Title, Registration, and Other Fees: 2025 Guide + State-by-State Costs
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Written byMandy Sleight
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Mandy Sleight has over 15 years of insurance knowledge and expertise in auto, home, life, health, pet, supplemental benefits, and other insurance products. She’s a sought-after insurance expert, appearing in Bankrate.com, Moneygeek.com, U.S. News & World Report, Reviews.com, CNET, and other publications, and she's been writing for Compare.com since 2023.
Mandy uses her background and experience working for well-known insurance companies like State Farm and Nationwide Insurance to create engaging and easy-to-understand content that helps readers make smarter insurance choices that have a positive effect on their budgets and finances.
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Edited byNick Versaw
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Nick Versaw leads Compare.com's editorial department, where he and his team specialize in crafting helpful, easy-to-understand content about car insurance and other related topics. With nearly a decade of experience writing and editing insurance and personal finance articles, his work has helped readers discover substantial savings on necessary expenses, including insurance, transportation, health care, and more. As an award-winning writer, Nick has seen his work published in countless renowned publications, such as the Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, and U.S. News & World Report. He graduated with Latin honors from Virginia Commonwealth University, where he earned his Bachelor's Degree in Digital Journalism.
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In This Article
When you buy a car, the sticker price is just the beginning. You also need to consider costs like sales tax, registration fees, title fees, documentation charges, auto insurance requirements, and other expenses. These costs can vary by state and even by city or county, and they can change based on whether you’re buying new or used, and from a dealer or private seller.
While online fee calculators can help, it’s smart to estimate your total before you sign on the dotted line for a vehicle. This guide breaks down each type of fee and how to estimate your actual out-the-door price.
Reminder
You’ll need proof of insurance to register your car in every state except New Hampshire. Ensure you have a valid auto insurance policy in place before heading to the DMV.
What You Can Expect to Pay When You Buy a Car
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Buying a vehicle means more than just paying the price on the windshield.
From car sales tax and registration fees to documentation charges and inspection requirements, the total cost can quickly add up. These fees vary depending on where you live, what type of vehicle you’re buying, and whether you’re buying from a dealership or a private seller.
The national average annual cost for vehicle license, registration, and taxes is $812.50 for gas-powered cars, according to AAA. That’s a big chunk to factor into your budget, especially on top of your monthly car payment, insurance, and fuel costs.
Let’s take a look at the major categories of car-buying fees and how they differ across the U.S.
Sales and property taxes
Sales tax is one of the biggest fees you’ll pay up front when buying a vehicle.
Most states charge a percentage of the vehicle’s purchase price, anywhere from 0.5% to 7.75% or more. Some cities and counties add a local sales tax in addition to the state rate. And a few states, like Delaware, Montana, and New Hampshire, don’t charge sales tax at all.
In some states, you may also pay an annual personal property tax based on your car’s value. These recurring taxes can range from less than $100 to several hundred dollars per year, depending on your vehicle and location.
Title, registration, and plate fees
You’ll likely have to pay a title fee, vehicle registration fee, and license plate fee to legally drive your new car. Most states charge a flat rate or use a tiered system based on your vehicle’s age, weight, miles per gallon (MPG), and value. For example, a weight fee might apply to heavier trucks and SUVs, or even to electric vehicles (EVs).
In 41 states, you’ll face a special registration fee for electric vehicles, ranging from $50 to nearly $300. And 34 states have a special fee for hybrids.[1]
Some states also charge a registration card fee or extra fees for custom or specialty plates. Costs can vary widely, from $15 per year to over $100.
Documentation fees
Dealers usually charge a documentation or processing fee to handle the paperwork for your sale. While the actual cost of filing documents is low, dealerships often mark up this fee as a way to make more profit. Some states cap this fee by law, while others allow dealers to determine their own transaction fees.
Doc fees can range from $100 to $400.[2] Always ask for the service fee up front, and remember, it’s often negotiable.
Safety inspections and emissions testing
Most states require a safety inspection, an emissions test, or both before you can complete your vehicle registration. These inspections ensure your vehicle meets environmental and road safety standards. Rules can vary not only by state but also by county or region.
Currently, 21 states don’t require an emissions test to renew tags and registration.[3]
Costs and requirements differ, too. Some states include the fee in your registration cost, while others charge separately, typically between $15 and $60.
A few states, like Florida and Iowa, don’t require inspections at all.[4] Others, like California and Delaware, have stricter rules with ongoing testing and renewal requirements.
How to Calculate Your ‘Out-the-Door’ Price
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Your car’s out-the-door price includes everything: the vehicle’s price plus taxes, title, registration, documentation, and any other fees. You can use online fee calculators or estimate it yourself with these steps:
Start with the sales price.
Add sales tax.
Include title, registration, and plate fees.
Add documentation and dealer fees.
Factor in inspection and emission fees, if applicable.
Buying used or from a private seller may lower or eliminate some fees, like documentation fees. But you’ll still need to pay taxes, registration, license plate, and a title transfer fee to transfer ownership of the vehicle.
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Title, Registration, and Other Fees by State
The table below shows common title, registration, and other related fees you may encounter when buying or registering a car in each state.[5] [6] [1]
Keep in mind that these costs can vary based on factors like vehicle type, age, weight, and your city or county. Some states also charge additional fees for electric vehicles, specialty plates, or lien recordings for financed cars.
State  | Typical Registration Fee | Documentation Fee Limit | Sales Tax Rate | EV/Hybrid Fees | State Resources |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $24.25 | Uncapped (set by dealer) | 2% | $100–$200 | License plate and registration information |
| Alaska | $35 | Uncapped (set by dealer) | N/A | N/A | |
| Arizona | $8 | Uncapped (set by dealer) | 5.6% | N/A | Fee explainer |
| Arkansas | $17 | $129 | 6.5% | $50–$100 (one-time fee) | Fee schedule |
| California | $28 | $85 | 7.5% | Up to $175* | Fee calculator |
| Colorado | $25.80 | Uncapped (set by dealer) | 2.9% | $50 | Taxes and fees |
| Connecticut | $70 | Uncapped (set by dealer) | 6.35%–7.75% | N/A | |
| Delaware | $30 | Uncapped (set by dealer) | N/A | $60–$900 | Fee calculator |
| Florida | $35.10 | Uncapped (set by dealer) | 6% | N/A | Fee schedule |
| Georgia | $20 | Uncapped (set by dealer) | 6.6% | $200* | Fees, fines, penalties |
| Hawaii | $88.70 | Uncapped (set by dealer) | 4.166%–4.712% | $50 | §249-31 State registration fee |
| Idaho | $37.25 | Uncapped (set by dealer) | 6% | $75–$140 | ITD vehicle registration |
| Illinois | $48 | $347.26 | 6.25% and up | $100 | 625 ILCS 5/3-806: Schedule of Registration Fees |
| Indiana | $12.75 | Uncapped (set by dealer) | 7% | $74–$221* | Vehicle registration fees and taxes |
| Iowa | $27 | $180 | 5% | $65–$130 | Registration fees by vehicle type |
| Kansas | $27.25 | Uncapped (set by dealer) | 7.5% and up | $70–$200 | Vehicle tags, titles, and registration |
| Kentucky | $14.50 | Uncapped (set by dealer) | 6% | $60–$100 | KRS Chapter 186 |
| Louisiana | $15 | Uncapped (set by dealer) | 4% | $60–$110 | §728. Fees |
| Maine | $23 | Uncapped (set by dealer) | 5.5% | N/A | |
| Maryland | $35 | $500 | 6% | $100–$125* | MVA fee listing |
| Massachusetts | $30 | Uncapped (set by dealer) | 6.25% | N/A | |
| Michigan | $58 | $260 | 6% | $140–$240 at registration, additional $47–$240 annually | Vehicle base prices |
| Minnesota | $35 | $125 | 6.5% | $75 | Vehicle fees |
| Mississippi | $23.75 | Uncapped (set by dealer) | 5% | $75–$150 | Driver service fees |
| Missouri | $51 | $565.38 | 4.225% | $60–$120* | Tax calculator |
| Montana | $15.25 | Uncapped (set by dealer) | N/A | $70–$1,100 | Light vehicle registration and fees |
| Nebraska | $21.50 | Uncapped (set by dealer) | 5.5% | $75–$100 | Registration, fees, and taxes |
| Nevada | $33 | Uncapped (set by dealer) | 8.1% | N/A | |
| New Hampshire | $31.20 | Uncapped (set by dealer) | N/A | $50–$100 | Vehicle registrations |
| New Jersey | $25 | Uncapped (set by dealer) | 6.625% | $250 | Registration and title fees |
| New Mexico | $23 | Uncapped (set by dealer) | 4% | N/A | |
| New York | $24.85 | $175 | 4% | N/A | Fee charts |
| North Carolina | $20 | Uncapped (set by dealer) | N/A | $107.25–$214.50 | Title and registration fees |
| North Dakota | $60 | Uncapped (set by dealer) | 5% | $50–$120 | Chapter 39-04: Motor Vehicle Registration |
| Ohio | $21.50 | $250 | 5.75% | $100–$200 | Vehicle registration |
| Oklahoma | $100.75 | Uncapped (set by dealer) | 1.25% | $110–$2,250 | Fees & exemptions |
| Oregon | $30 | $150 | 0.5% | $115 | Vehicle title, registration, and permit fees |
| Pennsylvania | $24 | $449 | 6% | $50–$200* | Payments and fees |
| Rhode Island | $30 | $400 | 7% | $75–$1504 | Registration & title fees |
| South Carolina | $24 | Uncapped (set by dealer) | 5% ($500 max) | $60–$120 (bi-annual) | Driver-related fees |
| South Dakota | $21 | Uncapped (set by dealer) | 4% | $50 | Title, fees & registration |
| Tennessee | $23 | Uncapped (set by dealer) | 7% | $100–$200* | Fee schedule |
| Texas | $50.80 | Uncapped (set by dealer) | 6.25% (new vehicles only) | $400 at registration, additional $200 annually | Passenger vehicle fee chart |
| Utah | $14.50 | Uncapped (set by dealer) | Varies by city | $23.25–$138.50* | Utah Code 41-1a-1206 |
| Vermont | $42 | Uncapped (set by dealer) | 6% | $44.50–$89 | Registration fees |
| Virginia | $26.50 | Uncapped (set by dealer) | 4.15% ($75 minimum) | $128.14 or 85% of gas tax equivalent | DMV fees |
| Washington | $23.85 | $200 | Varies by county | $75–$150 | Tab fee estimator |
| West Virginia | $30 | Uncapped (set by dealer) | 6% | $100–$200 | Motor vehicle registration fees |
| Wisconsin | $40 | Uncapped (set by dealer) | 5% | $75–$175 | Vehicle registration fee chart |
| Wyoming | $15 | Uncapped (set by dealer) | 4% | $200 | Vehicle registration |
All figures up-to-date as of Aug. 31, 2025
*Increases on a regular basis
Insurance and Registration: What to Know Before You Head to the DMV
Before you can register your car, you’ll need to show proof of insurance that meets your state’s minimum coverage requirements, which vary by state. In all states but New Hampshire, you’ll need liability insurance. Some also require personal injury protection (PIP) or uninsured motorist coverage.
Whether you’re buying new or used, from a dealer or a private seller, make sure your insurance policy is active, meets or exceeds your state’s title requirements, and matches the vehicle before heading to the DMV. Insurance is a major part of car ownership costs, and rates can vary widely based on factors like your age, driving history, vehicle type, location, and more.
Check out the table below to see average car insurance premiums by state to help you plan ahead.
The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Monday, October 6 at 12:00 PM PDT.
State | Average Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
| New Hampshire | $70 |
| North Carolina | $77 |
| Iowa | $78 |
| Wyoming | $78 |
| Idaho | $82 |
| Hawaii | $85 |
| Wisconsin | $87 |
| North Dakota | $91 |
| Ohio | $95 |
| Alabama | $97 |
| South Dakota | $98 |
| Indiana | $99 |
| Tennessee | $101 |
| Vermont | $102 |
| Mississippi | $102 |
| New Mexico | $102 |
| Montana | $104 |
| Nebraska | $105 |
| Maine | $113 |
| Kansas | $113 |
| Illinois | $114 |
| Alaska | $114 |
| West Virginia | $115 |
| Oregon | $116 |
| Massachusetts | $122 |
| Utah | $122 |
| Arkansas | $123 |
| Pennsylvania | $123 |
| Arizona | $126 |
| Oklahoma | $126 |
| Minnesota | $127 |
| Washington | $128 |
| Missouri | $132 |
| Colorado | $145 |
| California | $145 |
| Virginia | $145 |
| Louisiana | $150 |
| Kentucky | $152 |
| Texas | $167 |
| Michigan | $173 |
| New York | $177 |
| Rhode Island | $178 |
| Florida | $179 |
| Nevada | $198 |
| Delaware | $200 |
| South Carolina | $200 |
| Georgia | $205 |
| New Jersey | $213 |
| Connecticut | $218 |
| Maryland | $237 |
| Washington D.C. | $255 |
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Compare.com's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
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Tax, Title, and Other Car-Buying Fees FAQs
Here are answers to some of the most common questions about title, registration, and other fees you may face when buying a car.
How much are title and doc fees when buying a car?
Title fees typically range from $15 to $100, depending on your state. Documentation fees can vary widely. Some states cap them, while others allow dealers to set their own rates, which can be as high as $500 or more.
Do you have to pay a title fee when you buy a car?
Yes, a title fee is usually required to legally transfer ownership. Even private sales typically involve paying a fee to update the title and issue a new one. You may even need to pay for a replacement title if the private seller doesn’t have the original to sign over.
Do you need insurance to register your car?
Yes, in all states except New Hampshire. You’ll need proof of insurance that meets or exceeds your state’s minimum coverage limits before you can complete the vehicle registration process.
Are dealer documentation fees negotiable?
Sometimes. While sellers often set doc fees, you may be able to negotiate with them or ask them to reduce other costs to offset the fee.
Methodology
Data scientists at Compare.com analyzed more than 50 million real-time auto insurance quotes from more than 75 partner insurers in order to compile the rates and statistics seen in this article. Compare.com’s auto insurance data includes coverage analysis and details on drivers’ vehicles, driving records, insurance histories, and demographic information.
All the rates listed in this article have been collected from a combination of real Compare.com quotes and external insurance rate data gathered in collaboration with Quadrant Information Services. Compare.com uses these observations to provide readers with insights into how auto insurance companies determine their premiums.
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Sources
- National Conference of State Legislatures. "Special Registration Fees for Electric and Hybrid Vehicles."
- J.D. Power. "What Is A Dealer Document Fee?."
- Kelley Blue Book. "Car Emissions Testing and Inspections: Vehicle Inspections by State."
- Kelley Blue Book. "Car Emissions Testing and Inspections: Vehicle Inspections by State."
- U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration. "Summary of State Motor-Vehicle Registration Fee Schedules."
- Office of Legislative Research. "Car Deal Document Fee Caps."
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Mandy SleightInsurance Writer
Mandy Sleight has over 15 years of insurance knowledge and expertise in auto, home, life, health, pet, supplemental benefits, and other insurance products. She’s a sought-after insurance expert, appearing in Bankrate.com, Moneygeek.com, U.S. News & World Report, Reviews.com, CNET, and other publications, and she's been writing for Compare.com since 2023.
Mandy uses her background and experience working for well-known insurance companies like State Farm and Nationwide Insurance to create engaging and easy-to-understand content that helps readers make smarter insurance choices that have a positive effect on their budgets and finances.
Nick Versaw leads Compare.com's editorial department, where he and his team specialize in crafting helpful, easy-to-understand content about car insurance and other related topics. With nearly a decade of experience writing and editing insurance and personal finance articles, his work has helped readers discover substantial savings on necessary expenses, including insurance, transportation, health care, and more. As an award-winning writer, Nick has seen his work published in countless renowned publications, such as the Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, and U.S. News & World Report. He graduated with Latin honors from Virginia Commonwealth University, where he earned his Bachelor's Degree in Digital Journalism.