When it comes to owning a vehicle, registration fees can vary widely depending on where you live. Some states charge significantly more than others, adding to the overall cost of keeping your car on the road. In this article, we’ll look at 20 states with the highest vehicle registration fees, so you can see where these costs add up the most.
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California
California has some of the highest vehicle registration fees in the country due to a combination of factors such as the value of the vehicle and weight-based fees. Additionally, Californians pay a transportation improvement fee, a smog abatement fee, and local county fees. The cost of registering a car can easily surpass $300, especially for newer or high-value vehicles, making it one of the priciest states for vehicle owners.
Florida
Florida imposes high registration fees based on the weight of the vehicle and whether the owner is registering a new car or renewing an existing one. New residents face an initial registration fee of $225, on top of other costs. Additionally, heavier vehicles incur significantly higher charges, making Florida one of the most expensive states for vehicle registration.
Texas
In Texas, vehicle registration fees are calculated based on the type and weight of the vehicle, with additional charges such as a $1 automation fee and a $10 fee for emissions testing in certain counties. Texas also includes optional fees for specialty license plates, contributing to higher overall costs, especially for larger vehicles.
New Jersey
New Jersey charges vehicle registration fees based on the vehicle’s weight and model year. Older and heavier vehicles incur higher costs, and there are additional fees for personalized license plates and emissions testing. With registration fees that can exceed $100 annually, New Jersey ranks as one of the most expensive states for car owners.
Illinois
Illinois has raised its vehicle registration fees in recent years, with standard registration for passenger vehicles currently costing $151. Electric vehicle owners also face a higher fee of $251, contributing to Illinois’ position as one of the costlier states for vehicle registration. The state’s infrastructure improvement fees also add to the total cost.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania vehicle registration fees start at $39 but often include additional fees such as county-specific surcharges and emissions testing fees. The state also charges more for specialty plates and other administrative costs, making it a state where registration fees can quickly rise for drivers.
Michigan
In Michigan, registration fees are determined by the vehicle’s manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) when new. This means luxury or high-end vehicles have significantly higher fees. In addition, Michigan’s road repair and infrastructure costs are partially funded through registration fees, which can top $200 for newer or premium vehicles.
Washington
Washington’s registration fees vary based on several factors, including vehicle weight, model year, and the vehicle’s location. The state adds various charges such as a $30 base fee, transportation benefit district fees, and vehicle weight fees, making registration costly, particularly in urban areas like Seattle.
Connecticut
Connecticut charges vehicle registration fees based on vehicle type and age, with base rates starting at $80 for two years. Additional emissions testing fees and county-based surcharges can increase the total. Luxury or specialty vehicles are subject to even higher fees, adding to the overall cost of ownership.
Arizona
Arizona calculates vehicle registration fees based on a percentage of the vehicle’s original retail price, with rates decreasing as the car ages. New vehicles, however, come with higher costs, especially when factoring in Arizona’s additional transportation excise tax. These fees can exceed $300 for new cars, particularly high-value models.
Nevada
Nevada’s vehicle registration fees are based on the vehicle’s value, with a base fee of $33 plus additional government and county fees. Luxury vehicles and new cars carry the highest fees, which can reach well over $200. Nevada also imposes additional emissions fees for vehicles in certain regions, making it one of the more expensive states for registration.
Colorado
Colorado vehicle registration fees are calculated based on vehicle weight, age, and taxable value. Colorado also charges ownership tax, which can significantly increase costs, especially for newer and higher-priced cars. Fees for vehicles can easily surpass $150, with additional costs for county-specific taxes and emissions testing.
Maryland
Maryland’s registration fees are primarily determined by the weight of the vehicle, with fees starting at $135 for most passenger vehicles. The state also charges an excise tax based on the vehicle’s purchase price, which further drives up the cost. Additional surcharges for specialty license plates and emissions tests add to Maryland’s high fees.
North Carolina
In North Carolina, vehicle registration fees start at $38.75 but can rise significantly with county-specific property taxes and additional charges for emissions testing. Fees also increase for heavier or larger vehicles, placing North Carolina among the higher-cost states for vehicle registration, particularly in urban areas.
Georgia
Georgia imposes a one-time title ad valorem tax (TAVT) when purchasing a vehicle, which is 6.6% of the car’s value. Although the annual registration fee is relatively low, the initial TAVT can make registration in Georgia costly, especially for new or high-value vehicles.
Virginia
Virginia bases its registration fees on vehicle weight, with higher fees for heavier vehicles. Residents of Northern Virginia also face additional regional surcharges, including emissions testing fees, that can increase the total cost. Registration fees for large vehicles can exceed $100 annually.
Ohio
Ohio charges a base vehicle registration fee of $31 but adds county-based surcharges that can push the total higher, especially in urban areas. Fees also increase for specialty license plates and emissions testing, making Ohio one of the more expensive states for vehicle registration overall.
Tennessee
Tennessee’s registration fees are relatively straightforward, but additional fees for specialty license plates, emissions testing in certain counties, and local taxes can raise the overall cost. Registration for large or specialty vehicles, in particular, can become quite expensive, placing Tennessee among states with higher vehicle registration costs.
Minnesota
In Minnesota, vehicle registration fees are based on the car’s value and age, with newer and high-value cars incurring higher fees. Additional charges for road improvements and county-based fees can raise the total significantly. Annual registration fees can exceed $200 for newer vehicles, making it one of the more expensive states.
South Carolina
South Carolina has relatively high registration fees compared to many states, with additional fees for property taxes and infrastructure maintenance. The cost of registration for high-end or luxury vehicles can reach well over $100, especially when factoring in emissions testing and county surcharges.
This article originally appeared in MyCarMakesNoise.
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