How Much Does a License Plate Cost? State Fees

For “how much does a license plate cost,” the charge is $28 for a new metal plate in Florida, $25 for plates with original registration in New York, and $100 for original issue plates in Washington.

Plate costs elsewhere vary, and this comparison covers 19 states. For a state outside this coverage, check its motor vehicle agency page for current fees.

Read the visual as a table

State	Fee line items
New York	License plates (original registration): $25.00
Florida	New metal license plate: $28.00
Washington	Original issue license plates (2 x $50): $100.00

Key Takeaways

• Plate-related charges range from direct plate fees to registration line items.
• Fee labels show what each charge covers.
• Check your state’s motor vehicle agency page for its current rules.

A Quick Snapshot of State Plate Charges

Plate-related charges range from a small fee to a larger original-issue plate charge, and the line-item label tells you what the amount covers. Some states name a plate fee directly, while others list postage, material, or a registration charge.

For example, Florida lists a new metal license plate at $28. New York lists $25 for plates with original registration, while Washington lists $100 for original issue plates plus separate technology and reflectivity fees.

Which States Charge a Separate Plate Fee?

Many of the covered states show a distinct plate or plate-related fee, with the line-item wording identifying its purpose. California, Connecticut, Florida, Hawaii, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New York, Oregon, Washington, and Wisconsin list a plate fee or plate issuance charge.

Arkansas lists postage when a decal or plate is mailed, and Colorado lists a material fee for an embossed plate set. These entries describe a mailing charge or plate material, so check the wording when you compare the amount with your total registration cost.

How Are Plate Costs Handled in Other States?

Some states tie the plate charge to the vehicle’s value or include it in a registration fee. Louisiana calculates its two-year plate fee by value, while Alabama, Massachusetts and Tennessee tie the standard plate to a license or registration fee.

In Louisiana, the two-year plate fee is $20 to $82 by value, and Alabama charges a $23 annual license fee for a standard Private Passenger plate. Massachusetts lists a $60 registration fee for two years with a standard passenger plate, and Tennessee lists a $26.50 standard passenger vehicle registration fee for the plate.

What Other Charges Come With New Plates?

Some plate-related entries cover a specific part of issuing or delivering plates, so the label helps you see what you are paying for. The table distinguishes plate charges from postage, material, reflectivity, technology, and registration line items.

Washington lists original issue plates, a technology fee, and a reflectivity fee as separate items. Arkansas’s postage entry applies when a decal or plate is mailed, while Colorado’s material fee applies to an embossed set.

What If Your State Is Not Covered?

The figures here cover 19 states, leaving 31 states outside this comparison. Check your state motor vehicle agency’s page for its current plate and registration rules; you can also use the Vehicle Registration Fees by State guide to find your state’s fee information.

State-by-State Plate Fee Comparison

The table shows the exact plate-related line items and amounts for the covered states. Read each label closely, since the entries include plate charges, registration fees, postage, and material fees.