Virginia Vehicle Registration Fee Calculator
2026Registering a car in Virginia in 2026 costs about $1,005.95 a year ($502.10 by the fifth year) for a new $35,000 midsize sedan in Fairfax County; electric cars pay $107.15 a year more. Estimate yours by state, vehicle age and fuel type.
By Konstantin Iakovlev · Updated October 19, 2026 · Methodology
Yearly Registration Cost
$1,005.95
One-Time Title Fee
$15.00
Fee Breakdown
| State registration fee | $30.75 |
| Highway use fee (by fuel economy) | $28.48 |
| Northern Virginia emissions program fee | $2.00 |
| Fairfax County registration fee | $33.00 |
| Fairfax County personal property tax (after state relief) | $911.72 |
| Yearly Total | $1,005.95 |
| Title fee (one-time) | $15.00 |
Estimate for a 2026 gasoline midsize sedan (3,400 lb, $35,000 new) registered in Fairfax County. Other vehicles cost more or less, especially in states that charge by value or weight.
Virginia's state fee is flat by weight ($30.75 up to 4,000 lb) plus a Highway Use Fee for cars rated 25 mpg or more. Most of the cost is local personal property tax, partly offset by state relief.
Based on Fairfax County ($4.57 per $100, 49% state relief on the first $20,000). Tax rates, relief and local fees differ by county and city; the $2 emissions fee applies only in Northern Virginia.
The property tax uses an estimated $29,750 value; your bill depends on your car's J.D. Power value. Fairfax prorates the tax by month in the year of purchase.
The Highway Use Fee is recalculated every July 1 (next on July 1, 2027), and Fairfax sets its tax rate and relief share each year.
Disclaimer: This calculator is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax, financial, or legal advice. Results are estimates based on the information you provide and current rates. Always consult a qualified tax professional or financial advisor for advice specific to your situation.
Virginia Vehicle Registration Costs (2026)
Registering a new car in Virginia costs about $1,005.95 a year ($502.10 by the fifth year) for a new $35,000 midsize sedan in Fairfax County. Virginia's state fee is flat by weight ($30.75 up to 4,000 lb) plus a Highway Use Fee for cars rated 25 mpg or more. Most of the cost is local personal property tax, partly offset by state relief.
Falls to $502.10 by the fifth year as the car's value, and with it the property tax, declines.
Based on Fairfax County ($4.57 per $100, 49% state relief on the first $20,000). Tax rates, relief and local fees differ by county and city; the $2 emissions fee applies only in Northern Virginia.
A title costs $15.
Virginia charges electric cars a $135.63 annual highway use fee for July 2026 to June 2027; hybrids, plug-in hybrids and other cars rated 25+ mpg pay $7.05-$103.48 by fuel economy. It is recalculated every July 1 with the gas tax, and a per-mile option exists.
The property tax uses an estimated $29,750 value; your bill depends on your car's J.D. Power value. Fairfax prorates the tax by month in the year of purchase.
Virginia charges a 4.15% motor vehicle sales and use tax on the gross price when the car is titled, with no deduction for a trade-in.
The Highway Use Fee is recalculated every July 1 (next on July 1, 2027), and Fairfax sets its tax rate and relief share each year.
Virginia Registration Costs (2026)
| Yearly Cost, New Car | $1,005.95 |
| Yearly Cost, 5-Year-Old Car | $502.10 |
| How the Fee Is Set | By value |
| Title Fee (one-time) | $15.00 |
| Extra Fee for Electric Cars | $135.63/yr |
| State Tax When You Buy a Car | 4.15% (sales and use tax) |
Official Sources: