Car Registration

Motor vehicles of all types need to be registered in Wyoming. This includes cars, pick-up trucks, SUVs, trailers, motor homes, motorcycles, and hot rods.

From the day of purchase, you have 45 days to register if you bought the vehicle from a dealer, and 30 days if procured from an individual. All sales tax must be paid within 50 days of the purchase.

Part-time or nonresidents of Wyoming who keep vehicles in the state for more than 120 days a year also need to apply for a Wyoming registration.

Vehicle registration and annual renewals are managed at the county level through the county treasurers' offices. Luckily, state statutes standardize the yearly fees―so annual costs are the same regardless of the county.

Registering for the First Time

Buying new or used, leasing, and out-of state-transfers all have numerous registration requirements in common. But each also has a couple of specific needs. When you appear in person at your county treasurer's office, take along the following documents:

New or Used

• A Wyoming title, or a number if the title is with a lien holder.

• Dealer invoice, or bill sale if purchased from a private individual.

• Evidence of the minimum required levels of liability insurance.

Leasing

• Lease agreement specifying the vehicle make, model, and vehicle identification number (VIN), or the Wyoming Sales Tax statement.

• A Wyoming title, or a number if the title is with a lien holder.

• Evidence of the minimum required levels of liability insurance.

From Out of State

• Registration slip from the other state.

• A completed Inspection Affidavit of Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) form.

• Wyoming title, or title number if the title is with a lien holder.

• Evidence of the minimum required levels of liability insurance.

Note on forms: There are 23 counties making up Wyoming's immense and scenic topographic puzzle. Although most policies regarding registration and titling of a vehicle are uniform across counties, there is not a set list of standardized forms available.

Thus, some counties (especially the more populated ones like Laramie and Natrona) have created their own sets of generic forms. These generic forms can, in most cases, be used in counties that do not have any set of forms listed on a Web site.

Select your location from the list of counties. Then you will see links to the local treasurer (for registration matters) and clerk (vehicle titles) for your county.

Renewing Registration and Plates

Registration and license plate renewal takes place annually. Most counties mail a renewal card with the fees due for the upcoming year well in advance of the plate expiration date.

License plates lose their legal standing on the last day of the registration month. Unlike many states, Wyoming does not offer a 30-day grace period―or any leniency, for that matter.

Thus, the day after the plate registration terminates, you can be ticketed. This is true even if the following day falls on a weekend or a holiday.

This does not encourage procrastination by any means, so it is best to take care of the issue well in advance. Especially if you want to avoid the end-of-the-month long lines.

To renew your registration, you will need to bring the renewal card that you received in the mail and proof of insurance to your county treasurer's office.

Fee Calculation

The annual registration is comprised of two fees:

County fee: Computed based on the current estimated worth of the vehicle. Essentially, this is like a property tax. The fees go to assist local schools and government operations.

The basic formula the counties use to determine the fee is: factory cost x depreciation factor x .03%. A few of the county Web sites have a nifty calculating tool where you can enter the year and price paid for your vehicle and receive a basic estimate of your upcoming registration fee.

State fee: A general tax (usually $15 per passenger vehicle and $15 to $60 per truck) placed on all vehicles and sent directly to the coffers of the state government.

Snowmobile and Off-road Vehicle Registration

Both snowmobiles and off-road vehicles (such as ATVs and dirt bikes) need to be registered through the Wyoming Department of Parks and Cultural Resources. The process is described in our boat registration article.

Non-Operational Vehicles

Wyoming doesn't have a special registration available for non-operable vehicles.

Should you decide to let a registration lapse, you may reinstate it by visiting your local treasurer's office. You won't need to pay any registration fees for the lapsed period.