What are the car registration fees by state?

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.

Be careful not to confuse the registration with the title. The difference between a vehicle’s registration and the title is that, while a title expresses direct ownership of the vehicle, a vehicle’s registration proves that you’ve paid taxes on your car to your state.

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.

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 in Kansas and Wyoming differ based on the county. Below are more notes about state fees.

Weight-Based Fees

Most states with 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 weighing up to 4,000 lbs. fees increase based on the vehicle’s weight.

Other Metrics

Other states’ fees differ based on 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.

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 registering their vehicles with the state.

You will need to provide proof of insurance when buying a new car before you can register that car with the state.

There are two ways to register your car with proof of auto insurance. The first is to bring your proof of insurance and an ID when registering your car. Your second option is to register your car and then provide proof of insurance within a specified time frame.

After providing proof of insurance, the Department of Motor Vehicles will check to see if 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.

Once you have insured your vehicle, payday loans could be a good option to consider to circumvent any additional costs that may arise. Another important factor to consider is that although payday loans can be a helpful way to access cash in a pinch, they can also negatively impact your credit score. This can easily be averted if the action has been taken to remove payday loans from a credit report.

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 also pay license and registration fees.

Whether you are a new driver or moving to another state, we hope this information has helped you prepare. If you want to see rates from top auto insurance companies in your area, enter your ZIP code into our free quote tool below.

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