Pennsylvania car registration fee and what it covers
The Pennsylvania car registration fee rose from $45 to $48 in 2025 under Act 89's inflation adjustment, and PennDOT's April 2026 fee schedule keeps it there.[1] The fee includes the cost of a standard plate the first time one is issued, so there is no separate plate charge. A 2-year registration is $96.
| Vehicle | 1 year | 2 years |
|---|---|---|
| Passenger car | $48 | $96 |
| Motorcycle | $25 | $50 |
| Truck up to 5,000 lbs (class 1) | $82 | $164 |
| Road user charge, electric | $250 | $500 |
| Road user charge, plug-in hybrid | $63 | $126 |
| Fee for local use (participating counties) | $5 | $10 |
Road user charge for electric and plug-in hybrid cars
Electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles up to 14,000 pounds pay a road user charge with each registration: $250 a year for an EV and $63 for a plug-in hybrid in 2026, doubled on a 2-year registration.[2][1] From 2027 PennDOT adjusts it each year for inflation. The charge is not refundable, and you cannot renew the registration until it is paid.[2]
Which counties charge the $5 fee for local use
27 counties add $5 per registration year ($10 for two years): Allegheny, Beaver, Bedford, Berks, Blair, Bucks, Butler, Cambria, Centre, Chester, Cumberland, Dauphin, Delaware, Erie, Greene, Lackawanna, Lycoming, Mifflin, Montgomery, Philadelphia, Pike, Schuylkill, Susquehanna, Union, Wayne, Westmoreland, York.[3]
| Case | Total | Period |
|---|---|---|
| Gas car, Philadelphia, 1-year renewal | $53.00 | yearly |
| Electric car, Philadelphia, 2-year renewal | $606.00 | $303.00 a year |
| Plug-in hybrid, Lancaster County, 1 year | $111.00 | yearly |
| Used gas car with a loan, Allegheny, new title | $161.00 | yearly |
Buying the carPennsylvania sales tax (6%, 7% in Allegheny County, 8% in Philadelphia) is due when you title a purchased car. The car sales tax calculator covers it.
Renewal and refunds
- Renew for 1 or 2 years; online renewal is not available when more than six months remain.[4]
- New residents must title and register within 20 days.[4]
- An unused registration can be refunded with form MV-700 if you ask within 14 days of the old expiration date.[4]
Trucks pay by registered gross weight; see PA truck registration fees for all 25 classes. To compare states, open car registration fees by state or the vehicle registration fee calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How much is it to register a car in PA?
$48 for one year or $96 for two, plus $5 a year in counties with the local-use fee. A new title is $72.
How much is the Pennsylvania EV registration fee?
Electric cars pay the $48 registration plus a $250 road user charge in 2026; plug-in hybrids pay $63.
Does the PA registration fee include a license plate?
Yes. PennDOT says the registration fee includes the cost of a standard plate when first issued.
Is there a late fee for PA registration?
PennDOT's fee schedule lists no late-renewal fee, but you cannot legally drive on an expired registration.