Registration FAQs

Where do I register my car in Wyoming?

Most motor vehicles need to be registered at the local county treasurer's office. There are a few exceptions: boats, off-road vehicles, and snowmobiles.

Do I have a 30-day grace period to pay my registration fees?

Not in Wyoming. The day your registration and license plates elapse is the day you can receive a citation.

If my driver's license is suspended, can I still register my vehicle?

Yes. But you will need your insurance company to file an SR-22 form with the Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT).

Do I have to register my snowmobile?

Yes. But it is not registered through the county treasurer's office. Instead you will need to obtain an annual decal and pay your registrations fees to the Wyoming Department of Parks and Cultural Resources. Read about the process on our boat registration page.

I have a trailer I built to tow my snowmobile around. Do I need to register that thing?

Yes, if it falls into certain weight guidelines. You'll follow different registration procedures from a regular trailer.

Before I register my car, where do I take it for an emissions test?

Nowhere, because Wyoming does not require any type of emissions testing.

How do I get a duplicate title?

Fill out an application form, available from your county clerk's office. All the owners listed on the original title must sign the application, and it must be notarized, before the state will issue a replacement. Even then, there is an 11-day waiting period before your transaction will be processed. A duplicate title costs $9.

What if I don't get my registration?

You'll need to check with your county treasurer. While the county clerk takes care of vehicle titles, your county treasurer handles vehicle registration and license plates.

What if I need replacement license plates or stickers?

License plates fall under the jurisdiction of the county treasurer. Duplicate license plates cost $8. If you only need duplicate validation stickers, they will set you back $6.

What if I lose my registration?

Check with the county treasurer that issued your registration for a replacement; be prepared to pay a $4 fee.

Do I need to have insurance to register a vehicle in Wyoming?

Not just in Wyoming, but in every state. It is mandatory to show evidence of minimum liability coverage at the time of registration, whether presenting a card, a copy of the policy, or an actual letter from the carrier.

Wyoming does not have a program in place that monitors drivers' insurance. But if you are caught without coverage, your license will go into indefinite suspension until you have an insurance company file an SR-22 with the Department of Transportation (WYDOT).

The SR-22 will sit on your record for three years, and the insurance company is required by law to report to WYDOT any coverage loss or cancellation.

Does Wyoming have a special registration available for vehicles that are non-operational or being placed into storage?

No, it doesn't. However, should you decide to let a registration lapse, you may reinstate it by visiting your local county treasurer's office. You won't need to pay any registration fees for the lapsed period.

I’ve heard the IRS honors a tax deduction that has to do with my vehicle registration fees. Is this true?

Yes. The scoop is that the IRS counts a vehicle registration fee that's based on your vehicle's value as a personal property tax, which is deductible. This is true even if your state calls the fee a "registration fee" or a "vehicle use fee." Check out page 146 of the IRS's Publication 17 for more details.

But before you start entering your registration fees on line 7 of the 1040A form, double check to make sure your state calculates the car registration fee based on the car's value. For example, if your state charges you 1% of the car's value each year as a vehicle fee, and you pay $100 based on your car's value ($10,000), then you can deduct $100. If your state charges you for 1% of the car's value, plus a bunch of other miscellaneous fees, then you can still only deduct the $100. The fees might be itemized on your vehicle registration card or registration renewal form.

Other states ignore the car's value and charge only based on the vehicle weight; in those cases, you can't take the deduction.

If you aren't sure about whether the state charges this fee or you can't find the fee, contact your local motor-vehicle office. If you have questions about taking the deduction, call a tax professional or the IRS.

MORE REGISTRATION ANSWERS

• Car Registration
• Title Transfer
• Boat Registration
• RV and Motor Home Registration
• Custom-built Car Registration
• License Plates and Placards