Vehicle Registration Fees Waived Starting July 1st, But Not Completely Free

State fees will be waived for vehicle registration renewals beginning July 1st.

The General Assembly approved the statewide initiative as a relief for citizens during the latest session. Putnam County Clerk Wayne Nabors said while most motorists will receive a discount, normal renewals will still have a small cost.

“Everybody is still going to be responsible for a clerk fee always involved, which is $2.50 per renewal, and then, there is still a couple of fees that statutorily have to stay there to be paid for,” Nabors said.

Nabors said there is a small reflectorization fee and a retirement fee that funds retirement for Highway Patrol. Nabors said regular vehicle renewals will cost $5.25, but you will still save $23.75.

“When we begin July 1st, the computer is going to automatically know in that renewal to not charge anything but $5.25,” Nabors said. “All the renewal cards that you get in the mail, they have bar codes on them. They are not going to mail out July renewal cards until the last couple of days this month.”

Nabors said motorcycle plates will have a $16.75 discount. Nabors said personalized and specialty plates will also cost less. Nabors said electric vehicles will not benefit from the new state law.

“They’re not actually paying any gasoline tax and that tax is what helps keep the roads going,” Nabors said. “They’re using the road but not paying any gas tax, so there license plate fee is $100 a year.”

Nabors said a registration must expire from July 1st or onward to take advantage. Nabors said as county clerk for some 20 years, he has never seen a saving like this for motorists.

Nabors said vehicle title fees will also increase from $13 to $16.