Annual Car Rego Cost by State (Typical Passenger Car)
| State | Rego Fee | CTP Included? | Est. Total (inc. CTP) |
|---|---|---|---|
| NSW | $462–$1,500+ | No — separate Green Slip | $900–$2,000+ |
| VIC | $800–$950 | Yes (TAC levy) | $800–$950 |
| QLD | $650–$780 | Yes | $650–$780 |
| WA | $350–$600 | Yes (in most cases) | $700–$1,100 |
| SA | $400–$700 | Yes | $700–$1,000 |
| TAS | $300–$500 | Yes | $600–$900 |
| ACT | $350–$600 | No — separate MAI | $800–$1,200 |
| NT | $350–$550 | Yes | $600–$900 |
Ranges are estimates for a typical mid-size passenger car (e.g. Toyota Corolla, ~1,300kg). Actual costs depend on vehicle weight, cylinders, location, and driver age. Use your state's official calculator for exact figures.
What's Included in Rego
Registration fees are made up of several components that vary by state:
- Base registration fee: Administrative charge ($50–$100)
- Motor vehicle tax: Based on weight, cylinders, or emissions (varies by state)
- CTP insurance: Compulsory Third Party — covers injuries to other people in accidents. Included in rego in most states, separate in NSW and ACT.
- Road safety / traffic improvement levies: Small state-specific charges
NSW — The Two-Bill State
NSW is the only major state where you pay rego and CTP separately. Your rego is based on vehicle weight ($82 admin + weight-based tax). Your CTP "Green Slip" is bought from one of six competing insurers — prices vary by insurer, postcode, driver age, and vehicle type. A young driver in western Sydney might pay $700–$900 for their Green Slip alone, while a 45-year-old in a regional area might pay under $400. Always compare at greenslips.com.au.
Victoria — CTP Is Built In
Victoria bundles the TAC (Transport Accident Commission) charge into your rego. No separate CTP purchase needed. Costs vary by metropolitan vs regional location and vehicle type. Typical total: $800–$950/year for a standard passenger car.
Concessions
Pensioners and concession card holders get reduced rego in most states — typically 50% off the registration fee. Some states offer additional concessions for veterans, health care card holders, and primary producers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which state has the cheapest car rego?
Queensland and Tasmania tend to be the cheapest overall for standard passenger cars, with all-inclusive costs (rego + CTP) around $600–$800/year. NSW can be the most expensive due to the separate Green Slip.
Can I pay rego quarterly?
Most states offer 6-month or 12-month options. NSW offers quarterly. Shorter periods may have a small surcharge per period. 12 months is usually the cheapest per-day rate.
What happens if I drive unregistered?
Heavy fines ($700+), your car can be seized, and you have no CTP insurance — meaning you're personally liable for any injuries caused in an accident. Don't risk it.
Do I need a roadworthy to register?
For new registrations and interstate transfers, most states require a safety inspection or roadworthy certificate. Annual rego renewals generally don't require an inspection in most states (NSW requires a pink slip for vehicles 5+ years old).