How Much Does It Cost to Register a Semi Truck?

When you drive a commercial vehicle, there are tons of factors to consider. From learning to spec a truck to finding insurance for a used truck, things can get complicated quickly! To keep your owner-operator budget under control, you’ll need to ask key questions such as:

• How much does it cost to register a semi-truck?
• How much are taxes and fees on a used semi-truck?
• How much are Illinois commercial truck license plates fees?

Let’s find out what you can expect around all the International Used Truck Center locations.

Semi Truck Plate Renewal Cost By State

So, how much does it cost to register a commercial truck? The answer depends primarily on two variables: the weight of your vehicle and your location. As you might expect, larger vehicles carry higher fees. However, different states also have their fee ranges that can vary tremendously. In this guide, we’ll give you a brief overview of the semi-truck plate renewal costs for all of our locations at International Used Truck Center. Note that the following renewal costs may not reflect the most recent changes:

• California: Flat fee plus weight fee based on unladen weight. $28 flat fee plus $39 for 2,000 pounds to $1,016 for over 15,000 pounds.
• Colorado: Flat fee. $7.50 per semitrailer. An additional fee of $1.50, a $1.00 clerk fee, and a 50 cent emission fee are included.
• Georgia: Flat fee. Registered with tractor truck, plus a $12 flat fee.
• Illinois: Flat fee. Registered with tractor truck. Additional $60 fee for 5 years. (Paid when first registered.)
• Illinois (Optional): Flat fee plus mileage weight tax. Registered with tractor truck. Additional $60 fee for 5 years. (Paid when first registered.)
• Indiana: Flat fee or gross weight of tractor and trailer combined. A 25 cent Public Safety fee and a 50 cent financial responsibility fee are included. $30 per semitrailer on an annual basis.
• Louisiana: Flat fee. $10 per semitrailer.
• Maryland: Freight-flat rate. Non Freight-gross weight limit. Trailer fee (freight) $20.25. Trailer fee (non freight) $13.50 for 3,000 pounds or less up to $81.00 for 20,000 pounds.
• Michigan: Empty weight. $17 for 500 pounds or less to $39 for over 1,500 pounds.
• Missouri: Flat fee. $7.50 per semitrailer.
• North Carolina: Flat fee. $10 per semitrailer.
• Ohio: Flat fee. A $2.25 service charge is included. A 50 cent reflectorized plate fee is assessed when new plates are issued. $25 per semitrailer.
• Pennsylvania: Gross weight. $6 for 3,000 pounds or less to $12 for 10,000 pounds. $27 flat fee for over 10,000 pounds.
• Tennessee: Flat fee. $50 per semitrailer. Permanent registration.

How Much Are Tax and Fees On a Used Semi-Truck?

Is there sales tax on used semi-trucks? If your state has a sales tax on vehicle purchases, then yes: you will pay sales tax on a used car. Sales tax will apply whether you buy from an individual seller or if you buy from a dealership. How much tax and fees are on a used semi-truck depends on the value of the vehicle and the state where it will be registered. Some states, cities, and counties may levy additional taxes and fees on vehicle purchases. You may also be charged an additional vehicle property tax depending on the state where you buy the vehicle.

In some states, you can buy a used semi-truck without paying sales tax! These states are:

• Alaska
• Delaware
• Montana
• New Hampshire
• Oregon

Keep in mind that even if your state doesn’t charge sales tax on the purchase of the semi-truck itself, you should expect at least some fees and taxes to apply.

Find Out More with International Used Truck Center

Whether you need more information about semi truck plate renewal or how much tax and fees are on a used semi-truck in your state, we’re here to help at International Used Truck Center. Contact us today with any questions! You can also explore our guide to budgeting as an owner-operator.