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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UPDATED: Nov 8, 2023
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Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Nov 8, 2023
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider.
Our insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
- 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.
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:
| State | Registration Fees |
|---|---|
| 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 |
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.
| State | Additional Registration 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 |
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you provide information about car registration fees by state?
The car registration fees vary by state and are based on factors such as the weight of the vehicle. For example, Arizona has the lowest fee at $8, while states like Florida, Montana, and North Dakota may have fees exceeding $200. It’s important to understand these fees and also consider purchasing auto insurance as a crucial part of the registration process.
How are car registration fees determined, and do they affect auto insurance quotes?
Car registration fees are determined by each state using different metrics. Most states base their fees on the weight of the vehicle. While car registration fees do not directly affect auto insurance quotes, it’s important to have the appropriate amount of insurance coverage to keep your registration valid.
Are there any additional fees associated with car registration?
Some states may impose additional taxes and charges along with the car registration fees. There might also be title fees and license plate fees that need to be paid.
Is car registration required for auto insurance?
No, it’s the other way around. In most states, you need to provide proof of auto insurance before registering your vehicle. State motor vehicle departments require drivers to have insurance coverage to ensure there are no uninsured drivers on the road. You must provide valid proof of insurance within a specified time frame, or your registration may be suspended.
What should I consider when it comes to car registration fees and auto insurance?
As a car owner, you are responsible for various automotive expenses, including car registration fees and auto insurance. It’s important to understand the fees specific to your state and comply with the insurance requirements to avoid any registration issues. Comparing quotes from different auto insurance companies can help you find the best coverage and potentially save money.
Compare over 200 auto insurance companies at once!
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Jimmy McMillan
Licensed Insurance Agent
Jimmy McMillan is an entrepreneur and the founder of HeartLifeInsurance.com, an independent insurance brokerage. His company specializes in insurance for people with heart problems. He knows personally how difficult it is to secure health and life insurance after a heart attack. Jimmy is a licensed insurance agent from coast to coast who has been featured on ValientCEO and the podcast Modern Li...
Licensed Insurance Agent
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.