How Much To Register a Car In Quebec?
The vehicle registration charges in Quebec are administered by the Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ), with fee structures published through the official Vehicle Registration portal managed by the provincial government.
Standard Registration Fees for Passenger Vehicles
Annual registration renewal charges for passenger automobiles weighing 3,000 kg or less consist of multiple components that owners must remit annually:
| Fee Component | Standard Rate | Designated Region | Peripheral Region | Non-Networked Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicle registration fee | $137.00 | $111.00 | $85.00 | $0.00 |
| Insurance contribution | $64.78 | $64.78 | $64.78 | $64.78 |
| Insurance contribution tax | $5.84 | $5.84 | $5.84 | $5.84 |
| Administrative charge | $5.35 | $5.35 | $5.35 | $5.35 |
| Base total | $212.97 | $186.97 | $160.97 | $75.97 |
Residents of municipalities belonging to the Communauté métropolitaine de Montréal (CMM) pay costs imposed by regional authorities to finance public transport infrastructure:
| Additional CMM Contributions | Amount |
|---|---|
| Public transit contribution | $150.00 |
| Municipal support fee | $30.00 |
| Total additional CMM charges | $180.00 |
Certain municipalities outside the CMM also collect passenger vehicle registration taxes, ranging from $30.00 to $60.00 annually, which are administered through SAAQ billing at renewal.
Motorcycle and Off-Highway Vehicle Registration Costs
Motorcycle registration expenses in Quebec vary substantially according to cylinder capacity, the operator's driving experience, and the vehicle's risk classification under the SAAQ's graduated insurance contribution system.
Standard Motorcycle Insurance Contributions
| Motorcycle Category | Less Than 3 Years Experience | 3 to Under 5 Years | 5 Years or More | Legal Persons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 125 cc or less (≤11 kW) | $306.96 | $252.27 | $221.06 | $221.06 |
| 126 to 400 cc (12-35 kW) | $541.57 | $435.38 | $374.68 | $374.68 |
| 401 cc and over | $792.81 | $637.54 | $548.82 | $548.82 |
High-risk motorcycles, identified by SAAQ based on aerodynamic design, forward-leaning riding position, and performance characteristics, carry substantially elevated insurance contributions:
| High-Risk Motorcycle Rates (2025) | Less Than 3 Years | 3 to Under 5 Years | 5 Years or More |
|---|---|---|---|
| Insurance contribution | $2,328.15 | $1,857.05 | $1,587.66 |
Complete motorcycle registration includes these insurance contributions plus a $5.35 administrative charge. Operators utilizing the motorcycle registration cost estimator can calculate precise amounts based on individual circumstances.
Mopeds, Scooters and Off-Road Vehicles
| Vehicle Type | Insurance Contribution (Tax Included) | Administrative Charge | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moped and scooter | $317.10 | $5.35 | $322.45 |
| Off-road vehicle (ATV, snowmobile) | $65.49 | $5.35 | $70.84 |
Off-road vehicles operating in regions not connected to the provincial road network qualify for reduced registration of $38.91 annually.
Trailer Registration Fees
Trailer registration in Quebec follows a one-time payment structure for most categories:
| Trailer Type | Vehicle Registration Fee | Insurance Contribution | Administrative Charge | Total One-Time Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard trailer (R plate) | $57.50 | $18.20 | $13.05 | $88.75 |
| Standard trailer (existing R plate) | $57.50 | $18.20 | $10.40 | $86.10 |
| Farm trailer | $0.00 | $0.00 | $13.05 | $13.05 |
| Farm trailer (existing plate) | $0.00 | $0.00 | $10.40 | $10.40 |
Camping trailers and tent trailers follow identical fee structures, with payment required only during initial registration at SAAQ service outlets. Trailer owners transferring existing R licence plates between vehicles pay the reduced administrative charge of $10.40 rather than $13.05 for new plate issuance.
Commercial Vehicle Registration Costs
Commercial vehicle registration expenses scale according to vehicle classification, weight rating, axle configuration, and operational purpose under SAAQ's commercial licensing framework.
Light Commercial Vehicles (3,000 kg or Less)
| Vehicle Classification | Vehicle Registration Fee | Insurance Contribution | Charge | Total Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial use | $137.00 | $101.60 | $5.35 | $243.95 |
| Personal use | $137.00 | $64.78 | $5.35 | $207.13 |
Heavy Trucks by Axle Configuration
General Goods Transportation - Commercial Operations:
| Axle Configuration | Weight Category | Vehicle Registration Fee | Insurance Contribution | Total Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 axles | 3,001-8,000 kg | $525.00 | $129.78 | $654.78 |
| 2 axles | 8,001-10,000 kg | $911.00 | $129.78 | $1,040.78 |
| 2 axles | 10,001-15,000 kg | $1,581.00 | $129.78 | $1,710.78 |
| 2 axles | Over 15,000 kg | $2,320.00 | $129.78 | $2,449.78 |
| 3 or 4 axles | All weights | $525.00 - $3,636.00 | $248.41 | $773.41 - $3,884.41 |
| 5 or more axles | All weights | $525.00 - $5,301.00 | $417.68 | $942.68 - $5,718.68 |
Farm Vehicle Operations:
| Axle Configuration | Vehicle Registration Fee | Insurance Contribution | Total Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 axles (over 3,000 kg) | $0.00 | $87.04 | $87.04 |
| 3 or 4 axles | $0.00 | $127.95 | $127.95 |
| 5 or more axles | $0.00 | $205.98 | $205.98 |
Bus and School Bus Registration
| Bus Category | Weight Range | Insurance Contribution | Charge | Total Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| School bus | All weights | $161.10 | $5.35 | $166.45 |
| Private bus/minibus | 3,000 kg or less | $253.60 | $5.35 | $258.95 |
| Private bus | 3,001-8,000 kg | $253.60 | $5.35 | $258.95 |
| Private bus | 8,001-10,000 kg | $1,275.12 | $5.35 | $1,280.47 |
| Private bus | Over 10,001 kg | $1,275.12 | $5.35 | $1,280.47 |
International Registration Plan (IRP) Services
| IRP Registration Service | 2025 Fee |
|---|---|
| Initial registration | $52.25 |
| Fleet or distance modifications | $52.25 |
| Renewal by mail | $52.25 |
| Renewal at service outlet | $59.50 |
Commercial vehicles registered under the International Registration Plan operate across multiple jurisdictions with fees apportioned according to distance traveled in each participating region.
Antique and Special Use Vehicle Registration
Historic and specialty vehicle classifications offer alternatives to standard registration for qualifying vehicles that meet the SAAQ's eligibility criteria.
Vintage Vehicle Registration
Vehicles manufactured prior to 1981 qualify for restricted-area use registration under C licence plate classification, limiting operation to designated areas and specific conditions:
| Vintage Vehicle Type | Vehicle Registration Fee | Insurance Contribution | Charge | Total Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vintage motorcycle (pre-1981) | $33.00 | $34.18 | $5.35 | $72.53 |
| Vintage automobile | $33.00 | $34.18 | $5.35 | $72.53 |
Vintage vehicles must remain substantially unmodified from original manufacturer specifications to maintain registration eligibility under this classification.
Handcrafted and Custom-Built Vehicles
| Special Vehicle Category | Registration Type | Fee Structure |
|---|---|---|
| Handcrafted trailer (≤900 kg) | One-time payment | $88.75 |
| Custom-built vehicle | Standard classification | Varies by category |
| Net weight ≤450 kg vehicle | C plate restricted use | $72.53 annually |
Custom-built vehicles undergo mechanical inspection and certification procedures before receiving authorization for road use under applicable SAAQ safety standards.
Additional Registration Fees
Quebec imposes supplementary charges for specific vehicle categories and circumstances beyond standard registration costs.
Large Cylinder Capacity Vehicle Fees
Vehicles equipped with engines exceeding 3.95 litres cylinder capacity manufactured in 1995 or later face additional acquisition and annual fees based on engine displacement:
| Engine Cylinder Capacity (Litres) | Acquisition Fee | Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|
| 4.0 | $59.75 | $55.98 |
| 4.5 | $78.91 | $75.10 |
| 5.0 | $98.07 | $92.17 |
| 5.5 | $117.19 | $109.31 |
| 6.0 | $136.35 | $126.42 |
| 6.5 | $155.51 | $141.50 |
| 7.0 | $174.63 | $156.61 |
| 7.5 | $193.79 | $173.72 |
| 8.0 and over | $239.00 | $217.03 |
Luxury Vehicle Additional Fee
Vehicles valued above $40,000 incur an annual additional registration fee calculated at 1% of the amount exceeding this threshold.
Electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids, and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles receive partial exemptions on the portion of their value between $40,000 and $75,000 through 2026, after which standard luxury vehicle fees apply.
Administrative Service Fees
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Vehicle acquisition by exchange | $10.40 |
| Standard registration transaction | $10.40 |
| Road use authorization | $10.40 |
| New licence plate issuance | $2.65 |
| Licence plate replacement | $12.49 |
| Registration certificate replacement | $10.40 |
All fees remain subject to annual adjustment through SAAQ's rate review procedures. Vehicle owners may remit payments through financial institutions (online, ATM, counter, or telephone), pre-authorized debit arrangements, or by cheque submission to the SAAQ's processing center. Payment information and renewal schedules are accessible through individual SAAQ account portals.