Annual Alternative Fuel Vehicle Fees - FAQ

  • What are the annual alternative fuel vehicle fees assessed on alternative fuel vehicles?

    For alternative fuel vehicles that fall with the annual fee category, the initial annual alternative fuel vehicle fees increase on an annual basis – for current rates see the most recent policy bulletin under HB-170.

  • Do the alternative fuel vehicle licensing fees apply to all alternative fuel vehicles that qualify for an alternative fuel vehicle plate?

    No. The new alternative fuel vehicle fees do not apply to alternative fuel vehicles, which operate primarily on compressed natural gas, liquefied natural gas, or liquefied petroleum gas. For plug-in hybrid-electric vehicles and flexible fuel vehicles (such as E-85) the new alternative fuel vehicle fees only apply if the owner elects an alternative fuel vehicle license plate. Please note, a hybrid-electric vehicle that is not a plug-in hybrid-electric vehicle does not constitute an alternative fuel vehicle and is not subject to alternative fuel vehicle fees.

  • Will I receive a notice in my registration renewal that my vehicle is subject to these fees?

    Yes. If your vehicle is subject to the alternative fuel vehicle fee and you receive a renewal notice, your annual renewal notice will automatically reflect such fees.

  • Do the alternative fuel vehicle fees replace the fee I have been paying every year when I renew my license plate?
    No. The new alternative fuel vehicle fees are in addition to the ordinary annual fee you already pay at the time of registration and renewal. For example, personal passenger vehicle owners who have an alternative fuel vehicle license plate must pay a one-time manufacturing fee of $25 and are annually subject to a $20 registration fee and a $35 special tag fee. Annual ad valorem tax may also apply.
  • My vehicle runs exclusively on electricity. If I exchange my alternative fuel vehicle license plate for another plate type, do I still owe the alternative fuel vehicle fee?
    Yes, the fee will still be due. For pure electric vehicles, the alternative fuel vehicle fees are dependent on vehicle type, not the license plate type, and will still have to be paid regardless of which license plate is placed on the vehicle.
  • My vehicle is a plug-in hybrid-electric vehicle. If I exchange my special alternative fuel license plate for another plate type, do I still owe the alternative fuel vehicle fee?

    No. Plug-in hybrid-electric vehicle owners will not be subject to the alternative fuel vehicle fee unless a special alternative fuel license plate is purchased. Please note: flex fuel vehicles (such as E-85) are also not subject to the alternative fuel vehicle fees unless an alternative fuel vehicle license plate is purchased.

  • For plug-in hybrid-electric and flex fuel vehicles, how is an alternative fuel vehicle license plate purchased?
    At the time of initial registration or annual registration renewal, plug-in hybrid-electric and flex fuel vehicle owners can file an affirmative election to either add or remove an choose alternative fuel vehicle license plate to or choose a different type of license plate. If the alternative fuel license plate is chosen, the vehicle owner must pay the alternative fuel vehicle fee and any other fees associated with such plate. If the owner elects to remove the plate, no alternative fuel vehicle fees will be due.
  • When are the alternative fuel vehicle fees due?

    The alternative fuel vehicle fees are due at the time of initial vehicle registration and annually at the time of registration renewal. See When and Where to Renew License Plates.

  • Are any vehicles exempt from the alternative fuel vehicle fees?
    No. The law does not provide for any exemptions or exclusions from the annual alternative fuel vehicles fees. The types of vehicles that will be subject to this fee, assuming the vehicle in question is an alternative fuel vehicle, also include government vehicles and farm vehicles.