Vehicle Registration Fees by State (2026)

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 fee on miles per gallon.

Scroll down to compare the cost of vehicle registration by state. Even if your 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:

Vehicle Registration Fees By State

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.

So, what are the states with the cheapest car registration? Arizona and Mississippi have the cheapest vehicle registration by state and often have really cheap auto insurance.

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.

Check out the map below to compare the average Tesla registration cost by state to know what you’ll pay to register your EV:

As you can see, states often charge additional fees for drivers with electric cars, making it costlier to register a Tesla. Check out article titled “Electric Vehicle Auto Insurance Discounts” to find other ways to save.

States With the Highest Vehicle Registration Fees

Which state has 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 are classified into three different categories:

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

Why does vehicle registration cost so much? 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

Now, you may be wondering, “Which state has the cheapest car registration fees?” Keep reading to compare the states with the lowest car registration fees.

States With the Lowest Vehicle Registration Fees

So, what states have the cheapest registration fees? Most states charge between $30 and $35 for their base registration fee.

• 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.
• Minnesota car registration fees are exactly $35, making it one of the states with the cheapest car registration.
• Wyoming vehicle registration fees are on the more expensive side, ranging from only $30 up to $90.
• Colorado car registration cost ranges from $45 to $120.
• 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.

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, and has some of the most affordable car insurance premiums in the nation. 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.

Now that you know the answer to, “Which state has the lowest car registration fees?” we’ll show you which states have additional car registration fees.

Additional Vehicle Fees by State

For those wondering, “Why is my vehicle registration so high?” many states charge extra fees. Depending on where you live, you may see additional car registration fees on your bill that are listed separately from registration fees, such as:

• 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 for car registration prices by state.

State Title and License Fees

Factors That Impact the Vehicle Registration Cost by State

If you’re still wondering, “Why are tags so expensive?” many states base fees on vehicle age and weight. 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’re registering your vehicle for the first time, you may notice fees are higher than advertised for drivers who are renewing.

Check out our guide to learn the answer to, “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 costs by state are relatively the same.

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, VIN, and title number
• Proof of lease or ownership
• Vehicle classification, such as passenger, commercial, etc.
• Driver name, address, and county

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.

Follow these simple steps to register your vehicle in your state:

1. Gather Required Documents: Before heading to the DMV, make sure you have the necessary documents listed above, such as proof of insurance. Your state may also require inspection certificates. Learn how to get a copy of your auto insurance card for DMV verification here.
2. Complete Registration Application: This form will require information about the vehicle and your personal details. It may be completed online or in person.
3. 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.
4. 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 card and license plates. Install the plates per your state’s regulations to avoid fines or penalties. Check out our comprehensive article called, “Are you allowed to buy or register a car with a suspended license?“

What do vehicle registration fees pay for?

Vehicle registration fees play a crucial role in funding essential services and infrastructure that ensure safe and efficient transportation. Here’s how these fees are typically allocated:

• Road Maintenance and Repairs: A significant portion of your registration fee is dedicated to maintaining and repairing highways, roads, and bridges, helping to keep them safe and functional for all drivers.
• Public Safety: These funds support law enforcement and emergency response services, ensuring that help is available quickly in the event of accidents or other traffic-related emergencies.
• Vehicle Inspections and Emissions Testing: In some regions, part of the fees helps fund vehicle inspections, including emissions testing programs designed to reduce pollution and promote cleaner air.
• Transportation Projects: Your registration fees also contribute to larger transportation initiatives, such as public transit systems, road construction, and the development of bike lanes, all of which aim to improve mobility and accessibility.
• Administrative Costs: A portion of the fees goes toward the efficient processing and management of vehicle registrations, supporting the operations of DMV offices and staff.
• Environmental Programs: Some fees are earmarked for funding programs that support environmental sustainability, including incentives for electric vehicles or green infrastructure projects.

These fees are essential for maintaining the quality and safety of the transportation network, benefiting all road users.

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. For more details, read our complete review of the best auto insurance for out-of-state drivers.

Only a handful of states allow non-residents to register a vehicle. Check out the table to see whether your state allows non-residents to register cars:

States That Allow Non-Resident Vehicle Registration

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.

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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.

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

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.

Remember that vehicle registration is not a one-time process. You must renew it each year, and annual vehicle registration fees by state can vary. Ensure you have the appropriate document when renewing, such as your proof of insurance and title.

Factors influencing vehicle fees by state include vehicle age, weight, and local taxes. See if you need auto insurance to get a license plate here.

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.