Car Registration Fees by State: What to Know

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.

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.

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.3

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.

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.

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