Guides
The DMVCosts Blog
Practical guides to vehicle taxes, registration and title fees, and DMV paperwork - state by state, without the jargon.
Latest articles
LatestRegistration & RenewalAugust 22, 202612 min read
Not the DMV: How Fish & Game, DNR, and Parks Offices Set Your Boat Fees
Boat registration isn't always a DMV task. See how Arizona Game & Fish, Minnesota DNR, and other wildlife agencies set fees and handle titles differently.
Read full articleTax, Title & LicenseAugust 15, 202611 min read
Alabama Title Fees by County: Why the Local Add-On Changes Your Total
Alabama's $15 state title fee is just the start. County probate offices add their own fee, so your total varies by county. See how to estimate yours.
Tax, Title & LicenseAugust 8, 20265 min read
Georgia TAVT: The One-Time Tax That Surprises Out-of-State Buyers
Georgia TAVT explained: how the 6.6% one-time title tax actually works, what you'll pay when buying a car or moving to the state, and how to avoid surprises at the tag office.
Tax, Title & LicenseAugust 6, 202610 min read
Out-of-State Car Buy: Which Sales Tax Do You Owe and What Temp Tags Actually Cost
Buying a car out of state? Learn which state's sales tax you actually owe, how temporary tags work, and what you'll pay when you register it at home.
Buying & Selling TipsAugust 2, 20267 min read
Trade-In Tax Credit: Which States Subtract Before Sales Tax and What It's Worth
Learn which states let you subtract your trade-in before calculating sales tax, how much it saves you, and the dollar difference in states that don't offer the credit.
Buying & Selling TipsAugust 1, 20266 min read
Buying a Car With No Title? Here's What a Bonded Title Actually Costs
Lost title on a car? A bonded title might be your solution. Learn what it costs, how surety bonds work, and when it's worth it. State examples like Arkansas.