Queensland motorists will soon be paying more to drive and live in the Sunshine State, with the newly elected LNP government confirming a 3.4 per cent annual increase in all state government fees and charges, including vehicle registration.
Dylan Anderson
Registration Fees Set to Climb
This move follows a freeze on fees for the 2024–25 financial year by the previous Labor government, which also introduced a one-year, 20 per cent cut to vehicle registration costs starting September 2024.
The increase will apply to the previously frozen fee base and take effect after the current discount ends on 16 September 2025. For Queenslanders driving a four-cylinder vehicle, the registration fee will jump from $360.60 to approximately $372.85.
Larger vehicles will also see notable increases. The cost to register a five- or six-cylinder car will rise to about $590.35, compared to the discounted rate of $456.75 or the pre-discount rate of $570.95. The government has confirmed that any motorists who haven’t yet received the 20 per cent discount will still get it until the freeze expires.
Broader Fee Increases
Beyond registration, the 3.4 per cent hike applies to a wide range of state services starting 1 July 2025. This includes essential services like driver’s licences. For example, a five-year licence will increase from $198.35 to approximately $205.10.
Dylan Anderson
Budget Outlook
The Queensland government is forecast to earn $2.507 billion from motor vehicle registration in the 2025–26 financial year, up from $2.081 billion this year while the discount is in effect.
Treasurer David Janetzki defended the increase, stating:
"The government wants to respect taxpayers' money."
He also highlighted other cost-of-living measures recently introduced, including:
- Abolishing stamp duty on new builds for first home buyers
- Making 50 cent public transport fares permanent
Janetzki is expected to deliver the new state budget in June 2025.
What It Means for Drivers
Motorists are being encouraged to prepare for the end of the rego discount and adjust to the new annual indexation policy. While the increases are modest, they represent a consistent rise in costs over time, especially for Queensland households already grappling with broader inflation pressures.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and based on publicly available information at the time of publication.
Dylan Anderson
Dylan Anderson
