How Much Does It Cost To Register a Car in Arkansas From Out of State
Cost of Registering Out-of-State Vehicles in Arkansas
Registering a vehicle imported into Arkansas from another state involves several mandatory fees payable to the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration through your local revenue office. Understanding these costs is essential for new residents and anyone bringing a vehicle into the state.
Title Fee
When applying for an Arkansas title, you must pay a title fee of $10.00 at your local revenue office. This fee applies to all title transactions, including vehicles brought in from other states.
Motor Vehicle Sales and Use Tax
Arkansas imposes a sales and use tax on vehicles brought into the state, as established under Arkansas Code § 26-53-126. The tax structure for used vehicles follows a tiered system based on the total consideration:
- Less than $4,000: No sales or use tax is due
- $4,000 to $9,999: 3.5% state sales tax rate applies
- $10,000 or more: 6.5% state sales tax rate applies
For new vehicles, the full 6.5% state sales tax rate applies regardless of price, provided the vehicle price is $4,000 or more.
When a vehicle is purchased out of state and brought into Arkansas, the state compensating use tax of 6.5% applies to the purchase price. Arkansas does not provide credit for sales or use taxes paid to other states. Local county and city sales taxes may also apply, varying by jurisdiction.
Registration Fee
The registration fee varies based on vehicle type and weight:
| Vehicle Type | Weight/Displacement | Annual Registration Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Passenger cars and motor homes | 3,000 pounds or less | $17.00 |
| Passenger cars and motor homes | 3,001 – 4,500 pounds | $25.00 |
| Passenger cars and motor homes | 4,501 pounds and over | $30.00 |
| Trucks and vans rated ½ ton and ¾ ton | N/A | $21.00 |
| One-ton trucks and vans (personal use only) | N/A | $21.00 |
| Motorcycles | 250 CC or more | $7.00 |
| Motorcycles | Less than 250 CC | $3.00 |
| Motorcycle side cars | N/A | $2.00 |
| All-Terrain Vehicles | N/A | $5.00 |
| Motorized Bicycles (Standard Transmission) | 50 CC or less | $3.00 |
| Mobile/Manufactured Homes | N/A | $26.00 |
Validation Decal Fee
A validation decal fee of $2.50 is charged for most vehicle types at the time of registration. This fee covers the cost of the decal affixed to the license plate.
Postage Fee
A postage fee of $0.50 is assessed for mailings related to vehicle registration. If a license plate must be mailed, an additional $1.00 is added to the postage fee.
Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Fees
Special annual fees apply to environmentally-focused vehicles:
- Hybrid Vehicles: $50.00 annual fee
- Electric Vehicles: $200.00 annual fee
- Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles: $100.00 annual fee
These fees are in addition to the standard registration fees.
Tag Transfer Fee
When transferring a current license plate from one vehicle to another vehicle you own, a tag transfer fee of $1.00 applies. When transferring a plate to a higher-weight-class vehicle, the difference between the two registration fees will also be charged, in addition to the $1.00 transfer fee.
Lien Filing Fee
If a lien is placed on the vehicle, a lien filing fee of $0.50 is assessed. This fee covers the administrative cost of recording the lienholder's interest in the vehicle.
County Tax Assessor-Collector Offices
The following offices process vehicle title and registration transactions in major Arkansas cities:
Pulaski County Collector
201 S Broadway Street, Suite 260, Little Rock, AR 72201
Phone: (501) 340-8305
Official Website: Pulaski County Collector
Sebastian County Collector
6109 Phoenix Avenue, Fort Smith, AR 72903
Phone: (479) 782-1015
Official Website: Sebastian County Collector
Washington County Collector
280 N College Avenue, Suite 300, Fayetteville, AR 72701
Phone: (479) 444-1547
Official Website: Washington County Collector
Benton County Collector
215 E Central Avenue, Bentonville, AR 72712
Phone: (479) 271-1013
Official Website: Benton County Collector
Craighead County Collector
511 S Main Street, Suite 200, Jonesboro, AR 72401
Phone: (870) 933-4520
Official Website: Craighead County Collector
Faulkner County Collector
801 Locust Street, Conway, AR 72034
Phone: (501) 450-4909
Official Website: Faulkner County Collector
Garland County Collector
415 Ouachita Avenue, Hot Springs, AR 71901
Phone: (501) 622-3610
Official Website: Garland County Collector
Jefferson County Collector
101 E Barraque Street, Pine Bluff, AR 71601
Phone: (870) 541-5322
Official Website: Jefferson County Collector
Saline County Collector
215 N Main Street, Room 7, Benton, AR 72015
Phone: (501) 303-5614
Official Website: Saline County Collector
White County Collector
300 N Spruce Street, Suite 101, Searcy, AR 72143
Phone: (501) 279-6204
Official Website: White County Collector
