How much does it cost to register a semi-truck?
May 18, 2022
Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
Registering a semi-truck is one of the many must-dos for owner-operators, no matter where you live or what kind of truck you operate.
Registering a truck can be a confusing process, though, because how you register your equipment can vary greatly depending on where your business operates.
For those that haul freight across state lines, you will need to apply for apportioned registration through the International Registration Program (IRP). You can find information on how this registration method works in the IRP motor carriers resource page.
If you are an owner-operator that only hauls loads in one state, you are considered an intrastate owner-operator. Being an intrastate owner-operator, you may be eligible to apply for intrastate registration through your state’s department of motor vehicles – similar to how you’d register a personal vehicle.
Continue reading for information on how to register a semi-truck that operates in-state and how much it costs to register a semi-truck as an intrastate owner-operator.
How to register your semi-truck as an intrastate owner-operator
Tractors that operate only within state lines should be registered through the state where the business is established.
There are a few ways intrastate owner-operators can calculate registration fees, but gross combined vehicle weight rating (GCWR), gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) and unladen weight are the main ways to do so. The method you use will depend on the state your business is registered in.
Calculating registration fees by gross combined weight rating (GCWR)
The gross combined weight rating (GCWR) is the maximum loaded weight of a semi-tractor and trailer combined, as specified by the tractor manufacturer. The GCWR is listed on the tractor’s VIN plate.
- Tractor registration fees are based on the GCWR in 46 states.
- Single-axle tractors typically rate between 50,000 to 70,000 pounds.
- Tandem-axle tractors can rate up to 80,000 pounds.
Calculating registration fees by gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR)
The gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) is the maximum loaded weight of any given vehicle (tractor or trailer), as determined by the equipment manufacturer. The GVWR of a truck is listed on its VIN plate.
- Trailer registration fees are based on the GVWR of the trailer in some states.
- A 53-foot dry van trailer can rate up to 68,000 pounds.
Calculating registration fees by unladen weight
Unladen weight is the empty weight of a tractor and/or trailer.
- Though less common, unladen weight is sometimes used to determine tractor and/or trailer registration fees.
- An unladen tractor can weigh between 10,000 and 25,000 pounds.
- An unladen 53-foot dry van trailer weighs about 10,000 pounds.
Cost to register an intrastate semi-truck by state
Each state has its own way of calculating licensing fees for owner-operators. Here we take a closer look at truck and trailer registration fees by state to provide an idea of how much it costs to register a semi-truck.
Alabama
Tractor registration fees are based on: GCWR
Tractor registration fee: $585 to $815 annually
Trailer registration fee: $20 annually or $60 for permanent registration
Resource: Alabama tractor registration fees
Alaska
Tractor registration fees are based on: Unladen weight
Tractor registration fee: $331 annually
Trailer registration fee: $20 annually
Resource: Alaska vehicle registration fees calculator
Arizona
Tractor registration fees are based on: GCWR
Tractor registration fee: $630 to $922 annually
Trailer registration fee: $800 for permanent registration
Resource: Arizona commercial vehicle weight fees table
Arkansas
Tractor registration fees are based on: GCWR
Tractor registration fee: $553 to $1,350 annually
Trailer registration fee: $20 annually or $65 for permanent registration
Resource: Arkansas commercial truck fee schedule
California
Tractor registration fees are based on: GCWR
Tractor registration fee: $1,161 to $2,064 annually
Trailer registration fee: $20 for permanent registration
Resource: California commercial truck registration fees
Colorado
Tractor registration fees are based on: Unladen weight
Tractor registration fee: $143 to $490 annually
Trailer registration fee: $7.50 annually
Resource: Colorado Revised Statutes Section 42-12-401(1)
Connecticut
Tractor registration fees are based on: GCWR
Tractor registration fee: $895 to $1,546 annually
Trailer registration fee: $40 annually
Resource: Connecticut DMV’s commercial fee chart
Delaware
Tractor registration fees are based on: GCWR
Tractor registration fee: $850 to $1,390 annually
Trailer registration fee: About $72 annually, depending on the trailer’s GVWR
Resource: Delaware registration fee estimation tool
Florida
Tractor registration fees are based on: GCWR
Tractor registration fee: $773 and $1,322 annually
Trailer registration fee: $13.50 annually or $68 for permanent registration
Resource: Florida motor vehicle registration fees
Georgia
Tractor registration fees are based on: GCWR
Tractor registration fee: $190 to $400 annually
Trailer registration fee: $12 annually
Resource: Georgia Code Section 40-2-151(10)(a)
Hawaii
Tractor AND trailer registration fees are based on: Unladen weight
Tractor registration price: About $300 annually
Trailer registration fee: About $300 annually
Resource: Hawaii motor vehicle registration fees
Idaho
Tractor registration fees are based on: GCWR
Tractor registration fee: $360 to $505 annually
Trailer registration fee: $5 annually or $30 for a five-year registration
Resource: Fee schedule for Idaho-based carriers
Illinois
Tractor registration fees are based on: GCWR
Tractor registration fee: $1,638 to $2,890 annually
Trailer registration fee: $5 annually or $30 for a five-year registration
Resource: Illinois commercial truck fees by weight range
Indiana
Tractor registration fees are based on: GCWR
Tractor registration fee: $1,214 to $2,282 annually
Trailer registration fee: $82 annually
Resource: Indiana vehicle registration fees chart
Iowa
Tractor registration fees are based on: GCWR
Tractor registration fee: $965 to $1,695 annually
Trailer registration fee: $30 annually
Resource: Iowa registration fees by vehicle type
Kansas
Tractor registration fees are based on: GCWR
Tractor registration fee: $1,267 to $2,270 annually
Trailer registration fees: $54 to $64 annually (depending on the trailer’s GVWR) or $184 for five-year trailer registration
Resource: Kansas heavy truck registration fees schedule
Kentucky
Tractor registration fees are based on: GCWR
Tractor registration fee: $669 to $1,410 annually
Trailer registration fee: $19.50 annually or $98 for permanent registration
Resource: Kentucky intrastate carrier resources
Louisiana
Tractor registration fees are based on: GCWR
Tractor registration fee: $315 to $504 annually
Trailer registration fees: $10 annually or $70 for permanent registration
Resource: LA Revised Statutes Title 47 Section 462
Maine
Tractor registration fees are based on: GCWR
Tractor registration fee: $340 to $507 annually
Trailer registration fee: $20 annually
Resource: Maine truck registration fee chart
Maryland
Tractor registration fees are based on: GCWR
Tractor registration fee: $1,050 to $1,800 annually
Trailer registration fee: $76.50 annually
Resource: Maryland fees for registration plates
Massachusetts
Tractor registration fees are based on: GCWR
Tractor registration fee: $1,000 to $1,600 annually
Trailer registration fee: $500 for a five-year registration
Resource: Massachusetts schedule of fees
Michigan
Tractor registration fees are based on: GCWR
Tractor registration fee: $1,362 to $1,992 annually
Trailer registration fee: $200 to $300 for permanent registration (depending on the trailer’s unladen weight)
Resource: Michigan’s GVW fees chart
Minnesota
Tractor registration fees are based on: GCWR and model year
Tractor registration fee: $536 to $1,810 annually
Trailer registration fee: Registered with tractor
Resource: Minnesota Y Class annual tax table
Mississippi
Tractor registration fees are based on: GCWR
Tractor registration fee: $612 to $1,512 annually
Trailer registration fees: $10 annually
Resource: Mississippi Code Section 27-19-11
Missouri
Tractor registration fees are based on: GVWR and where you operate
Tractor registration fee: $688 to $1,720 annually
Trailer registration fees: $7.50 annually or $52.50 for permanent registration.
Resource:
Montana
Tractor registration fees are based on: GCWR and truck model year
Tractor registration fee: $555 to $1,125 annually for tractors less than 5 years old
Trailer registration fee: $148 permanent registration
Resource: Montana commercial truck registration fees
Nebraska
Tractor registration fees are based on: GCWR
Tractor registration price range: $535 to $825 annually
Trailer registration fee: $1 annually
Resource: Nebraska commercial vehicle registration fees
Nevada
Tractor registration fees are based on: GCWR and truck model year
Tractor registration fee: $1,400 to $3,860 annually
Trailer registration fee: $115 for permanent registration
Resource: Nevada local vehicle registration resources
New Hampshire
Tractor registration fees are based on: GCWR
Tractor registration fee: $480 to $800 annually
Trailer registration fee: $24 annually
Resource: New Hampshire Statutes Section 261:141
New Jersey
Tractor registration fees are based on: GCWR
Tractor registration fee: $758 to $1,268 annually
Trailer registration fee: $32 annually or $85.50 for a four-year registration
Resource: New Jersey commercial truck fees table
New Mexico
Tractor registration fees are based on: GCWR
Tractor registration fee: About $172 annually
Trailer registration fee: $13 annually
Resource: New Mexico Statutes Section 66-6-4
New York
Tractor registration fees are based on: GCWR
Tractor registration fee: About $595 annually
Trailer registration fee: None
Resource: New York commercial vehicle registration fee schedule
North Carolina
Tractor registration fees are based on: GCWR
Tractor registration fee: $1129 to $1,804 annually
Trailer registration fee: $27 annually
Resource: North Carolina motor vehicle license fees table
North Dakota
Tractor registration fees are based on: GCWR and model year
Tractor registration fee: $406 to $1,059 annually
Trailer registration fee: $20 annually or $125 permanent registration
Resource: North Dakota Code Section 39-04-19
Ohio
Tractor registration fees are based on: GCWR
Tractor registration fee: $690 to $1,370 annually
Trailer registration fee: $36 annually or $293.25 for permanent registration
Resource: Ohio commercial vehicle registration fees
Oklahoma
Tractor registration fees are based on: GCWR
Tractor registration fee: $450 to $961 annually
Trailer registration fee: $4 annually or $51 for permanent registration
Resource: Oklahoma commercial vehicle registration fees
Oregon
Tractor registration fees are based on: GCWR
Tractor registration fee: $625 to $998 annually
Trailer registration fee: $10 for permanent registration
Resource: Oregon heavy motor vehicle fee schedule
Pennsylvania
Tractor registration fees are based on: GCWR
Tractor registration fee: $1,186 to $2,417 annually
Trailer registration fee: $38 annually or $184 for permanent registration
Resource: Pennsylvania truck and tractor registration fees table
Rhode Island
Tractor registration fees are based on: GCWR
Tractor registration fee: $660 to $1,159 annually
Trailer registration fee: About $50 annually (based on the trailer’s GVWR)
Resource: Rhode Island truck registration fee by weight chart
South Carolina
Tractor registration fees are based on: GCWR
Tractor registration fee: $495 to $907 annually
Trailer registration fee: $20 annually or $87 for permanent registration
Resource: South Carolina schedule of license fees
South Dakota
Tractor registration fees are based on: GCWR
Tractor registration fee: $765 to $1,457 annually
Trailer registration fee: $20 annually or $120 for permanent registration
Resource: South Dakota commercial registration fees
Tennessee
Tractor registration fees are based on: GCWR
Tractor registration fee: $922 to $1,333 annually
Trailer registration fee: $75 for permanent registration
Resource: Tennessee Code Section 55-4-113
Texas
Tractor registration fees are based on: GCWR
Tractor registration fee: $535 to $840 annually
Trailer registration fee: $11 annually
Resource: Texas DMV registration fees guide
Utah
Tractor registration fees are based on: GCWR
Tractor registration fee: $412 to $697 annually
Trailer registration fee: $31 annually
Resource: Utah Code Section 41-1a-1206
Vermont
Tractor registration fees are based on: GCWR
Tractor registration fee: $1,380 to $2,337 annually
Trailer registration fee: $197 annually
Resource: Vermont DMV truck registration fees chart
Virginia
Tractor registration fees are based on: GCWR
Tractor registration fee: $611 to $1,348 annually
Trailer registration fee: $40 annually or $100 for permanent registration
Resource: Virginia DMV commercial vehicle registration fee chart
Washington
Tractor registration fees are based on: GCWR
Tractor registration fee: $735 to $1,830 annually
Trailer registration fee: $36 for permanent registration
Resource: Revised Code of Washington 46.17.355
West Virginia
Tractor registration fees are based on: GCWR
Tractor registration fee: $419 to $1,131 annually
Trailer registration fee: $51 for permanent registration
Resource: West Virginia Legislature Section 17A-10-1
Wisconsin
Tractor registration fees are based on: GCWR
Tractor registration fee: $1,081 to $2,578 annually
Trailer registration fee: $50 for permanent registration
Resource: Wisconsin’s vehicle registration fee chart
Wyoming
Semi-truck registration fees are based on: GCWR for state fee, value and model year for county fee
Tractor registration fee: $523 to $908 annually, plus county fee
Trailer registration fee: $172, plus county fee
Resources:
