Vehicle registration is mandatory for all vehicles operating in Texas. Registration allows officials to track vehicles, maintain order, and collect taxes. The process involves several steps and requires owners to submit necessary documentation.
Passenger cars and light pickup trucks have a base registration fee of $50.75.
For pickup trucks weighing between 6,001 and 10,000 pounds, the base registration fee is $54.
Heavy vehicle registration fees, which include heavy pickup trucks, motor homes, and commercial trucks, are divided into seven weight classes ranging from 6,001 to 80,000 pounds. Each weight class has a different registration fee.
The registration fee for mopeds and motorcycles is $30.
For electric vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of less than 10,000 pounds, there is an annual fee of $200 due upon registration renewal, starting September 1, 2023. For new electric vehicles that are issued a two-year registration along with a two-year inspection, the fee will be $400. All standard vehicle registration fees and related fees still apply.
The table below lists vehicle registration fees and voluntary contribution fees. Fee amounts displayed are for illustrative purposes only. Actual fee amounts will vary depending on vehicle type, registration county and inspection county.
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Registration Fee | $51.75 |
| Local Fees | $10.00 |
| Special Plate Fee | $0.00 |
| Inspection Fee (Commercial Vehicle) | $7.50 |
| Replacement Inspection Fee | $7.50 |
| Emissions Inspection Fee | $2.75 |
| Two-Year Initial Inspection/Registration Fee | $16.75 |
| Electric Vehicle Fee | $200.00 |
| Processing Fee | $4.75 |
| TX Veteran Support Contribution | Optional |
| $5 (or more) State Parks Contribution | Optional |
| $1 (or more) Donate Life Contribution | Optional |
Texas vehicle registration fees include a base registration fee for your vehicle type and $1 for the maintenance and operation of the Insurance Verification Project (TexasSure). 100% of your base registration fees go directly to the State Highway Fund for the construction and maintenance of the state’s transportation system.
Local fees include one or more fees assessed by your county of registration. Local fees vary by county and are set by the County Commissioners Court. Amounts listed under local fees can range from $0 to $31.50 depending on your county of registration.
The electric vehicle fee will not apply to hybrid or combination fuel vehicles or to motorcycles, electric motorcycles, autocycles, and neighborhood electric vehicles. Additionally, government vehicles that are exempt from registration and other vehicles that do not pay registration fees, including those with Disabled Veteran license plates and other military plates, will not be assessed the fee. The processing fee covers the cost of processing vehicle registrations.
