The cost to register a car in Michigan is not a single flat fee. The total amount you pay is primarily based on your vehicle's list price when new and its age, calculated through a specific depreciation schedule. For most passenger vehicles, you can expect to pay a registration fee (or tax) and a license plate fee, totaling roughly $130 to $300 or more for a typical car. The most significant variable is the registration tax, which decreases as your car ages.
The core calculation is the Registration Tax, which is based on the manufacturer's original list price. Michigan uses a depreciation schedule that reduces the taxable value by 10% each year for the first three years. After that, the depreciation rate slows down.
| Vehicle Base MSRP | Year 1 Taxable Value | Estimated Registration Tax* | License Plate Fee | Total Estimated Cost |
|---|
| $20,000 | $20,000 | $60 | $35 | ~$95 |
| $30,000 | $30,000 | $90 | $35 | ~$125 |
| $40,000 | $40,000 | $120 | $35 | ~$155 |
| $50,000 | $50,000 | $150 | $35 | ~$185 |
*Registration Tax is $3 per $100 of the vehicle's taxable value.
After the first three years, the depreciation is smaller. For example, a 5-year-old vehicle that originally cost $30,000 would have a taxable value of $21,060, resulting in a registration tax of about $63.18. This is why registration becomes less expensive over time.
Additional fees may apply, such as a $15 title fee if you're transferring a title, and local county fees (usually $1 to $3). For an exact quote, the Michigan Secretary of State website has an online fee calculator where you can input your vehicle identification number (VIN).
