Car Registration Fees by State: What to Know
Hawaii and Colorado are the most expensive states to register a vehicle in. Arizona and Mississippi are among the most affordable.
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Written byCatherine Collins
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13+ years creating insurance and personal finance content
Co-founded MillennialHomeowner.com
Catherine leverages her background in education and finance to write articles that help readers make informed decisions about their insurance and finances.
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Edited byKatie Powers
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Licensed auto and home insurance agent
3+ years experience in insurance and personal finance editing
Katie uses her knowledge and expertise as a licensed property and casualty agent in Massachusetts to help readers understand the complexities of insurance shopping.
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Data reviewed byKonstantin Halachev
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7+ years experience in data analysis
Ph.D. in Computational Biology
Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.
Updated August 11, 2024
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Table of contents
While every U.S. state requires motor vehicle registration, the price you pay to register a car varies from state to state.[1] If you fail to register your vehicle, you could face fines, court hearings, and even jail time.
Hawaii and Colorado are the most expensive states to register a vehicle in. Arizona and Mississippi are among the most affordable. But registration fees can be deceptive, and a low base fee in some states may only be the foundation for additional taxes and fees.
This article is your starting point for understanding what you’ll pay to register your vehicle in your state.
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Fees to expect when registering your car
Some of the most common fees you’ll likely pay when registering your car include:
Registration fee: This is the cost to register your car in your state, which is a requirement you need to meet to drive legally. When you register, you’ll get a certificate to keep in your vehicle.
License plate fee: This fee is based on a unique formula for each state. In some states, you may pay a combined fee for your license plate and vehicle registration fee. In others, you’ll pay each fee separately. The nature (passenger or commercial), weight, make, and year of the vehicle can all play a part in determining the fee.
Title fee: A car title is a form you keep to show proof that you legally own the vehicle. You pay a fee for the processing of this document.
Factors affecting your registration fees
States structure registration fees in several different ways. Some states have flat rates, while others calculate fees based on vehicle characteristics, driver penalties, and more.
Here are some of the common factors affecting transaction and registration fees in states:
Location: Some states have flat fees for vehicle registration, while others structure registration fees based on vehicle characteristics.
Vehicle type: In some states, the type of vehicle you drive will affect the amount you pay in registration fees. For example, you may pay more if you have a large truck than someone with a four-door sedan.
Vehicle age: Your car’s model year can also come with varying fees, depending on how old it is. New vehicles typically have a lower fee.
Vehicle weight: States commonly assess registration fees partially based on how much your vehicle weighs. Heavier vehicles typically have higher registration fees due to the gross vehicle weight fee.
Fuel type: The type of fuel your vehicle uses — or whether you have a hybrid or electric vehicle — can also influence your fee.
Emissions standards: Depending on where you live, you may have to undergo emissions testing or meet specific emissions standards when registering your vehicle. Your registration payment may include an inspection fee.
Registration fees by state
You can see the car registration fees for each state below. Some states have flat fees, while others have fees that vary based on vehicle type, age, and weight.
State ▲▼ | Registration Fee ▲▼ | What to Know ▲▼ |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $23–$105 | Battery electric vehicles cost more. |
| Alaska | $100 base | An additional fee on top of the base registration fee applies, depending on the city you live in. Fees for commercial vehicles are higher. |
| Arizona | $8 | Arizona also charges a vehicle license tax along with your annual registration payment. |
| Arkansas | $17–$30 | Price varies depending on vehicle weight and type. |
| California | $41 | Vehicles weighing more than 10,000 lbs. pay more. An online calculator is available to get an estimate. |
| Colorado | $7.60–$233 | Fees depend on weight and vehicle type. |
| Connecticut | $44–$266 | Cost depends on the type of vehicle. Student transportation vehicles can have more affordable registration fees. |
| Delaware | $40 | Commercial vehicles weighing more than 5,000 lbs. cost more. |
| Florida | $14.50–$32.50 | Prices can be more to register heavy trucks over 5,000 lbs. |
| Georgia | $20 | Certain counties in Georgia also require emission inspections. |
| Hawaii | $89–$900 | In Hawaii, each county and municipality has a specific way to calculate registration costs, and cost varies. |
| Idaho | $45–$69 | Electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid vehicles have additional charges. |
| Illinois | $78–$158 | Truck registration fees and passenger vehicles could cost more. |
| Indiana | $20 | Price is for vehicles 7,000 lbs. or less. Heavier vehicles will cost more to register. |
| Iowa | $65 | Iowa has a detailed calculator you can use to get a quick quote for your vehicle. |
| Kansas | $42.50–$52.25 | Cost varies depending on vehicle weight. |
| Kentucky | $21 | Cost is for vehicles under 10,000 lbs. Motor vehicle registration prices vary by county. |
| Louisiana | $10 | Price is for a vehicle 6,000 lbs. or less for a four-year period. |
| Maine | $35 | Price is for a passenger vehicle. Other types of vehicles might have different fees. |
| Maryland | $135–$187 | Specialty vehicles, like ambulances and limousines, can cost more. |
| Massachusetts | $60 | Some commercial vehicles cost less to register. |
| Michigan | $29–$211 | Price varies depending on vehicle weight, age, and number of times renewed. |
| Minnesota | $90 | Cost is for vehicles 9,000 lbs. or less. |
| Mississippi | $14 | Renewals cost $12.75. |
| Missouri | $18.25–$51.25 | Registration fees for passenger vehicles vary depending on horsepower. Registration fees for trucks vary depending on vehicle weight. |
| Montana | $22.75–$217 | Motorhomes and boats cost more to register. |
| Nebraska | $60 | The state adds some minor additional fees to every registration. |
| Nevada | $33 | Vehicles above 6,000 lbs. cost more. |
| New Hampshire | $31.20 | Price is for 3,000 lbs. or less. Price goes up for heavier vehicles. |
| New Jersey | $35.50–$84 | Cost varies depending on vehicle weight and age. |
| New Mexico | $27–$62 | Registration fees for trucks depend on weight and model year. |
| New York | $26–$140 | Price depends on vehicle weight, according to the New York DMV. |
| North Carolina | $38.75–$67.25 | Price depends on vehicle weight. |
| North Dakota | $49–$191 | Price varies depending on vehicle weight and the number of annual registrations. The North Dakota state website has a calculator to help you determine an estimate. |
| Ohio | $31–$81 | Your registration fee depends on the type of vehicle you have. |
| Oklahoma | $26–$96 | Your registration fee depends on how many years you’ve registered that vehicle. |
| Oregon | $45–$160 | Your registration fee is based on the vehicle type and maximum MPG. |
| Pennsylvania | $39–$45 | Price reflects passenger vehicle registration. Other types of vehicles, including trucks, have different fees. |
| Rhode Island | $30–$78 | Price reflects vehicles under 10,000 lbs. Registration costs more for vehicles over 10,000 lbs. |
| South Carolina | $40 | This is the registration fee for most passenger cars. Hybrids, electric vehicles, and vehicles previously registered in another state may have an additional fee. |
| South Dakota | $30–$48 | Vehicles above 8,000 lbs. have additional fees. All vehicles registered have to pay a motor vehicle excise tax of 4% of the purchase price. |
| Tennessee | $39.75 | Price reflects vehicles under 9,000 lbs. A new law waives registration renewals for some drivers in Tennessee. |
| Texas | $50.75–$54 | Fees based on vehicle weight. Vehicles above 10,000 lbs. cost more to register. |
| Utah | $10–$150 | Price of registration goes down as the vehicle ages. |
| Vermont | $74–$132 | Fees shown are for cars. Trucks can cost more depending on weight. |
| Virginia | $30.75–$116.49 | Vehicle registration fees vary by weight, and electric vehicle registration costs more. |
| Washington | $40 | Cost reflects vehicles up to 4,000 lbs. Heavier vehicles may have higher registration costs. Get an estimate using an online calculator. |
| West Virginia | $28.50–$78.50 | Vehicles over 16,000 lbs. may have higher registration fees. |
| Wisconsin | $85 | Trucks, tractors, buses, and some other vehicles cost more to register. |
| Wyoming | $15–$60 | The $60 fee is for vehicles over 6,000 lbs. |
License plate and title fees by state
When you register your vehicle, the state will issue you a license plate (also called license tags) that you’ll have to display on your vehicle. Some states issue a single plate for either the front or rear of the vehicle, while others issue two. Driving without a valid permanent or temporary license plate could earn you a fine.[2]
Below are the license plate and title fees for each state. As a reminder, some states include their license plate fee as part of the overall registration fee.
State ▲▼ | License Plate Fee ▲▼ | Title Fee ▲▼ |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $1.25 transfer fee | $15 |
| Alaska | $0 | $15 |
| Arizona | $12 | $4 |
| Arkansas | $1 | $10 |
| California | $25 | $25 |
| Colorado | $25 | $7.20 |
| Connecticut | $5 | $25 |
| Delaware | $10 with sticker | $50 |
| Florida | $28 | $77.25–$85.25 |
| Georgia | $20 | $18 |
| Hawaii | $5 | $5 |
| Idaho | N/A | $14–$32 |
| Illinois | $151–$218 | $155 |
| Indiana | $9.50 | $15 |
| Iowa | N/A | $25 |
| Kansas | N/A | $10 |
| Kentucky | N/A | $25 for speed title |
| Louisiana | Based on type, weight, selling price | $68.50 |
| Maine | N/A | $33 |
| Maryland | $10 | $100 |
| Massachusetts | $20 | $75 |
| Michigan | $5 | $15 |
| Minnesota | $6 | $8.25 |
| Mississippi | N/A | $9 |
| Missouri | N/A | $8.50 |
| Montana | $10.30 | $10.30 |
| Nebraska | $4.10 | $10 |
| Nevada | $8 | $28.25 |
| New Hampshire | $8 | $25 |
| New Jersey | $6 | $60 |
| New Mexico | N/A | N/A |
| New York | $25 | $50 |
| North Carolina | $21.50 | $56 |
| North Dakota | $37 | $5 |
| Ohio | $6 | $15 |
| Oklahoma | N/A | $11 |
| Oregon | $12.50 | $101–$192 |
| Pennsylvania | N/A | $58 |
| Rhode Island | N/A | $52.50 |
| South Carolina | N/A | $15 |
| South Dakota | $25.20–$144 | $10 |
| Tennessee | Varies based on your county | Varies based on your county |
| Texas | N/A | $28–$33 |
| Utah | N/A | $6 |
| Vermont | N/A | $35 |
| Virginia | N/A | $15 |
| Washington | $50 | $5.50 |
| West Virginia | $10 | $15 |
| Wisconsin | $75 | $164.50 |
| Wyoming | N/A | $15 |
How to register your car
If you plan on driving your vehicle, every state requires you to register your car at your local DMV or similar agency.
Each state has its own process for registering a vehicle, so it’s best to check on your state’s division of motor vehicles web page. Some states may require you to register your car in person at a DMV location. Others may allow you to at least begin the process online, while still others allow drivers to complete their registrations entirely online. And many states allow drivers to renew registrations entirely online.
Generally, though, you’ll need to provide the DMV with some information about you and your vehicle, including:
Name and address of the registered owner
County you live in
Year, make, and model of the vehicle
VIN
Title number
Whether you lease, finance, or own the vehicle outright
Classification of the vehicle (private passenger or commercial)
Insurer and policy number
How to reduce your car registration fees
You can reduce car registration fees in a few different ways:
Take advantage of discounts. In addition to inquiring about the car insurance discounts you can qualify for with your insurer, you should ask a representative at your county DMV about ways you can save on registration fees.
Register a hybrid or electric vehicle. Some states charge lower fees for hybrid and electric vehicles than gas vehicles.
Register as a senior citizen. In some locations, you can pay a lower registration fee if you’re a senior citizen.
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What to know about registration and car insurance
Every state except New Hampshire requires drivers to carry at least a minimum amount of liability car insurance. Registration and insurance go hand in hand — most states require proof of insurance to register or re-register a vehicle, and most insurers want confirmation that a vehicle is legally registered in its state.
Failing to insure your vehicle can have serious consequences, such as fines. And failing to register your vehicle could prompt your car insurance company to cancel your policy when it discovers that your vehicle is unregistered.
Bottom line: It’s best to legally register your car and buy and maintain at least your state’s minimum required level of car insurance.
Car registration FAQs
Looking for more information on registering your vehicle? Before you contact your local DMV, read on. You might find the answer to your question below.
Does it cost the same to register all types of vehicles?
No. Registration fees can vary depending on the type of vehicle. Motorcycles, passenger cars, vans, trucks, and even snowmobiles can have different registration fees depending on gross vehicle weight and other factors. Commercial vehicles may also have different fees.
Are there any additional costs you should know about?
Each state might have additional fees and taxes you’ll have to pay during the registration process, like a late fee if you go beyond your state’s grace period for registration. You may also have to pay sales tax, fuel tax, registration tax, and excise tax.
Also, remember that some states charge more to register electric vehicles. Some online transactions may include a transaction fee for your credit or debit card.
How much is the California registration fee?
It costs $41 to register a car in California, but vehicles over 10,000 lbs. can cost more. The California DMV has an online calculator you can use to get an estimate of your fees.[3]
How much are registration fees in Illinois?
It costs between $78 and $158 to register a car in Illinois.[4]
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Sources
- AAA Living. "Out-of-State Car Registration: A Complete How-To Guide."
- Progressive. "Can you drive without a license plate?."
- California DMV. "Vehicle Registration Fee Calculator."
- Office of the Illinois Secretary of State. "Fees."
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Catherine Collins
Catherine Collins is a freelance financial writer and author based in Detroit. She's the co-founder of MillennialHomeowner.com and MomsGotMoney.com, and author of the book Mom’s Got Money: A millennial mom’s guide to managing money like a boss. She has written for US News, Huffington Post, Money, Business Insider, Investopedia, Entrepreneur, Go Banking Rates, and many other publications. She currently resides in Detroit, Michigan with her boy-girl twins and a rescue dog named Julep.
Licensed auto and home insurance agent
3+ years experience in insurance and personal finance editing
Katie uses her knowledge and expertise as a licensed property and casualty agent in Massachusetts to help readers understand the complexities of insurance shopping.
Featured in
7+ years experience in data analysis
Ph.D. in Computational Biology
Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.
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