How License Plate Hold Release Costs Are Calculated
When vehicle registration fees or property taxes go unpaid, the DMV or local tax authority may place a hold on — or physically seize — your license plate. To get it back, you must pay all outstanding taxes plus accumulated late penalties.
This calculator applies a 5% initial penalty plus 0.75% per additional month overdue, a common structure used by many US states. The total payoff equals overdue tax + penalty + any unresolved fines.
Actual penalty rates vary by jurisdiction. For the most accurate figure, contact your state DMV or county tax office.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Driving without valid registration is a traffic violation that can result in additional fines and impoundment. Resolve the outstanding balance before getting back on the road.
Once payment clears, most states lift the hold within 1–3 business days. Some jurisdictions offer same-day release for in-person payments at the tax office.