county licensing offices (no statewide contractor license), Kansas Attorney General (consumer protection), Kansas Office of the State Bank Commissioner, Kansas OSBC, Kansas Department of Revenue, Dealer Licensing Bureau, Local city or county government (plat approval authority) in Kansas, and Kansas Attorney General. 7 of the 9 need a surety bond before you can operate. The bond protects the state and your customers if you break the rules tied to your license.

States change their statutes and fee schedules often. Treat the details below as a starting point. Confirm the current rule with the regulator before you file. When you are ready, Cornerstone Licensing can prepare and submit the Kansas filings for you. We track every renewal date and keep your license in good standing year after year.

notary

Kansas Notary Bond Requirements

Kansas requires a $12,000 notary bond under Kan. Stat. Ann. § 53-5a22, filed with the Kansas Secretary of State. Raised from $7,500 when Kansas adopted RULONA (the former § 53-102 was repealed).

Application process

Apply for or renew your notary public commission with the Kansas Secretary of State and file a $12,000 surety bond as part of the application. The surety issues the bond form the state accepts and files it for you.

Renewals

The bond runs with the notary public commission term and renews on the same cycle (about every 4 years).

Raised from $7,500 when Kansas adopted RULONA (the former § 53-102 was repealed).

Key statutes

  • Kansas RULONA assurance provision (Kan. Stat. Ann. § 53-5a22) . Statutory basis for the Kansas notary bond requirement.

contractor license

Kansas Contractor License Bond Requirements

The contractor license bond Kansas requires as a condition of holding a contractor license or registration: the required amount, the statute behind it, and how the bond is filed with Local city and county licensing offices (no statewide contractor license).

Application process

The bond is filed with Local city and county licensing offices (no statewide contractor license) as part of the contractor license or registration application (or renewal). The surety issues the bond on the state's required form naming the state as obligee; most contractors qualify on the owners' personal credit and the bond is often issued the same day. Note this is the license bond only, project bid, performance, and payment bonds are separate obligations posted per job.

Renewals

The bond must stay continuously in force for the license to remain active. Sureties renew the bond on its own term and file continuation certificates; a lapse or cancellation is reported to Local city and county licensing offices (no statewide contractor license) and can suspend the license.

Local jurisdictions in Kansas may layer their own permit or license bond requirements on top of the statewide bond. Confirm the current required amount with Local city and county licensing offices (no statewide contractor license) before filing.

Key statutes

  • Non-resident contractor bond (tax) (K.S.A. 79-1008 et seq.) . Kansas licenses general contractors at the city and county level; the statewide bonding that exists is the tax-law bond for non-resident contractors.

debt collection

Kansas Debt Collection Laws & Regulations

Kansas does not require a state-level license for third-party debt collection. Collectors in Kansas must still follow the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). They must also follow any consumer-protection statutes the state Attorney General enforces.

Application process

No state-level debt collection license is required in Kansas. Check for any local or municipal registration rules. Review your obligations under the federal FDCPA.

Renewals

No state license means no renewal cycle applies. Keep your practices FDCPA-compliant. Watch for any future state licensing legislation.

Kansas relies on the federal FDCPA and the state Attorney General's consumer-protection authority. It has no stand-alone licensing regime. Confirm this exemption before you rely on it.

Federal baseline

Federal law applies in every state, not just this one.

  • Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (15 U.S.C. § 1692) . Federal framework governing third-party debt collection nationwide.

credit services

Kansas Credit Services Organization Bond Requirements

Kansas requires a $25,000 credit services organization bond under Kan. Stat. Ann. § 50-1118, filed with the Kansas Office of the State Bank Commissioner. The commissioner may require a higher bond, up to $1,000,000.

Application process

Apply for or renew your credit services organization registration with the Kansas Office of the State Bank Commissioner and file a $25,000 surety bond as part of the application. The surety issues the bond form the state accepts and files it for you.

Renewals

The bond runs with the credit services organization registration term and renews on the same cycle (about every 1 year).

The commissioner may require a higher bond, up to $1,000,000.

Key statutes

  • Kansas Credit Services Organization Act (Kan. Stat. Ann. § 50-1118) . Statutory basis for the Kansas credit services organization bond requirement.

mortgage

Kansas Mortgage Laws & Licensing Requirements

Complete guide to mortgage licensing requirements in Kansas. Covers MLO licensing through NMLS, lender and servicer licensing, bond requirements, and key statutes governing mortgage origination and servicing in Kansas.

Application process

Mortgage companies generally apply through the NMLS (Nationwide Multistate Licensing System) for Kansas mortgage licensing. Requirements include a completed MU1 form, surety bond, audited financial statements, business plan, background checks (FBI criminal and credit) for all control persons, and net worth requirements. Individual MLOs are generally required to complete pre-licensing education (20 hours minimum including 3 hours of federal law, 3 hours of ethics, 2 hours of non-traditional lending, plus Kansas-specific hours), pass the SAFE MLO test, and submit an MU4 form through NMLS.

Renewals

Mortgage licenses in Kansas are renewed annually through NMLS. Company renewals require updated financial statements, bond confirmation, and payment of renewal fees. MLOs are generally required to complete continuing education (8 hours minimum annually, including Kansas-specific requirements) and pay renewal fees through NMLS. The renewal period typically runs November 1 through December 31.

All mortgage companies and MLOs operating in Kansas are generally required to be registered through NMLS. Kansas participates in the CSBS multi-state licensing process. Additional requirements may include maintaining a physical office, appointing a qualified individual, and filings with both state and federal regulations including TILA, RESPA, and the Dodd-Frank Act.

Federal baseline

Federal law applies in every state, not just this one.

  • SAFE Act (12 U.S.C. § 5101) . Federal framework for MLO licensing through NMLS

auto dealer

Kansas Motor Vehicle Dealer Bond Requirements

Kansas requires a $50,000 motor vehicle dealer bond under Kan. Stat. Ann. § 8-2404, filed with the Kansas Department of Revenue, Dealer Licensing Bureau.

Application process

Apply for or renew your motor vehicle dealer license with the Kansas Department of Revenue, Dealer Licensing Bureau and file a $50,000 surety bond as part of the application. The surety issues the bond form the state accepts and files it for you.

Renewals

The bond runs with the motor vehicle dealer license term and renews on the same cycle (about every 1 year).

Key statutes

  • Kansas dealer bond statute (Kan. Stat. Ann. § 8-2404) . Statutory basis for the Kansas motor vehicle dealer bond requirement.

subdivision

Kansas Subdivision Bond Requirements

How subdivision (site improvement / plat) bonds work in Kansas: the enabling statute local governments rely on, how the bond amount is sized from the engineer's estimate, and what developers post to get a plat approved.

Application process

The bond is posted with the city or county that approves the plat, not a state agency. The local government (the obligee) sizes the security from the project engineer's estimate of the improvements still to be built (streets, curbs, sidewalks, storm drains, water and sewer), and the developer files the executed bond with the development or subdivision improvement agreement. Many Kansas jurisdictions reduce the required amount as phases are inspected and accepted.

Renewals

The bond stays in force until the local government inspects and accepts the improvements and releases the security; it is not renewed on a fixed license cycle.

Amounts are set locally under K.S.A. 19-2961, so two projects in different Kansas jurisdictions can face different security terms for the same scope of work. Confirm the exact security form and amount with the approving city or county before ordering the bond.

Key statutes

  • County plat approval, completion bond (K.S.A. 19-2961) . Authorizes county commissioners to accept a completion bond, cashier's check, or escrow in lieu of finished improvements before final plat approval; cities operate under the parallel planning enabling act (K.S.A. 12-749 et seq.).

charitable registration

Kansas Charitable Solicitation Registration

A guide to charitable solicitation registration in Kansas: who must register with the Kansas Attorney General before asking Kansas residents for donations, common exemptions, renewal timing, and the professional fundraiser and charitable gaming rules that run alongside it.

Application process

Charitable organizations register with the Kansas Attorney General before soliciting contributions in Kansas, whether the ask happens in person, by mail, by phone, or online to Kansas residents. A typical filing includes the state registration form (or the multistate Unified Registration Statement where accepted), the IRS determination letter, articles of incorporation and bylaws, a list of officers and directors, the most recent IRS Form 990 or financial statements, and disclosure of any professional fundraiser contracts.

Common exemptions cover religious organizations, educational institutions, and small organizations under a revenue threshold, but exemption is rarely automatic; many states require an exemption filing. Registration fees are typically tiered to annual contributions; confirm the current schedule with the Kansas Attorney General.

Renewals

Charitable registrations in Kansas renew annually, generally keyed to the organization's fiscal year end, with updated financial reporting (IRS Form 990 or audited financials above the statutory revenue threshold) and the renewal fee. Late renewals can incur penalties and suspend the organization's authority to solicit.

Professional fundraisers, professional solicitors, and fundraising counsel must register separately in Kansas before working with charities, and paid solicitors typically post a surety bond. Charitable gaming (raffles, bingo, casino nights) is licensed separately where Kansas permits it. Nonprofits registering in multiple states also need a registered agent in each state where they are incorporated or qualified to do business.

Key statutes

  • Kansas charitable solicitation law (KS charitable solicitation statute) . Requires charitable organizations to register with Kansas Attorney General before soliciting contributions in Kansas, subject to statutory exemptions.

money transmitter

Kansas Money Transmitter Laws & Licensing

Complete guide to money transmitter licensing in Kansas. Covers application requirements, surety bond amounts, net worth minimums, FinCEN registration, and key statutes governing money transmission in Kansas.

Kansas money transmitter requirements at a glance

Kansas money transmitter licensing requirements
Surety bond $25,000
Minimum net worth $100,000
Renewal cadence Annual
FinCEN MSB registration Required

Application process

To obtain a money transmitter license in Kansas, applicants generally need to submit a completed application to the Kansas OSBC, provide a surety bond of $25,000-$500,000, demonstrate minimum net worth of $100,000, provide audited financial statements, implement a comprehensive BSA/AML filings program, and pass background checks for all control persons. Many states now accept applications through NMLS. The application process typically takes 3-12 months depending on the state and complexity of the applicant's business model.

Renewals

Money transmitter licenses in Kansas generally require annual renewal. Renewal typically requires submission of audited financial statements, updated surety bond, quarterly or annual transaction reports, BSA/AML filing documentation, and payment of renewal fees. Some states require call report filings on a quarterly basis throughout the year.

Money transmitters operating in Kansas are also generally expected to register with FinCEN as a money services business (MSB) and implement a comprehensive BSA/AML filings program. This includes appointing a filings officer, developing written policies and procedures, conducting employee training, filing Currency Transaction Reports (CTRs), and submitting Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs). Kansas may have specific requirements for cryptocurrency and virtual currency businesses.

Federal baseline

Federal law applies in every state, not just this one.

  • Bank Secrecy Act (31 U.S.C. § 5311) . Federal BSA/AML requirements for money services businesses

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State Laws

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Licenses in Kansas

Kansas licenses by industry

Every regulated vertical we track in Kansas, with the full law summary and the direct application path for each license type.

debt collection licensing

Regulated by Kansas Attorney General (consumer protection)

Bonds and insurance in Kansas

Where Kansas conditions a license on a posted surety bond, these pages carry the statutory bond amount and filing steps.

Kansas regulator contacts

The state agencies that issue and oversee the licenses above.

Planning tools and data

Scope a Kansas expansion before you file.

Registered agent coverage in Kansas

Every registered entity in Kansas needs an agent of record. Requirements, live pricing, and same-day ordering.

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Regulatory Watch

Stay Ahead of the Rules

Recent rule changes, deadline announcements, and state agency updates we are tracking for you.

  • Action CSBS Aug 4, 2026

    CSBS MTMA Adoption Tracker Updated, 31 States Enacted in Full or Part

    CSBS updated its Money Transmission Modernization Act tracker in August 2026 and reported that 31 states had enacted the law in full or in part. The update is not a single state rule, but it is a meaningful cross-state licensing development for money transmitters.

  • Action CSBS Aug 4, 2026

    CSBS Comment Letter on Federal Reserve Payment System Risk and Account Access Proposal

    On July 24, 2026, CSBS posted a comment letter on proposed revisions to the Federal Reserve Policy on Payment System Risk and the guidelines for account and services requests. This is a policy advocacy item rather than a binding regulatory change.

  • Action NMLS Aug 4, 2026

    NMLS Remote Work Status Details Due for 2027 Renewal Readiness

    NMLS directed companies to complete MLO remote work status details by August 31, 2026 to prepare for the 2027 renewal cycle. This was an active operational requirement during the review period.

  • Action NMLS Aug 4, 2026

    NMLS 2026 Disclosure Question Updates Require Completion Before 2027 Renewal Activity

    NMLS implemented revised MU4 and MU2 disclosure questions earlier in 2026, and the system urged affected users to complete updates by August 31, 2026. The change remained active during the July 21 to August 4 period and could affect filing workflows.

  • Watch CSBS / NMLS Aug 4, 2026

    NMLS Modernization Phase Three Scheduled for August 2026

    CSBS indicated that NMLS Modernization Phase Three is scheduled for August 2026. The planned changes include state agency task management for the individual licensing process and improved two-way communication for review items.