Expired Car Registration: Late Fees and What to Do
An expired registration means you can't legally drive the car until you renew, and many states add a late fee. Here's what to do and the late penalties in the states we've checked.
What to do if your registration has expired
- Don't drive the car on public roads until it's renewed, or keep the trip to the renewal office or inspection station.
- Check what's needed: many states require a current inspection or emissions test, proof of insurance, and (in some states) paid property tax first.
- Renew online, by mail or in person and pay the renewal plus any late fee.
Late registration fees we've checked
Penalties from our official-source checks of each state's fee schedule. States not listed aren't in our checked data yet.
| ArkansasLate registration penalty | $3 per 10 days late |
|---|---|
| ColoradoLate fee per month | $25 |
| ColoradoLate fee cap | $100 |
| DelawareLate renewal | $20 |
| IndianaLate registration penalty | $15 |
| MississippiLate renewal penalty | 5% for the first 15 days late, then +5% per 30 days, maximum 25% (no legislative tag credit at the maximum) |
| NevadaLate fees | $6 per month on the past-due registration fee + 10% of past-due GST and supplemental GST ($6 minimum, assessed every 15 days) |
| South DakotaLate fees – grace days | 45 days |
| South DakotaLate fees – late title | $1 per week after 45 days, max $50 |
| South DakotaLate fees – interest | First month greater of $5 or 1% of tax, then 1% per month |
| South DakotaLate fees – penalty after 60 days | Greater of $10 or 10% of tax |
| VirginiaLate registration fee | $10 |
| WisconsinLate registration penalty | $10 |
What a normal renewal costs
See the renewal fee and a calculator for your state on the registration renewal cost by state page.
Frequently asked questions
What happens if my car registration expires?
Driving with an expired registration can get you a ticket, and many states add a late fee or penalty when you finally renew. The car itself stays titled to you; you just can't legally drive it on public roads until it's renewed.
Is there a grace period for expired registration?
Some states allow a short grace period and others don't; it varies, and a grace period for late fees isn't always a grace period for tickets. Check your state's motor vehicle agency.
How much is the late fee for an expired registration?
It varies by state. In the states we've checked it ranges from a flat $10 (Virginia, Wisconsin) to percentage penalties that grow each month. See the table on this page.
Can I renew an expired registration online?
Often yes, especially if it expired recently, but some states require an office visit after a certain time or if an inspection or emissions test is also overdue.