DMV Registration Fees Calculator 2026 Rate

Use our DMV Registration Fees Calculator to estimate vehicle registration costs. Includes all fees, taxes, and county charges. Free and accurate.

Total Estimated Cost $0.00
Registration + Taxes + Title Fees
Registration Fee $0.00
Sales Tax $0.00
lbs
$
*Required for Sales Tax calculation

Registering a vehicle with the DMV involves multiple fees that can add up quickly. Use our DMV Registration Fees Calculator below to get an accurate, instant estimate of your total registration costs before visiting the DMV office.

Complete DMV Registration Fee Tables

Understanding the fee structure helps you estimate costs accurately. Below are the detailed rate tables used in the calculator above.

Passenger Vehicle Registration Fees (2-Year Period)

The calculator uses this complete weight-based fee schedule:

Weight Range (lbs)Registration FeeWeight Range (lbs)Registration Fee
0 – 1,650$26.003,051 – 3,150$50.00
1,651 – 1,750$27.503,151 – 3,250$52.00
1,751 – 1,850$29.003,251 – 3,350$53.50
1,851 – 1,950$31.003,351 – 3,450$55.00
1,951 – 2,050$32.503,451 – 3,550$56.50
2,051 – 2,150$34.003,551 – 3,650$59.00
2,151 – 2,250$35.503,651 – 3,750$61.50
2,251 – 2,350$37.503,751 – 3,850$64.00
2,351 – 2,450$39.003,851 – 3,950$66.50
2,451 – 2,550$40.503,951 – 4,050$69.00
2,551 – 2,650$42.004,051 – 4,150$71.00
2,651 – 2,750$43.504,151 – 4,250$73.50
2,751 – 2,850$45.504,251 – 4,350$76.00
2,851 – 2,950$47.004,351 – 4,450$78.50
2,951 – 3,050$48.504,451 – 4,550$81.00
Weight Range (lbs)Registration FeeWeight Range (lbs)Registration Fee
4,551 – 4,650$83.505,751 – 5,850$112.50
4,651 – 4,750$85.505,851 – 5,950$115.00
4,751 – 4,850$88.005,951 – 6,050$117.00
4,851 – 4,950$90.506,051 – 6,150$119.50
4,951 – 5,050$93.006,151 – 6,250$122.00
5,051 – 5,150$95.506,251 – 6,350$124.50
5,151 – 5,250$98.006,351 – 6,450$127.00
5,251 – 5,350$100.506,451 – 6,550$129.50
5,351 – 5,450$102.506,551 – 6,650$131.50
5,451 – 5,550$105.006,651 – 6,750$134.00
5,551 – 5,650$107.506,751 – 6,850$136.50
5,651 – 5,750$110.006,851 – 6,950$139.00
5,751 – 5,850$112.506,951+$140.00

Special Rule: Vehicles with more than 4 cylinders or electric vehicles have a minimum fee of $32.50 regardless of weight.

Vehicle Type Registration Fees

Vehicle TypeWeight Category2-Year Registration Fee
MotorcycleAll weights$32.50
Commercial≤3,000 lbs$45.00
Commercial3,001 – 6,000 lbs$93.00
Commercial6,001 – 10,000 lbs$149.00
Commercial10,001+ lbs$200.00
TrailerPer 500 lbs unit$5.39/unit (minimum $14.38)

Sales Tax Rates

The calculator applies these tax rates based on your county selection:

Tax ComponentRateApplication
State Sales Tax4.00%All vehicle purchases
Local Sales Tax4.00% – 4.50%Varies by county
MCTD Surcharge0.375%Only in 12 MCTD counties
Total Combined Rate8.00% – 8.875%State + Local + MCTD (if applicable)

County Use Tax (2-Year Period)

County CategoryVehicle ≤3,500 lbsVehicle >3,500 lbsMCTD Fee Applies
NYC Boroughs (Bronx, Kings, Manhattan, Queens, Richmond)$30$30Yes ($50)
Nassau$30$30Yes ($50)
Suffolk$30$60Yes ($50)
Westchester$30$60Yes ($50)
Dutchess$10$20Yes ($50)
Orange$0$0Yes ($50)
Putnam$10$20Yes ($50)
Rockland$10$20Yes ($50)
All Other Counties (54 counties)$10$20No

Fixed DMV Fees

Fee TypeAmountWhen Applied
Title Certificate$50.00Original registration only
Vehicle Plate Fee (Passenger)$25.00Original registration
Vehicle Plate Fee (Motorcycle)$10.50New motorcycle plates
Vehicle Plate Fee (Transfer)$18.00Transfer with new plates
Transfer Fee$10.00Transferring existing plates
MCTD Supplemental Fee$50.002-year fee (12 counties only)
Lien Filing Fee$5.00Per lien (dealer-filed)

How to Use the DMV Registration Fees Calculator

Step 1: Enter Vehicle Information

FieldWhat to EnterWhy It Matters
Vehicle TypePassenger, Motorcycle, Commercial, or TrailerDetermines which fee table applies
Weight (Lbs)Vehicle’s unladen weight in poundsDirectly affects registration fee amount
Fuel TypeGas, Diesel, Electric, Hybrid, CNG, Propane, Other, NoneElectric vehicles have minimum $32.50 fee
Cylinders4 or fewer / More than 4 / NoneMore than 4 cylinders triggers minimum $32.50 fee
CountyYour county of residenceDetermines use tax and MCTD eligibility

Step 2: Select Lien Status

Lien OptionWhen to ChooseFee Impact
NoneNo liens on vehicleNo additional fees
ElectronicLender files electronicallyNo additional DMV fees
Dealer FiledDealer files lien paperwork$5.00 per lien

Step 3: Choose Transaction Type

Transaction TypeWhat It MeansFees Included
Original RegistrationFirst-time registration with new platesRegistration + Plates ($25) + Title ($50) + Use Tax + Sales Tax + MCTD (if applicable)
Transfer PlatesMove existing plates to new vehicleRegistration + Transfer Fee ($10) + MCTD (if applicable)
Transfer Reg + New PlatesKeep registration, get new platesRegistration + Transfer Fee ($10) + New Plates ($18) + MCTD (if applicable)

Step 4: Enter Purchase Price (Original Registration Only)

For original registrations, enter the vehicle purchase price to calculate sales tax. The calculator applies the correct combined state, local, and MCTD tax rate based on your county.

Required Documents for DMV Registration

Bring these documents when visiting the DMV office:

Original Registration Documents

DocumentDescriptionWhere to Get It
Form MV-82Vehicle Registration/Title ApplicationDownload from DMV website or get at DMV office
Vehicle TitleProof of ownershipSeller or dealer
Form DTF-802Statement of Transaction for sales taxDownload from DMV website
Proof of IdentityValid driver’s license or state IDYour current ID
Proof of Insurance (FS-20)NYS Insurance Identification CardYour insurance company
Bill of SalePurchase documentationSeller or dealer
Odometer DisclosureCurrent mileage (vehicles less than 20 years old)Included with title or separate form
Inspection CertificateProof of passing NYS safety and emissions inspectionInspection station

Transfer Registration Documents

DocumentPurpose
Current RegistrationProves existing registration
Title or RegistrationFrom vehicle with plates being transferred
Form MV-82Registration application
Proof of Insurance (FS-20)For new vehicle
PaymentFor transfer fee and any fee differences

Out-of-State Transfer Documents

DocumentWhy It’s Needed
Out-of-State TitleProves ownership from previous state
Form DTF-803Sales tax exemption if paid in another state
Proof of ResidencyUtility bill or lease agreement showing NY address
NYS InspectionMust complete within 10 days of registration

DMV Registration Process Steps

Follow this step-by-step process for successful vehicle registration:

Process Overview

StepActionTimelineCost Estimate
1. Get InsurancePurchase NYS auto insurance1-2 days before DMV visitVaries by insurer
2. Vehicle InspectionComplete safety and emissions inspectionBefore or within 10 days of registration$10-$37 (inspection fee)
3. Gather DocumentsCollect all required paperwork2-3 days before appointmentFree (forms)
4. Book DMV AppointmentSchedule online or by phone2-6 weeks in advanceFree
5. Visit DMVSubmit documents and pay feesAppointment dayUse calculator estimate
6. Receive PlatesGet temporary registration and platesSame dayIncluded in fees

Detailed Registration Steps

Step 1: Obtain NYS Auto Insurance

Contact insurance companies licensed in New York and provide your VIN, vehicle details, and driver information. Your insurer will electronically file the FS-20 form with the DMV, and you’ll receive your insurance identification card. Make sure to verify the electronic filing is completed 2-3 days before your DMV visit to avoid delays.

Step 2: Complete Vehicle Inspection

Locate a certified inspection station by looking for the yellow and black “Official Inspection Station” sign. Bring your vehicle title and insurance proof, then pass the required safety inspection covering brakes, lights, tires, and other components. If applicable in your county, you’ll also need to pass emissions inspection. For out-of-state transfers, you have 10 days after registration to complete this step.

Step 3: Complete Required Forms

Download Form MV-82 from the DMV website and fill it out completely with your vehicle and owner information. Make sure all details match your title and insurance documents exactly. Complete Form DTF-802 for sales tax if you’re doing a private sale, or Form DTF-803 if you’re claiming a tax exemption. Double-check that the VIN matches on all forms to prevent rejection.

Step 4: Book Your DMV Appointment

Visit the DMV website or call the appointment line to schedule your visit. Select a location near you, keeping in mind that appointments are required in NYC, Long Island, Westchester, and Albany areas. Choose an available date, which is typically 2-6 weeks out, and arrive 10-15 minutes early on your appointment day with your confirmation.

Step 5: Visit DMV Office

Bring all documents in original form (no copies accepted). Submit your completed forms at the registration counter where the DMV clerk will verify your documents and VIN. Pay all fees using cash, check, or card, then receive your temporary registration valid for 30 days and your license plates immediately.

Step 6: Display Plates and Wait for Title

Install your plates on the vehicle front and rear (or rear only for some vehicles). Keep your temporary registration in the vehicle while waiting for your official title to arrive by mail within 2-4 weeks. Your permanent registration card will be mailed separately.

MCTD Counties List

These 12 counties charge the additional $50 MCTD supplemental fee (2-year period):

CountyBorough/AreaMCTD Fee
BronxNYC Borough$50.00
KingsBrooklyn$50.00
New YorkManhattan$50.00
QueensNYC Borough$50.00
RichmondStaten Island$50.00
DutchessHudson Valley$50.00
NassauLong Island$50.00
OrangeHudson Valley$50.00
PutnamHudson Valley$50.00
RocklandLower Hudson Valley$50.00
SuffolkLong Island$50.00
WestchesterLower Hudson Valley$50.00

Cost Comparison Examples

Use these examples to understand how different factors affect your total registration costs:

Example 1: Light Passenger Car in Non-MCTD County

Fee ComponentAmount
Registration (2,800 lbs)$47.00
Vehicle Plate Fee$25.00
Title Certificate$50.00
County Use Tax (under 3,500 lbs)$10.00
Sales Tax ($20,000 × 8%)$1,600.00
Total$1,732.00

Example 2: Heavy SUV in MCTD County

Fee ComponentAmount
Registration (5,500 lbs)$105.00
Vehicle Plate Fee$25.00
Title Certificate$50.00
County Use Tax (over 3,500 lbs)$60.00
MCTD Supplemental Fee$50.00
Sales Tax ($45,000 × 8.875%)$3,993.75
Total$4,283.75

Example 3: Motorcycle Registration

Fee ComponentAmount
Registration (All weights)$32.50
Motorcycle Plate Fee$10.50
Title Certificate$50.00
County Use Tax$10.00
Sales Tax ($8,000 × 8%)$640.00
Total$743.00

Example 4: Transfer Plates (No New Purchase)

Fee ComponentAmount
Registration (New vehicle 4,200 lbs)$73.50
Transfer Fee$10.00
MCTD Fee (if applicable)$50.00
Total$133.50

Calculator Fields Reference

Input Fields Summary

Field NameTypeOptions/FormatRequiredDefault
Vehicle TypeDropdownPassenger, Motorcycle, Commercial, TrailerYesNone
WeightNumberPounds (e.g., 3500)YesNone
Fuel TypeDropdownGas, Diesel, Electric, Hybrid, CNG, Propane, Other, NoneYesGas
CylindersDropdown4 or fewer, More than 4, NoneYes4 or fewer
CountyDropdown62 counties + Out-of-stateYesNone
Lien StatusRadioNone, Electronic, Dealer FiledYesNone
Number of LiensNumber1-5Conditional1
Registration ActionRadio CardsOriginal, Transfer Plates, Transfer + New PlatesYesOriginal
Purchase PriceNumberDollar amountConditionalNone
Old Vehicle WeightNumberPoundsConditionalNone
Old Vehicle ClassDropdownPassenger, Motorcycle, Commercial, TrailerConditionalPassenger

Output Display

Display ElementShows
Total Estimated CostSum of all applicable fees and taxes
Registration Fee2-year registration fee based on vehicle specifications
Sales TaxCalculated tax based on purchase price and county
Fee Breakdown TableItemized list of every fee component
Total DueFinal amount due at DMV (same as total estimated cost)

FAQs

How long is the registration valid?

All fees shown by the calculator cover a 2-year registration period. You’ll need to renew every two years at similar costs, though you won’t pay title and plate fees again unless you need replacements.

Can I register online?

Initial registrations require in-person DMV visits. However, when your registration expires in two years, you can often complete renewals online through the DMV website, which is much more convenient.

What payment methods does DMV accept?

Most DMV offices accept cash, personal checks, money orders, and credit or debit cards. Some locations charge convenience fees for card payments, so it’s worth calling ahead to ask about this.

What if my vehicle weighs between two ranges?

The calculator automatically places your vehicle in the correct weight tier. For example, if your car weighs 3,051 lbs, it falls in the 3,051-3,150 range which has a $50.00 fee. You don’t need to worry about rounding up or down.

Do I pay sales tax when transferring plates?

Sales tax applies only when you’re actually purchasing a vehicle, regardless of whether you transfer plates or get new registration. If you already own the vehicle and are just moving plates, you won’t pay sales tax again.

How accurate is this calculator?

The calculator uses official DMV fee schedules that are current as of January 2026. Actual fees at the DMV office might vary by around $5-$20 due to recent legislation changes or small administrative fees that weren’t included in the base schedules.

What if I’m from out of state?

Select your new NYS county in the calculator and you’ll pay all the standard registration fees. One important thing to remember is that you must complete a NYS inspection within 10 days of registering your vehicle, so factor that into your timeline.

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