Residents of Ohio will face increased costs associated with vehicle ownership starting January 1, 2026, due to the passage of House Bill 96. This legislation, approved by Governor Mike DeWine in June, mandates a rise in the annual motor vehicle registration fee for passenger cars from $11 to $16. The fee hike applies exclusively to non-commercial vehicles, while the registration fee for commercial vehicles will increase from $30 to $35.
The additional revenue generated from these fee increases will be allocated to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, aiding in the administration and enforcement of Ohio’s Motor Vehicle and Traffic Laws. Alongside the registration fee adjustments, the prorated multi-year registration service fee will also see an increase, rising from $5 to $8 per registered vehicle. This fee typically covers essential processes related to driver’s licenses, state identification cards, motor vehicle registrations, and inspections.
The overall impact will lead to an increase of $8 per year for Ohio residents with non-commercial vehicles. Furthermore, the general certificate of title fee is set to rise from $15 to $20.
In comparison, other states are experiencing even steeper increases. For instance, in Oregon, vehicle registration fees can range from $300 to $1,000. According to WFMJ, the financial changes outlined in House Bill 96 will take effect next year, with current rates remaining in place through December 2025.
The state maintains a standard $1 fee for transferring a vehicle’s registration and license plate to a different car. This fee will be waived for disabled veterans and individuals honored with military service awards.
Ohio is not the only state implementing fee hikes for vehicle ownership. In Wisconsin, the vehicle registration fee has increased from $28 to $40, and Maryland saw a registration fee increase of up to 75% last year.
While the increases may be discouraging for vehicle owners, there is some positive news. Plans for a $20 federal yearly registration fee set to commence in 2031 have been abandoned. Additionally, in September, State Representatives David Thomas (R-Jefferson) and Joe Miller (D-Amherst) proposed a bill to the Ohio House of Representatives aimed at eliminating the $100 registration and annual renewal fee for hybrid vehicles. This fee has been criticized for adding to the maintenance costs of environmentally-friendly vehicles.
Currently, owners of regular hybrid vehicles pay an additional $100 for registration, while plug-in hybrids and electric cars incur fees of $150 and $200, respectively. Should the proposed bill pass, it would alleviate the financial burden on regular hybrid car owners.
As Ohio prepares for these changes in vehicle registration fees, residents will need to budget accordingly for the increased costs associated with car ownership.
