Navigating the costs associated with registering a motor vehicle in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) can seem overwhelming, but having a clear grasp of these expenses will help you avoid unexpected fees or penalties. Vehicle registration in the ACT consists of several essential components, including the registration fee itself, a government fee, Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance, and stamp duty. Below, we break down these costs and provide detailed tables to ensure you’re fully informed.
Establishment Fee
If you’re registering a vehicle in the ACT for the first time, you’ll encounter an establishment fee. This one-time charge of $114.40 applies to any motor vehicle that hasn’t previously been registered in the ACT. While relatively small, it’s essential to account for this fee when budgeting for your vehicle’s registration.
| Fee Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Establishment Fee | $114.40 |
Administrative Fee Component
All vehicles are subject to a flat registration fee, regardless of engine size:
| Engine Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| All Engine Sizes (including electric) | $144.20 |
These costs reflect the ACT government’s efforts to support eco-friendly transportation, while maintaining necessary safety and insurance obligations.
Registration Fee Component
As mentioned earlier, registration fees for passenger cars vary based on the weight of the vehicle, the CO2 emissions produced by the vehicle and the vehicle usage type, private or commercial. The registration fee is the same for passenger and goods carrying vehicles. You can use the Vehicle Registration Fee calculator to get an estimate of your registration fee along with CTP and other fees..
Passenger Vehicles
For traditional passenger vehicles, registration fees vary depending on the car’s tare weight (the weight of the car without passengers or cargo). Lighter vehicles have lower fees, while heavier ones contribute more to road maintenance and safety services. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the costs involved:
CTP Insurance for Passenger Vehicles
CTP Insurance costs are fixed for passenger vehicles depending only on their usage type:
Private Use Passenger Vehicles
| Provider | 12 Months |
|---|---|
| NRMA | $393.70 |
| AAMI | $393.70 |
| GIO | $396.70 |
| APIA | $425.60 |
Business Use Passenger Vehicles
| Provider | 12 Months |
|---|---|
| NRMA | $422.00 |
| AAMI | $509.90 |
| GIO | $422.40 |
| APIA | $453.20 |
Government Fee Component for Passenger Vehicles
Passenger vehicles are subject to a government fee of $159. Here’s how that breaks down:
| Fee Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Road Rescue Fee | $32.50 |
| Road Safety Contribution | $2.50 |
| Lifetime Care and Support Levy | $110.40 |
| Motor Accident Levy | $14.00 |
| Total Government Fee | $159.40 |
Goods Vehicles
Goods vehicles are defined as vehicles with the purpose to transport goods e.g. vans, utility utes, and have slightly different costs to passenger vehicles. In this calculator, only goods vehicles with a gross vehicle mass (GVM) less than 4.5 tonnes are considered.
CTP Insurance for Goods Vehicles
Like passenger vehicles, CTP insurance for goods carrying vehicles are only dependent on usage type:
Private Use Goods Vehicles
| Provider | 12 Months |
|---|---|
| NRMA | $472.40 |
| AAMI | $478.80 |
| GIO | $472.40 |
| APIA | $525.60 |
Business Use Goods Vehicles
| Provider | 12 Months |
|---|---|
| NRMA | $506.30 |
| AAMI | $509.90 |
| GIO | $503.10 |
| APIA | $559.70 |
Government Fee Component for Passenger Vehicles
Goods vehicles are subject to the same government fee of $159 as passenger vehicles, see above.
Stamp Duty
Stamp duty in the ACT is linked to your vehicle’s CO2 emissions and dutiable value (the value of the car for tax purposes). The more environmentally friendly your car, the lower your stamp duty.
From 1 July 2024 to 31 August 2025
Performance Rating and CO2 Emissions
| Performance Rating | CO2 Emissions (g/km) |
|---|---|
| A | 0–130 |
| B | 131–175 |
| C | 176–220 |
| D | 221 and above |
Duty Amount for Vehicles Valued Below $45,000
| Performance Rating | Duty Amount |
|---|---|
| A | Nil |
| B | $1 for every $100, or part of $100, of the dutiable value. |
| C | $3.05 for every $100, or part of $100, of the dutiable value. |
| D | $4.25 for every $100, or part of $100, of the dutiable value. |
Duty Amount for Vehicles Valued at $45,000 or More
| Performance Rating | Duty Amount |
|---|---|
| A | Nil |
| B | $450, plus $2 for every $100, or part of $100, of the dutiable value in excess of $45,000. |
| C | $1,370.50, plus $5.11 for every $100, or part of $100, of the dutiable value in excess of $45,000. |
| D | $1,910.60, plus $6.82 for every $100, or part of $100, of the dutiable value in excess of $45,000. |
From 1 September 2025
Performance Rating and CO2 Emissions
| Performance Rating | CO2 Emissions (g/km) |
|---|---|
| AAA | 0 |
| AA | 0–65 |
| A | 66-130 |
| B | 131–175 |
| C | 176–220 |
| D | 221 and above |
Duty Amount for Vehicles Valued Below $45,000
| Performance Rating | Duty Amount |
|---|---|
| AAA | $2.50 for every $100, or part of $100, of the dutiable value. |
| AA | $2.67 for every $100, or part of $100, of the dutiable value. |
| A | $2.84 for every $100, or part of $100, of the dutiable value. |
| B | $3.00 for every $100, or part of $100, of the dutiable value. |
| C | $3.17 for every $100, or part of $100, of the dutiable value. |
| D | $4.53 for every $100, or part of $100, of the dutiable value. |
Duty Amount for Vehicles Valued between $45,000 and $80,000
| Performance Rating | Duty Amount |
|---|---|
| AAA | $1,125.00, plus $4.00 for every $100, or part of $100, of the dutiable value in excess of $45,000 but less than $80,000. |
| AA | $1,201.50, plus $4.41 for every $100, or part of $100, of the dutiable value in excess of $45,000 but less than $80,000. |
| A | $1,278.00, plus $4.81 for every $100, or part of $100, of the dutiable value in excess of $45,000 but less than $80,000. |
| B | $1,350.00, plus $5.22 for every $100, or part of $100, of the dutiable value in excess of $45,000 but less than $80,000. |
| C | $1,426.50, plus $5.62 for every $100, or part of $100, of the dutiable value in excess of $45,000 but less than $80,000. |
| D | $2,038.50, plus $7.81 for every $100, or part of $100, of the dutiable value in excess of $45,000 but less than $80,000. |
Duty Amount for Vehicles Valued at $80,000 or More.
| Performance Rating | Duty Amount |
|---|---|
| AAA | $2,525.00, plus $8.00 for every $100, or part of $100, of the dutiable value in excess of $80,000. |
| AA | $2,745.00, plus $8.00 for every $100, or part of $100, of the dutiable value in excess of $80,000. |
| A | $2,961.50, plus $8.00 for every $100, or part of $100, of the dutiable value in excess of $80,000. |
| B | $3,177.00, plus $8.00 for every $100, or part of $100, of the dutiable value in excess of $80,000. |
| C | $3,393.50, plus $8.00 for every $100, or part of $100, of the dutiable value in excess of $80,000. |
| D | $4,722.00, plus $8.00 for every $100, or part of $100, of the dutiable value in excess of $80,000. |
Luxury Car Tax (LCT)
If you’re purchasing a high-end vehicle, you may also need to consider the Luxury Car Tax (LCT). This federal tax is applied to vehicles with a value exceeding the LCT threshold. As this tax is levied by the Australian Taxation Office, it applies nationwide, including the ACT.
For your convenience, we have written a separate article on Luxury Car Tax to help you determine if your vehicle is subject to this tax and how to calculate it.
By understanding these various costs, you’ll be better equipped to plan your vehicle registration in the ACT and avoid any unexpected fees. Whether you’re registering an electric vehicle and benefiting from reduced fees, or calculating stamp duty for a passenger car, knowing the breakdown of these charges will make the process smoother and more predictable.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is 3-month rego in the ACT?
In the ACT, the cost of 3-month vehicle registration will depend on the tare weight and CO2 emissions of your car. For example, for an electric passenger vehicle weighing up to 975 kg, 3-month rego would cost approximately $95.40. Heavier vehicles or vehicles with greater emissions will incur higher fees. Make sure to check the weight class of your vehicle to get an accurate cost.
How much is stamp duty on a car in the ACT?
Stamp duty in the ACT is calculated based on your vehicle’s CO2 emissions and its value. For cars emitting under 130 g/km of CO2, there is no stamp duty. For higher emissions, the duty ranges from $1 to $4.25 per $100 of the car’s value. If your vehicle is worth more than $45,000, additional charges apply.
How much is car rego in the ACT?
The cost of car registration in the ACT varies based on the weight and CO2 emissions of the vehicle. For example, registration for a emissions category B car weighing up to 975 kg is $404.40 per year, while vehicles weighing over 1,505 kg cost $622.70 annually. Additional fees, such as CTP insurance and government charges, will also apply.
How often do you pay rego in the ACT?
In the ACT, you can pay your vehicle registration either every 3 months, 6 months, or 12 months, depending on your preference. The frequency of payment doesn’t affect the overall yearly cost, but it does allow more flexibility in managing expenses.