How vehicle registration costs work in Australia
Vehicle registration fees in Australia are set by state and territory governments and vary considerably from one state to the next. There is no single national rego fee. Some states use the tare weight of your vehicle to calculate the fee, while others use engine cylinder count or CO2 emissions. Victoria and Tasmania bundle compulsory accident insurance into the annual renewal, while other states charge it separately.
This calculator covers the registration component for standard private passenger vehicles. For states that charge CTP insurance separately, the calculator lets you see an estimated range for that additional cost. Always confirm the exact amount with your state's registration authority before renewing.
Registration fees by state
An overview of how each state and territory calculates annual vehicle registration. Amounts shown are for standard passenger vehicles in the 2026 to 2027 financial year. Always verify the exact amount with your state registration authority before renewing.
New South Wales
Weight based fee, around $391 to $675 plus $84 base
New South Wales calculates registration using a fixed base fee of $84 plus a Motor Vehicle Tax that depends on tare weight. A typical 1350kg sedan pays around $475 per year before the green slip CTP insurance. Tare weight is listed on your compliance plate.
Victoria
Rego fee plus TAC charge, around $895 metro
Victoria combines the registration fee and Transport Accident Commission charge into a single renewal payment. TAC is included in your rego total. Most metropolitan vehicles pay around $895 per year. The $100 EV discount ended in January 2026 and all vehicles now pay the standard rate.
Queensland
Cylinder based fee plus $67.25, from $370 for EVs
Queensland bases registration fees on engine cylinder count. A standard 4-cylinder vehicle pays $452.70 per year. Electric vehicles use the lowest cylinder tier at $370.35. CTP insurance is a separate compulsory payment and is not included in this amount.
South Australia
Weight based fee, around $520 to $790 metro
South Australia uses a weight based registration fee. A typical metro sedan weighing around 1350kg pays approximately $675 per year before CTP insurance, which starts from around $262 for metropolitan private vehicles. Country residents pay around 85% of the metro rate.
Western Australia
$28.64 per 100kg tare weight plus $6.60
Western Australia calculates the vehicle licence fee using a formula of $28.64 per 100kg of tare weight plus a $6.60 prescribed fee. A 1500kg vehicle costs around $436 to licence. Motor Injury Insurance is a separate compulsory payment.
Tasmania
All inclusive, around $602 to $810 depending on cylinders
Tasmania bundles the registration fee, motor tax and mandatory MAIB accident insurance into a single annual renewal payment. A typical 4-cylinder vehicle pays around $640 per year with the MAIB component already included. There are no separate CTP payments in Tasmania.
Australian Capital Territory
Emission based fee, $382 to $623 by vehicle type
The ACT links registration fees directly to vehicle emissions. Zero emission electric vehicles pay significantly less under the AAA category, from $382 per year. Standard petrol and diesel vehicles pay a higher rate based on their CO2 classification. This structure was introduced in July 2024.
Northern Territory
Engine displacement based, $130 to $350
The Northern Territory charges registration based on engine displacement, from $130 for engines up to 1500cc to $350 for engines over 3000cc. Battery electric vehicles and plug in hybrids are exempt from registration fees until 30 June 2027, making NT the most EV friendly state for rego costs.
Frequently asked questions
What is included in vehicle registration in Australia?
Registration costs vary by state. In Victoria the Transport Accident Commission charge is bundled into the annual renewal. In Tasmania the MAIB insurance premium is included. In NSW, Queensland, SA, WA, ACT and NT, compulsory third party insurance is a separate payment made directly to a licensed insurer.
Which state has the cheapest vehicle registration?
The Northern Territory has the lowest base registration fee, with a standard 4-cylinder vehicle paying $219 per year. For electric vehicles the NT offers free registration until 30 June 2027. Queensland and Tasmania bundle certain charges into the annual renewal, so comparing states requires factoring in what is and is not included.
Is 6 month registration cheaper per month than 12 months?
Annual registration is generally cheaper per month in most states. States that allow shorter registration periods often apply a small premium for the shorter term. Where both options are available, renewing annually saves money over the course of the year.
How do I find my vehicle's tare weight?
Tare weight is the unladen weight of a vehicle with a standard amount of fuel and all fluids, but without passengers or cargo. It is listed on the compliance plate (usually inside the driver door frame), in the owner manual, and in the manufacturer specifications. NSW, WA, SA and ACT all use tare weight to determine annual registration fees.
Which states offer cheaper rego for electric vehicles?
The Northern Territory offers free registration for battery electric vehicles and plug in hybrids until 30 June 2027. The ACT charges significantly less for zero emission vehicles under the AAA emission category. Queensland applies the EV rate which is the lowest cylinder tier available in that state.
Can I use this calculator for a motorbike or caravan?
This calculator is designed for standard passenger and light vehicles. Motorcycles, heavy vehicles, trailers, caravans and farm vehicles are subject to different fee structures in most states. Use your state's official registration portal for accurate estimates for non-standard vehicle types.