BALTIMORE, MD—A new study reveals that Maryland drivers face some of the highest car registration costs in the nation, with the state ranking eighth for its financial burden on vehicle owners. The analysis, conducted by 5 Star Car Title Loans, highlights how fees can significantly impact household budgets.
Maryland’s ranking comes from its $80 average annual registration fee and a $100 title fee, giving it a Registration Affordability Score of 45.77 on a 100-point scale. This score places it in the top 10 most expensive states, just behind Oklahoma. Illinois topped the list with an affordability score of 87.33, while Hawaii was found to be the most affordable with a score of 0.19.
“People usually focus on the sticker price when buying a car, but registration fees can add hundreds of dollars to your annual vehicle costs,” said Bryan Solis, Head of Sales at 5 Star Car Title Loans. “These fees hit hardest when people are already dealing with tight budgets or unexpected financial challenges.”
Hawaii leads the nation in affordability with an incredibly low Registration Affordability Score of just 0.19. The state charges only $12 annually for registration and $5 for title fees, a stark contrast to the most expensive states.
The Broader Impact
The study’s findings shed light on the financial pressure high vehicle fees can place on drivers, influencing everything from budgeting to insurance choices. When faced with steep registration renewal costs, Solis warns that some drivers may be forced to make difficult financial decisions.
The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) has recently increased various fees, with some vehicle registration fees for passenger cars rising by over 60%. These fee hikes, which took effect in 2024 and 2025, are tied to vehicle weight and are intended to offset declining gas tax revenue. The new fees range from $110.50 to $191.50 per year, with an additional annual surcharge of up to $250 for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles.
The Top 10 States With The Most Expensive Car Registration Fees
| Rank | State | Average Annual Registration Fee | Title Fees | Registration Affordability Score |
| 1 | Illinois | $151.0 | $150 | 87.33 |
| 2 | Oregon | $137.0 | $98 to $113, depending on model year and MPG | 73.18 |
| 3 | Michigan | $164.0 | $15 | 72.06 |
| 4 | North Dakota | $162.0 | $5 | 66.41 |
| 5 | Wisconsin | $85.0 | $164.50 | 62.63 |
| 6 | Montana | $127.0 | $10.30 | 53.43 |
| 7 | Oklahoma | $96.0 | $11 plus $17 transfer fee | 45.89 |
| 8 | Maryland | $80.0 | $100 | 45.77 |
| 9 | Alaska | $100.0 | $15 | 39.77 |
| 10 | Iowa | $87.5 | $25 for replacement | 38.58 |
Photo via Pixabay
