How Much Does It Cost To Register a Car in Idaho From Out of State
New Idaho residents must transfer vehicle registration from their previous state within 90 days of establishing domicile in Idaho. The Idaho Transportation Department oversees motor vehicle registration and titling operations administered through county assessor offices and Department of Motor Vehicles branches statewide.
Base Registration and Title Fees
Standard State Fees
Idaho determines registration fees according to vehicle age, type, and specific use classification. The state's fee structure incorporates vehicle depreciation, with older vehicles subject to reduced annual charges as specified in Idaho Code § 49-402.
Registration Fees by Vehicle Age and Type:
| Vehicle Classification | Age/Weight Category | Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Passenger vehicles and light trucks | 8,000 lbs or less, 1-2 years old | $69.00 |
| Passenger vehicles and light trucks | 8,000 lbs or less, 3-6 years old | $57.00 |
| Passenger vehicles and light trucks | 8,000 lbs or less, 7+ years old | $45.00 |
| Electric vehicles | Additional annual surcharge | $140.00 |
| Plug-in hybrid vehicles | Additional annual surcharge | $75.00 |
| Motorcycles | All years (includes $6.00 safety program fee) | $25.00 |
| School buses | All years | $24.00 |
Truck Registration Fees (Non-Commercial/Farm Use):
| Gross Weight | Annual Fee |
|---|---|
| 8,001 - 16,000 lbs | $73.00 |
| 16,001 - 26,000 lbs | $86.08 |
| 26,001 - 30,000 lbs | $116.68 |
| 30,001 - 40,000 lbs | $155.08 |
| 40,001 - 50,000 lbs | $213.28 |
| 50,001 - 60,000 lbs | $336.88 |
Truck Registration Fees (Commercial/Interstate Bus Use):
| Gross Weight | Annual Fee |
|---|---|
| 8,001 - 16,000 lbs | $73.00 |
| 16,001 - 26,000 lbs | $168.40 |
| 26,001 - 30,000 lbs | $248.80 |
| 30,001 - 40,000 lbs | $316.60 |
| 40,001 - 50,000 lbs | $385.00 |
| 50,001 - 60,000 lbs | $540.40 |
Supplemental Registration Charges:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| License plate issuance | $3.75 per plate |
| Emergency Medical Services (EMS) fee | $1.25 |
| Idaho State Police (ISP) program fee | $3.00 |
| County administrative fee | Varies by county |
| County Highway District fee (example: Ada County) | $24.00 to $40.00 |
Title Fees
Idaho requires a certificate of title for motor vehicles, manufactured homes, and trailers exceeding specified weight thresholds.
Title Service Fees:
| Service Description | Fee Amount |
|---|---|
| Certificate of title | $14.00 |
| Duplicate certificate of title | $14.00 |
| Title correction | $14.00 |
New Resident Fee and Use Tax
Idaho does not impose a general sales tax on motor vehicle purchases or registrations. However, certain local option taxes may apply in designated resort communities. The Idaho State Tax Commission administers limited sales tax programs affecting vehicle transactions in specific jurisdictions.
Resort City Sales Tax
Select Idaho resort cities are authorized to impose a local option sales tax on motor vehicle sales and purchases on top of the 6% Idaho state sales tax. This tax applies only within incorporated resort city boundaries where voters have approved such taxation. The Idaho State Tax Commission Resort Cities page identifies jurisdictions levying resort city sales tax.
Resort City Vehicle Sales Tax:
| Jurisdiction | Tax Rate |
|---|---|
| McCall | 1.0% |
| Ketchum | 2.0% |
| Sun Valley | 3.0% |
Resort city sales tax applies to the purchase price of vehicles acquired within the resort city limits. Vehicles registered by new Idaho residents are generally exempt from resort city sales tax unless the vehicle was purchased within a resort city during the registration period.
Alternative Fuel Vehicle Fees
Idaho assesses supplemental annual fees for electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid vehicles to compensate for motor fuel tax revenue not collected from these vehicle types.
Alternative Fuel Vehicle Annual Fees:
| Vehicle Type | Annual Fee |
|---|---|
| Electric vehicle | $140.00 |
| Hybrid vehicle | $75.00 |
These fees are collected annually at the time of registration renewal in addition to standard registration charges.
Salvage and Reconstructed Vehicle Inspection
Vehicles bearing salvage titles or reconstructed from salvage components must complete a physical inspection conducted by law enforcement or authorized inspection agents before receiving a reconstructed title.
Reconstructed Vehicle Inspection Fees:
| Fee Description | Amount |
|---|---|
| Reconstructed vehicle inspection (initial) | $25.00 |
| Reconstructed vehicle title | $14.00 |
The inspection fee is paid to the law enforcement agency or authorized inspector performing the physical examination. The reconstructed title fee is remitted to the county assessor's office or DMV branch processing the title application.
Government Agencies and Contact Information
Idaho Transportation Department - Division of Motor Vehicles
3311 West State Street, Boise, ID 83703
Phone: (208) 334-8000
Official Website: Idaho Transportation Department
The Idaho Transportation Department Division of Motor Vehicles establishes policies and procedures for vehicle titling, registration, and licensing throughout Idaho's 44 counties. The division coordinates with county assessors who function as registration agents for most vehicle transactions within their respective counties.
Idaho Vehicle Licensing Offices
Idaho provides motor vehicle services through county assessor offices and dedicated DMV branch locations in larger population centers. Office locations and contact information are listed in the Idaho Transportation Department Office Locator directory.
Ada County Assessor's Office - Motor Vehicle Department
190 East Front Street, Boise, ID 83702
Phone: (208) 287-7200
Official Website: Ada County Assessor
Canyon County Assessor's Office
111 North 11th Avenue, Suite 220, Caldwell, ID 83605
Phone: (208) 454-7431
Official Website: Canyon County Assessor
Kootenai County Assessor's Office
451 Government Way, Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814
Phone: (208) 446-1500
Official Website: Kootenai County Assessor
Bonneville County Assessor's Office
605 North Capital Avenue, Idaho Falls, ID 83402
Phone: (208) 529-1350
Official Website: Bonneville County Assessor
Twin Falls County Assessor's Office
425 Shoshone Street North, Room 104, Twin Falls, ID 83301
Phone: (208) 736-4028
Official Website: Twin Falls County Assessor
Bannock County Assessor's Office
130 North 6th Avenue, Pocatello, ID 83205
Phone: (208) 236-7240
Official Website: Bannock County Assessor
Nez Perce County Assessor's Office
1230 Main Street, Lewiston, ID 83501
Phone: (208) 799-3020
Official Website: Nez Perce County Assessor
Latah County Assessor's Office
522 South Adams Street, Moscow, ID 83843
Phone: (208) 883-2280
Official Website: Latah County Assessor
Madison County Assessor's Office
134 East Main Street, Rexburg, ID 83440
Phone: (208) 356-3691
Official Website: Madison County Assessor
Elmore County Assessor's Office
150 South 4th East, Mountain Home, ID 83647
Phone: (208) 587-2129
Official Website: Elmore County Assessor
