The total cost to register a car in Arkansas for a standard passenger vehicle typically ranges from $25 to $45, but the final amount is highly dependent on your vehicle's value and weight. The core fee is a $10 registration fee and a $2.50 replacement fee. However, the significant variable cost is the state and county property tax, which is assessed based on your vehicle's assessed value.
The property tax is the main factor. Arkansas calculates this tax as a percentage of your car's assessed value (20% of its market value). The tax rate varies by your county of residence. For a car valued around $20,000, the total first-time registration cost, including taxes and fees, often falls between $250 and $350.
Here is a breakdown of common fees for a new registration:
| Fee Type | Cost | Notes |
|---|
| Registration Fee | $17.00 | Standard fee for passenger vehicles. |
| Title Fee | $10.00 | Fee for issuing the certificate of title. |
| License Plate Fee | $2.50 | Fee for the physical plate. |
| Registration Replacement Fee | $2.50 | A standard administrative fee. |
| County Assessor Tax | Variable | Based on 20% of your car's market value, multiplied by your local millage rate. |
| Total Estimated Cost | $25 - $45 + Tax | The base fees are fixed; the property tax causes the wide variation. |
The process requires a few key documents. You'll need to bring the vehicle's title (or Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin for a new car), a completed Form 10-381 (Application for Certificate of Title/Registration), proof of Arkansas vehicle insurance, and a valid ID. If you have an out-of-state title, you must also provide a VIN verification and pass an emissions inspection if you live in Pulaski County.
You complete this at your local Arkansas Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV). Remember that these fees are for an initial registration. Annual renewal costs are generally lower as they only include the registration fee and the annual property tax.
