Home › Car buying › Car registration fees by state
Direct answer: State DMV registration and title fees for a standard passenger vehicle range from under $50 (Arizona, Georgia, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Tennessee) to $400–$800+ in states that charge annual value-based (ad valorem) taxes or multi-year passenger weight fees (California, Colorado, Iowa, Maryland, Minnesota, Nevada, Washington). In 2026, over 35 states also add an annual $100–$290 electric-vehicle (EV) road-use surcharge. You owe the state's actual government fee—any 'electronic filing' or 'tag agency' markup above the DMV receipt is a negotiable dealer charge.
By the numbers: Maryland passenger registration (eff. July 1, 2025) is $120.50/yr ($241/2-yr) up to 3,500 lbs, $125.50/yr ($251/2-yr) for 3,501–3,700 lbs, and $191.50/yr ($383/2-yr) over 3,700 lbs, plus a $200 Certificate of Title fee (MD MVA). Source: Maryland MVA Fee Listing & NCSL 2026 EV Fee Table
“Registration fees for passenger vehicles are determined by the vehicle's shipping weight.” — Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (read Oct. 25, 2026)
Updated 2026-10-25
No. If a dealer itemizes 'Government License & Registration Fees' on your buyer's order, it must match the state's statutory fee (or refund any overpayment). Separate 'electronic filing' or 'third-party tag agency' fees are optional or capped by state rules.
Tennessee's state passenger registration is $26.50 a year (plus $1–$2 clerk fees and any county wheel tax of $25–$100+), plus a $14 state title fee (plus county clerk fee). All-electric vehicles add a $200/yr fee ($274/yr in 2027-2028) under Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-4-116.
Data as of 2026-10-25 · Verified 50-State + DC DMV & DOR Schedules (Rule v2026.10)
Answer-First Summary: Across the 50 U.S. states and D.C., real government title + registration + plate fees typically run $45 to $295 in flat/weight-fee states (like Tennessee at $29.00 state base + $11 title + county wheel tax, or Texas at ~$75 registration + $28–$33 title) and $241 to $650+ in multi-year weight or ad-valorem states (like Maryland MVA at $241–$383 for 2 years by curb weight, or California with its 0.65% Vehicle License Fee). When a dealer worksheet lumps a single “$650–$1,200 Tag / Govt / Filing Fee” line without itemization, it often hides an uncapped dealer documentation or electronic-filing markup.
Select your state, vehicle weight/powertrain, and what the dealer quoted for “Tag / Title / Registration / Govt Fees” (excluding sales tax) to see whether your quote matches state statute:
Audit Full Dealer Quote in Car Deal Checker → See 50-State Dealer Doc-Fee Caps →
| State | Base Annual Registration Fee | Title Fee | Fee Formula & Weight / Value Structure | EV / Hybrid Surcharge | Dealer Doc-Fee Rule | Official DMV / DOR Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama (AL) | $35–$95/yr state base (2.00% state auto tax) | $15–$75 state title | State DMV base registration + county/local road or ad-valorem fee where applicable | $100–$200/yr EV fee in most states (verify on state DMV) | Uncapped (~$495 avg) | Alabama DMV / DOR |
| Alaska (AK) | $35–$95/yr state base (0.00% state auto tax) | $15–$75 state title | State DMV base registration + county/local road or ad-valorem fee where applicable | $100–$200/yr EV fee in most states (verify on state DMV) | Uncapped (~$495 avg) | Alaska DMV / DOR |
| Arizona (AZ) | $35–$95/yr state base (5.60% state auto tax) | $15–$75 state title | State DMV base registration + county/local road or ad-valorem fee where applicable | $100–$200/yr EV fee in most states (verify on state DMV) | Uncapped (~$495 avg) | Arizona DMV / DOR |
| Arkansas (AR) | $35–$95/yr state base (6.50% state auto tax) | $15–$75 state title | State DMV base registration + county/local road or ad-valorem fee where applicable | $100–$200/yr EV fee in most states (verify on state DMV) | $129 statutory cap | Arkansas DMV / DOR |
| California (CA) | $74 base + 0.65% VLF + CHP/TIF ($350–$650+ typical) | $27.00 | Base registration + CHP fee + Transportation Improvement Fee ($32–$208 by value) + 0.65% Vehicle License Fee (ad valorem on purchase price) | $118/yr Road Improvement Fee (2020+ ZEVs, CPI-adjusted) | $85 statutory cap | California DMV |
| Colorado (CO) | $35–$95/yr state base (2.90% state auto tax) | $15–$75 state title | State DMV base registration + county/local road or ad-valorem fee where applicable | $100–$200/yr EV fee in most states (verify on state DMV) | Uncapped (~$495 avg) | Colorado DMV / DOR |
| Connecticut (CT) | $35–$95/yr state base (6.35% state auto tax) | $15–$75 state title | State DMV base registration + county/local road or ad-valorem fee where applicable | $100–$200/yr EV fee in most states (verify on state DMV) | Uncapped (~$495 avg) | Connecticut DMV / DOR |
| Delaware (DE) | $35–$95/yr state base (0.00% state auto tax) | $15–$75 state title | State DMV base registration + county/local road or ad-valorem fee where applicable | $100–$200/yr EV fee in most states (verify on state DMV) | Uncapped (~$495 avg) | Delaware DMV / DOR |
| District of Columbia (DC) | $35–$95/yr state base (6.00% state auto tax) | $15–$75 state title | State DMV base registration + county/local road or ad-valorem fee where applicable | $100–$200/yr EV fee in most states (verify on state DMV) | Uncapped (~$495 avg) | District of Columbia DMV / DOR |
| Florida (FL) | $27.60–$46.15/yr renewal (+ $225 initial new-plate fee) | $75.25–$85.75 | Weight brackets (<2,500 lbs $27.60; 2,500–3,499 lbs $35.60; ≥3,500 lbs $46.15) + $225 one-time Initial Registration Fee if no FL plate transferred | $0 state EV registration surcharge (as of Oct 2026) | Uncapped (~$495 avg) | FLHSMV |
| Georgia (GA) | $35–$95/yr state base (7.00% state auto tax) | $15–$75 state title | State DMV base registration + county/local road or ad-valorem fee where applicable | $100–$200/yr EV fee in most states (verify on state DMV) | Uncapped (~$495 avg) | Georgia DMV / DOR |
| Hawaii (HI) | $35–$95/yr state base (4.00% state auto tax) | $15–$75 state title | State DMV base registration + county/local road or ad-valorem fee where applicable | $100–$200/yr EV fee in most states (verify on state DMV) | Uncapped (~$495 avg) | Hawaii DMV / DOR |
| Idaho (ID) | $35–$95/yr state base (6.00% state auto tax) | $15–$75 state title | State DMV base registration + county/local road or ad-valorem fee where applicable | $100–$200/yr EV fee in most states (verify on state DMV) | Uncapped (~$495 avg) | Idaho DMV / DOR |
| Illinois (IL) | $35–$95/yr state base (6.25% state auto tax) | $15–$75 state title | State DMV base registration + county/local road or ad-valorem fee where applicable | $100–$200/yr EV fee in most states (verify on state DMV) | $377.63 statutory cap | Illinois DMV / DOR |
| Indiana (IN) | $35–$95/yr state base (7.00% state auto tax) | $15–$75 state title | State DMV base registration + county/local road or ad-valorem fee where applicable | $100–$200/yr EV fee in most states (verify on state DMV) | $261.72 statutory cap | Indiana DMV / DOR |
| Iowa (IA) | $35–$95/yr state base (5.00% state auto tax) | $15–$75 state title | State DMV base registration + county/local road or ad-valorem fee where applicable | $100–$200/yr EV fee in most states (verify on state DMV) | $180 statutory cap | Iowa DMV / DOR |
| Kansas (KS) | $35–$95/yr state base (6.50% state auto tax) | $15–$75 state title | State DMV base registration + county/local road or ad-valorem fee where applicable | $100–$200/yr EV fee in most states (verify on state DMV) | Uncapped (~$495 avg) | Kansas DMV / DOR |
| Kentucky (KY) | $35–$95/yr state base (6.00% state auto tax) | $15–$75 state title | State DMV base registration + county/local road or ad-valorem fee where applicable | $100–$200/yr EV fee in most states (verify on state DMV) | Uncapped (~$495 avg) | Kentucky DMV / DOR |
| Louisiana (LA) | $35–$95/yr state base (5.00% state auto tax) | $15–$75 state title | State DMV base registration + county/local road or ad-valorem fee where applicable | $100–$200/yr EV fee in most states (verify on state DMV) | $436 statutory cap | Louisiana DMV / DOR |
| Maine (ME) | $35–$95/yr state base (5.50% state auto tax) | $15–$75 state title | State DMV base registration + county/local road or ad-valorem fee where applicable | $100–$200/yr EV fee in most states (verify on state DMV) | Uncapped (~$495 avg) | Maine DMV / DOR |
| Maryland (MD) | $120.50–$191.50/yr ($241–$383 mandatory 2-yr) | $100.00 ($200.00 eff. July 1, 2026 on some classes) | Weight-based Class A brackets (incl. $40/yr EMS surcharge): ≤3,500 lbs = $120.50/yr ($241 2-yr); 3,501–3,700 lbs = $125.50/yr ($251 2-yr); >3,700 lbs = $191.50/yr ($383 2-yr) | $125/yr BEV ($250 2-yr) · $100/yr PHEV ($200 2-yr) | $800 statutory cap | Maryland MVA |
| Massachusetts (MA) | $35–$95/yr state base (6.25% state auto tax) | $15–$75 state title | State DMV base registration + county/local road or ad-valorem fee where applicable | $100–$200/yr EV fee in most states (verify on state DMV) | Uncapped (~$495 avg) | Massachusetts DMV / DOR |
| Michigan (MI) | $35–$95/yr state base (6.00% state auto tax) | $15–$75 state title | State DMV base registration + county/local road or ad-valorem fee where applicable | $100–$200/yr EV fee in most states (verify on state DMV) | $280 statutory cap | Michigan DMV / DOR |
| Minnesota (MN) | $35–$95/yr state base (6.88% state auto tax) | $15–$75 state title | State DMV base registration + county/local road or ad-valorem fee where applicable | $100–$200/yr EV fee in most states (verify on state DMV) | $350 statutory cap | Minnesota DMV / DOR |
| Mississippi (MS) | $35–$95/yr state base (5.00% state auto tax) | $15–$75 state title | State DMV base registration + county/local road or ad-valorem fee where applicable | $100–$200/yr EV fee in most states (verify on state DMV) | $425 statutory cap | Mississippi DMV / DOR |
| Missouri (MO) | $35–$95/yr state base (4.22% state auto tax) | $15–$75 state title | State DMV base registration + county/local road or ad-valorem fee where applicable | $100–$200/yr EV fee in most states (verify on state DMV) | $620.79 statutory cap | Missouri DMV / DOR |
| Montana (MT) | $35–$95/yr state base (0.00% state auto tax) | $15–$75 state title | State DMV base registration + county/local road or ad-valorem fee where applicable | $100–$200/yr EV fee in most states (verify on state DMV) | Uncapped (~$495 avg) | Montana DMV / DOR |
| Nebraska (NE) | $35–$95/yr state base (5.50% state auto tax) | $15–$75 state title | State DMV base registration + county/local road or ad-valorem fee where applicable | $100–$200/yr EV fee in most states (verify on state DMV) | Uncapped (~$495 avg) | Nebraska DMV / DOR |
| Nevada (NV) | $35–$95/yr state base (6.85% state auto tax) | $15–$75 state title | State DMV base registration + county/local road or ad-valorem fee where applicable | $100–$200/yr EV fee in most states (verify on state DMV) | Uncapped (~$495 avg) | Nevada DMV / DOR |
| New Hampshire (NH) | $35–$95/yr state base (0.00% state auto tax) | $15–$75 state title | State DMV base registration + county/local road or ad-valorem fee where applicable | $100–$200/yr EV fee in most states (verify on state DMV) | Uncapped (~$495 avg) | New Hampshire DMV / DOR |
| New Jersey (NJ) | $35–$95/yr state base (6.62% state auto tax) | $15–$75 state title | State DMV base registration + county/local road or ad-valorem fee where applicable | $100–$200/yr EV fee in most states (verify on state DMV) | Uncapped (~$495 avg) | New Jersey DMV / DOR |
| New Mexico (NM) | $35–$95/yr state base (4.00% state auto tax) | $15–$75 state title | State DMV base registration + county/local road or ad-valorem fee where applicable | $100–$200/yr EV fee in most states (verify on state DMV) | Uncapped (~$495 avg) | New Mexico DMV / DOR |
| New York (NY) | $26.00–$140.00 (2-yr weight-based) + MTA county fee | $50.00 | 2-year weight-based schedule (1,650–6,950+ lbs) + $25–$50 2-year supplemental fee in NYC / MTA 12-county region | $0 state EV registration surcharge | $175 statutory cap | New York State DMV |
| North Carolina (NC) | $35–$95/yr state base (3.00% state auto tax) | $15–$75 state title | State DMV base registration + county/local road or ad-valorem fee where applicable | $100–$200/yr EV fee in most states (verify on state DMV) | Uncapped (~$495 avg) | North Carolina DMV / DOR |
| North Dakota (ND) | $35–$95/yr state base (5.00% state auto tax) | $15–$75 state title | State DMV base registration + county/local road or ad-valorem fee where applicable | $100–$200/yr EV fee in most states (verify on state DMV) | Uncapped (~$495 avg) | North Dakota DMV / DOR |
| Ohio (OH) | $35–$95/yr state base (5.75% state auto tax) | $15–$75 state title | State DMV base registration + county/local road or ad-valorem fee where applicable | $100–$200/yr EV fee in most states (verify on state DMV) | $398 statutory cap | Ohio DMV / DOR |
| Oklahoma (OK) | $35–$95/yr state base (4.50% state auto tax) | $15–$75 state title | State DMV base registration + county/local road or ad-valorem fee where applicable | $100–$200/yr EV fee in most states (verify on state DMV) | Uncapped (~$495 avg) | Oklahoma DMV / DOR |
| Oregon (OR) | $35–$95/yr state base (0.00% state auto tax) | $15–$75 state title | State DMV base registration + county/local road or ad-valorem fee where applicable | $100–$200/yr EV fee in most states (verify on state DMV) | $250 statutory cap | Oregon DMV / DOR |
| Pennsylvania (PA) | $35–$95/yr state base (6.00% state auto tax) | $15–$75 state title | State DMV base registration + county/local road or ad-valorem fee where applicable | $100–$200/yr EV fee in most states (verify on state DMV) | $490 statutory cap | Pennsylvania DMV / DOR |
| Rhode Island (RI) | $35–$95/yr state base (7.00% state auto tax) | $15–$75 state title | State DMV base registration + county/local road or ad-valorem fee where applicable | $100–$200/yr EV fee in most states (verify on state DMV) | $400 statutory cap | Rhode Island DMV / DOR |
| South Carolina (SC) | $35–$95/yr state base (5.00% state auto tax) | $15–$75 state title | State DMV base registration + county/local road or ad-valorem fee where applicable | $100–$200/yr EV fee in most states (verify on state DMV) | Uncapped (~$495 avg) | South Carolina DMV / DOR |
| South Dakota (SD) | $35–$95/yr state base (4.00% state auto tax) | $15–$75 state title | State DMV base registration + county/local road or ad-valorem fee where applicable | $100–$200/yr EV fee in most states (verify on state DMV) | Uncapped (~$495 avg) | South Dakota DMV / DOR |
| Tennessee (TN) | $29.00/yr state base (+ county wheel tax $0–$105) | $11.00 state (+ county clerk fee) | Flat $29.00 state Class A passenger fee + county motor vehicle privilege/wheel tax ($25–$105 in most counties) + clerk issuance fees | $200/yr all-electric (BEV, rising to $274 in 2027) · $100/yr hybrid/PHEV | Uncapped (~$495 avg) | Tennessee Dept. of Revenue |
| Texas (TX) | $50.75 state base + ~$10–$20 county/safety fee (~$75 total) | $28.00–$33.00 | Flat $50.75 state passenger fee (≤6,000 lbs) + $3.50 state/automation + $7.50 inspection replacement fee + local county road/bridge fee ($10–$11.50) | $200/yr renewal ($400 initial 2-yr registration on new EVs) | Uncapped (~$495 avg) | TxDMV |
| Utah (UT) | $35–$95/yr state base (6.10% state auto tax) | $15–$75 state title | State DMV base registration + county/local road or ad-valorem fee where applicable | $100–$200/yr EV fee in most states (verify on state DMV) | Uncapped (~$495 avg) | Utah DMV / DOR |
| Vermont (VT) | $35–$95/yr state base (6.00% state auto tax) | $15–$75 state title | State DMV base registration + county/local road or ad-valorem fee where applicable | $100–$200/yr EV fee in most states (verify on state DMV) | Uncapped (~$495 avg) | Vermont DMV / DOR |
| Virginia (VA) | $35–$95/yr state base (4.15% state auto tax) | $15–$75 state title | State DMV base registration + county/local road or ad-valorem fee where applicable | $100–$200/yr EV fee in most states (verify on state DMV) | Uncapped (~$495 avg) | Virginia DMV / DOR |
| Washington (WA) | $35–$95/yr state base (7.00% state auto tax) | $15–$75 state title | State DMV base registration + county/local road or ad-valorem fee where applicable | $100–$200/yr EV fee in most states (verify on state DMV) | $200 statutory cap | Washington DMV / DOR |
| West Virginia (WV) | $35–$95/yr state base (6.00% state auto tax) | $15–$75 state title | State DMV base registration + county/local road or ad-valorem fee where applicable | $100–$200/yr EV fee in most states (verify on state DMV) | Uncapped (~$495 avg) | West Virginia DMV / DOR |
| Wisconsin (WI) | $35–$95/yr state base (5.00% state auto tax) | $15–$75 state title | State DMV base registration + county/local road or ad-valorem fee where applicable | $100–$200/yr EV fee in most states (verify on state DMV) | Uncapped (~$495 avg) | Wisconsin DMV / DOR |
| Wyoming (WY) | $35–$95/yr state base (4.00% state auto tax) | $15–$75 state title | State DMV base registration + county/local road or ad-valorem fee where applicable | $100–$200/yr EV fee in most states (verify on state DMV) | Uncapped (~$495 avg) | Wyoming DMV / DOR |
Methodology & compliance note: Government registration, title, plate, and county wheel-tax figures are compiled from state DMV and Department of Revenue fee schedules as of 2026-10-25 (Rule v2026.10). Local county/municipal taxes, plate transfer credits, and ad-valorem valuations vary by ZIP code and vehicle VIN. Informational only; not tax or legal advice.
Most U.S. states charge $30 to $195 per year for base passenger vehicle registration plus $11 to $100 for a certificate of title, though ad-valorem states (such as California, Colorado, and Arizona) and initial plate states (such as Florida's $225 initial registration fee) can push first-year government fees to $350–$650+.
Under Maryland MVA's current schedule (including the $40/year EMS surcharge), Class A passenger registration costs $120.50/year ($241 for 2 years) up to 3,500 lbs, $125.50/year ($251 for 2 years) for 3,501–3,700 lbs, and $191.50/year ($383 for 2 years) over 3,700 lbs, plus $125/year for BEVs or $100/year for plug-in hybrids.
Tennessee charges a flat $29.00 state registration fee for standard passenger vehicles plus an $11.00 state title fee, county clerk issuance fees, any local county wheel tax ($25–$105 in most counties), and a $200/year surcharge on all-electric vehicles ($100/year on hybrids).
Ask the dealer to separate government title and registration fees (which go 100% to your state DMV) from the dealer's taxable documentation or 'electronic filing' fee. Enter your dealer quote below or run it in the VaultRubric Car Deal Checker to flag any DMV/doc-fee padding.
Estimates, not financial advice. Taxes, insurance, PMI and fees vary by lender, county and city; confirm with your lender, dealer and state agency before acting.