Vehicle Registration Fees by State (2024) | AutoInsurance.org (2024)

Why is registration so expensive? Like auto insurance rates by state, vehicle registration fees by state vary based on the different formulas used by local Departments of Transportation to determine costs. Vehicle type, age, and miles per gallon all impact license plate cost by state.

For instance, Oregon, one of the states with the most expensive car registration, bases its yearly registration fee on miles per gallon.

Scroll down to compare the cost of vehicle registration by state. Even if your average registration cost is high, car insurance rates don’t have to be.Enter your ZIP code into our free quote tool above to compare auto insurance rates from top companies in your state.

Comparing Vehicle Registration Fee by State

There are over 276 million vehicles registered in the United States, but every state has its own formula to determine the price drivers pay for registration fees. Compare auto registration cost by state in the table below:

While some charges consist of a flat fee, others require a rate combined with smaller associated costs. Further, states with a one-year registration fee are often cheaper than states with two-year registration renewal costs.

Why is vehicle registration so expensive? Average car registration cost by state has increased due to inflation, the increased price of vehicles, and the addition of clean air and greenhouse reduction fees over the last two decades. You may also find electric cars such as Tesla have additional fees, leaving you to wonder how to get cheap Tesla auto insurance.

Learn More:

• Best Tesla Model S Auto Insurance
• Best Tesla Model X Auto Insurance

Hover over your state in the map below to see the average cost to register a Tesla by state:

As you can see, the most expensive vehicle registration states are Oregon, California, and Illinois. So, what are the states with the cheapest car registration? Mississippi and Arkansas have the cheapest vehicle registration by state and often have really cheap auto insurance.

States With the Highest Vehicle Registration Fees

Oregon is the most expensive car registration state. It’s the only state that categorizes its registration fees based on miles per gallon, making it the worst state to register a car in.

So, how much does it cost to register a car in Oregon? Passenger car registration fees in Oregon areclassified into three different categories:

• Passenger 0-19 mpg: $252 for four years ($126 for two years)
• Passenger 20-39 mpg: $272 for four years ($136 for two years)
• Passenger 40+ mpg: $312 for four years ($156 for two years)

These factors — in addition to the average vehicle registration cost — contribute heavily to the reason why it is the most expensive state to register a car.

The state’s vehicle owners can choose between two-year registration or four-year registration. However, in Oregon, first-time vehicle registrants must select the four-year registration rate, which ranges between $252-$312. Only after the four-year duration has concluded are they allowed to select a more affordable option.

Learn More: Oregon Auto Insurance

States With the Lowest Vehicle Registration Fees

So, what are the best states to register a car in? Arizona is the cheapest place to register a car, with a base registration fee of $8. Mississippi is the 2nd cheapest car registration state, only charging $15 for annual renewal.

Most states charge between $30 and $35 for their base registration fee.

How much is it to register a car in Minnesota? Minnesota car registration fees are exactly $35. Wyoming vehicle registration fees are on the more expensive side, ranging from only $30 up to $90.

How much does it cost to register a car in Louisiana? Louisiana vehicle registration fees range from $20-$82. However, your actual Louisiana car registration fee will depend on your car type, county of residence, and whether you’re moving from another state.

So, how much does it cost to register a car in Louisiana from another state? In addition to your base registration fee, drivers moving to Louisiana from out of state must pay a title fee of $68.50.

Between tax-free vehicles and low levels of congestion, New Hampshire is one of the best places in the United States to own a vehicle. Not to mention, New Hampshire residents typically spend an average of $1,606 per year for insurance. This is over 67% lower than the national average. Compare rates for free in our New Hampshire auto insurance guide.

So, are there states with no vehicle registration fee? Unfortunately, no state offers vehicle registration without a fee.

Additional Vehicle Registration Fees by State

Depending on where you live, you may see additional car registration fees on your bill that are listed separately from registration fees.

• Emissions fee: A formula helps each state calculate the amount of carbon emissions for which each vehicle will be charged.
• License plate fee: If you are receiving a license plate for the very first time, the price you are required to pay may differ from what you will pay to renew your license plate.
• Title transfer fee: If you purchased a new vehicle, you may be responsible for a title transfer fee. For instance, our Florida vehicle registration fee calculator shows the state has a $75 title transfer fee. Shop around for cheap Florida auto insurance if you’re struggling with expensive registration fees.
• Clean Air Act fee: The Clean Air Act of 1970 can be defined as regulations that limit emissions from industrial and mobile sources, including a requirement to reduce automobile emissions by 90% before 1975. Many states ask drivers to cover the Clean Air Act fee.
• Greenhouse gas reduction fee: Created in 2006 to make drivers more conscious of the environmental waste commonly associated with driving. Typically this fee is $5, but it can be higher in select states.

Additional auto registration fees by state can range from relatively low to several hundred dollars. While some may only be valid for a year, others can last approximately two years or longer. The duration contributes to exactly how much — or how little — you will be expected to pay when it’s time to register your vehicle or renew your registration.

Factors That Impact the Vehicle Registration Cost by State

Many states necessitate several fees based on the age and weight of a vehicle, which must be taken into account to determine how much registration will cost.

So, as you can see, fees for used car registration by state vary since many areas also consider vehicle age.

Some of these factors, or none at all, may contribute to the car registration rates in your state. If you are registering your vehicle for the first time, you may notice that the fees are higher than what is advertised for drivers with existing registration that merely requires renewal.

Learn More: Does your car need to be registered to get auto insurance?

How to Register a Vehicle

All states charge fees for title and registration. Average title and registration fees will vary, but car registration by state is relatively the same. Depending on where you live, you may be able to register a car online, but many states require drivers to do so in person at the DMV.

Can you register a car without insurance? No, most state vehicle registration requires insurance coverage. To register a car, you need the following:

• Insurance policy number
• Year, make, model, and VIN
• Title number
• Proof of lease or ownership
• Vehicle classification (passenger, commercial, etc)
• Driver name, address, and county

Can I register my car at a different address? No, your address must match your driver’s license, registration, and insurance policy. The name on your car registration and auto insurance have to match as well.

You will need to take a few steps to register your vehicle in your state:

• Gather all required documents. Before heading to the DMV, make sure you have the necessary documents listed above. Your state may also require inspection certificates.
• Complete the registration application. This form will require information about the vehicle and your personal details. It may be completed online or in person.
• Pass state inspection. Some states mandate minimum requirements on vehicle safety equipment, performance, and emissions testing. Ensure your vehicle meets the necessary standards before proceeding with registration.
• Pay vehicle registration fees. The car registration cost by state varies, so be prepared to pay the necessary fees. This can include taxes and fees for license plates or emissions testing, along with a car registration fee by state.

Once you’ve submitted all required documents and fees, you’ll receive your vehicle’s registration materials. This typically includes a registration card and license plates. Install the issued license plates as per your state’s regulations to avoid any fines or penalties.

Read More: Are you allowed to buy or register a car with a suspended license?

What states have permanent vehicle registration? Montana and Alaska are both states with permanent vehicle registration. In Montana, drivers can permanently register cars that are 11 years or older, while Alaska drivers can register trailers and vehicles older than eight years.

Non-Resident Vehicle Registration

You might need to register a vehicle in another state if you commute out-of-state for work or split your time between multiple states. Only a handful of states allow non-residents to register a vehicle:

• California
• Colorado
• Delaware
• Florida
• Indiana
• Kentucky
• Maine
• Massachusetts
• New York
• North Dakota
• South Dakota

Most of these states only require proof of U.S. residency and valid insurance to register a car. Others require you to get an in-state license and insurance policy. It’s important to check with the local DMV to meet all of the requirements. Learn how to change auto insurance when moving out of state.

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For example, North Dakota only offers temporary registration for 6-12 months while still requiring drivers to maintain up-to-date registration in their permanent residence. North Dakota also has some of the highest registration fees by state. Learn more about North Dakota auto insurance in our guide.

Read More: Why do auto insurance rates go up when you move?

More About Vehicle Registration Costs by State

Remember that vehicle registration is not a one-time process. You’ll need to renew it annually, and the average vehicle registration cost by state can vary each year. Factors influencing vehicle fees by state include vehicle age, weight, and local taxes.

Unfortunately, there is no free car registration. Even if you live in the cheapest state for car registration, you’ll still have to pay at least $8. The cheapest way to renew car registration is to always remember to pay it online every year. Forgetting to renew your registration can result in tickets or increased fees when you do renew.

Car registration fees may vary by state, and so do monthly rates. To find a low-cost car insurance policy, enter your ZIP code to obtain free quotes from the cheapest auto insurance companies near you.