What are the car registration fees by state?
The car registration fees by state are wildly different. Arizona charges the lowest car registration fee ($8), but states like Florida, Montana, and North Dakota’s car registration fees surpass $200 in some circumstances. States use different metrics to set their registration fees, but most are based on the weight of your vehicle. Compare these state fees and learn how purchasing auto insurance is a crucial part of the process.
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Written by
Rachael Brennan
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Reviewed by
Benji Carr
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UPDATED: Jan 10, 2022
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- Car registration fees among U.S. states are as low as $8 or surpass $200 on the high end
- In addition to first-time registration fees, you may need to pay other fees including state and licensing fees
- You will need to provide valid proof of auto insurance to keep your car registration active
How much are car registration fees by state? And is car registration related to auto insurance quotes?
As you can imagine, no state’s registration fees are the same. They all use different metrics, and some states add unique fees.
Overall, few states have annual car registration fees — at least after two years. But when you are purchasing auto insurance, you will need to carry the right amount to keep your car registration valid.
Read on to learn about car registration fees by state. How expensive is it, and what metrics do different states use to set their prices? While you are thinking that over, would you like to see rates from top auto insurance companies where you live? Just enter your ZIP code to get started.
Table of Contents
How much is a vehicle registration fee in my state?
Here is how much car registration costs in each state, including the District of Columbia:
Car Registration Fees Per State
| State | Registration Fee |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $15-$23 |
| Alaska | $100 |
| Arizona | $8 |
| Arkansas | $17-$30 |
| California | $64 |
| Colorado | Weight-based fee |
| Connecticut | $120, plus $80 renewal for two years |
| Delaware | $40 |
| District of Columbia | $72-$155 |
| Florida | $14.50-$32.50, $225 for new vehicle |
| Georgia | $20 |
| Hawaii | $12 minimum |
| Idaho | $45-69 |
| Illinois | $151 |
| Indiana | $21.35 |
| Iowa | Up to 1% of the vehicle’s list price, plus $0.40 per 100 pounds |
| Kansas | $39-$49 |
| Kentucky | $21 |
| Louisiana | $20-$82 |
| Maine | $35 |
| Maryland | $135-$187 |
| Massachusetts | $60 for two years |
| Michigan | Based on value or weight, depending on the vehicle’s age |
| Minnesota | $35 minimum |
| Mississippi | $12.75 for renewals, $14 for new registration |
| Missouri | $18.75 minimum (based on taxable horsepower) |
| Montana | $30.57-$225.24 |
| Nebraska | $15, plus $5.50 in extra fees |
| Nevada | $33 |
| New Hampshire | $31.20 minimum |
| New Jersey | $35.50 |
| New Mexico | $27-$62 |
| New York | $26-$140 |
| North Carolina | $38.75 |
| North Dakota | $49-$274 |
| Ohio | $31 |
| Oklahoma | $96 for new registration, decreases over time |
| Oregon | $122-$152 (based on model year and miles per gallon) |
| Pennsylvania | $39 |
| Rhode Island | $30 minimum |
| South Carolina | $40 |
| South Dakota | $36-$144 |
| Tennessee | $26.50 |
| Texas | $51.75 |
| Utah | $44 (up to six tons), $69.50 (over six tons), plus $19 for every ton over seven tons |
| Vermont | $76 for the first year, $140 for two years |
| Virginia | $30.75 (less than two tons), $35.75 (over two tons) |
| Washington | $68.25-$115.25 |
| West Virginia | $51.50 |
| Wisconsin | $85 |
| Wyoming | $30 minimum |
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Car registration fees in Kansas and Wyoming differ based on the county. Below are more notes about state fees.
Weight-Based Fees
Most states that have a range of prices base their registration fees on vehicle weight. Besides Colorado, Utah, and Virginia, the following states use purely weight-based metrics for their car registration fees:
- Hawaii
- Maryland
- New Hampshire
- New York
- South Dakota
- Washington
Rhode Island’s fees apply to vehicles that weigh up to 4,000 lbs. and fees increased based on the vehicle’s weight.
Other Metrics
Other states’ fees differ based the age of the vehicle, its value, or some hybrid of factors. Idaho, Iowa, and Montana’s fees are based on a vehicle’s age. Louisiana and Minnesota’s fees are based on a vehicle’s value.
Car registration fees in New Jersey, New Mexico, and North Dakota depend on a vehicle’s age and weight.
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Are there any other fees I need to pay with my car registration?
Nine states add various taxes and charges along with car registration fees.
Extra Car Registration Fees
| State | Extra Fees |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $50 annual fee |
| Arizona | $32 Public Safety Fee |
| California | Extra fees, including CHP and Transportation Improvement |
| Missouri | $6-$12 processing fee |
| Montana | 3% fee |
| Nebraska | $5.50 in extra fees |
| New Hampshire | $10 transfer fee and local fees |
| Rhode Island | $15 surcharge |
| Texas | Local fees |
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Additionally, states might add title fees and license plate fees.
Is car registration needed for auto insurance?
No, it’s the other way around. Across the country, state motor vehicle departments are working to ensure there are no uninsured drivers. As part of the effort, DMVs require drivers to have proof of auto insurance before they register their vehicles with the state.
There are two ways you can go about registering your car with proof of auto insurance. The first is to bring your proof of insurance with you along with an ID when you register your car. Your second option is to register your car then provide proof of insurance within a specified time frame.
After providing proof of insurance, the Department of Motor Vehicles will check to see you meet the state minimum requirements for auto insurance. You must provide valid proof of insurance within the required time, or the DMV in your state will suspend your registration.
To find your state DMV online, you can search for it via USA.gov.
Car Registration Fees by State: The Bottom Line
As you can see, as a car owner, you are responsible for many automotive expenses. Not only must you purchase enough auto insurance to meet state requirements, but you must pay license and registration fees as well.
Whether you are a new driver or you are moving to another state, we hope this information has helped you to prepare. If you would like to see rates from top auto insurance companies in your area, enter your ZIP code into our free quote tool below.
