Registering a new car with the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) involves several steps and costs. These fees are subject to change, and it’s always best to check the latest official BRTA website or visit a BRTA office for the most up-to-date information. However, based on the available information and general practices, here’s a detailed breakdown of the likely costs involved in car registration in Bangladesh in 2025.
I. Mandatory Fees Payable to BRTA:
These are the core fees directly collected by the BRTA for the registration process. The exact amounts can vary based on the vehicle type, engine capacity (CC), and whether it’s a private or commercial vehicle.
A. Registration Fee:
This is the primary fee for officially registering your vehicle. The structure usually depends on the engine’s cubic capacity (cc):
- Cars/Jeeps up to 1500cc: This will be a specific amount, likely in the range of Tk 25,000 based on previous years’ tax structures.
- Cars/Jeeps exceeding 1500cc but not exceeding 2000cc: This fee will be higher than the previous category, potentially around Tk 50,000.
- Cars/Jeeps exceeding 2000cc but not exceeding 2500cc: Expect a further increase, possibly around Tk 75,000.
- Cars/Jeeps exceeding 2500cc but not exceeding 3000cc: This could be significantly higher, potentially reaching Tk 125,000.
- Cars/Jeeps exceeding 3000cc but not exceeding 3500cc: The fee will likely increase again, maybe around Tk 150,000.
- Cars/Jeeps exceeding 3500cc: This category usually attracts the highest registration fees, potentially Tk 200,000 or more.
B. Road Tax:
Road tax is an annual levy for using public roads. The amount also depends on the engine capacity and vehicle type. You will likely need to pay the road tax upfront for a certain period (e.g., one year) during registration.
- The rates are tiered based on the CC of the vehicle, similar to the registration fee structure. For instance, cars with lower CC will have a lower annual road tax compared to high-CC vehicles.
- It’s crucial to renew the road tax annually to keep your vehicle registration valid.
C. Annual Tax Token Fee:
The Tax Token Fee is determined primarily by the engine capacity (cc) of the vehicle. While exact figures can vary, the following is a general guideline:
- Up to 1,500cc: Tk 15,000–Tk 25,000
- 1,501cc to 2,000cc: Tk 30,000–Tk 50,000
- 2,001cc to 2,500cc: Tk 60,000–Tk 75,000
- 2,501cc to 3,000cc: Tk 100,000–Tk 150,000
- 3,001cc to 3,500cc: Tk 200,000–Tk 250,000
- Above 3,500cc: Tk 300,000 or more
Note: These figures are indicative and subject to change based on government policies and specific vehicle details.
D. Fitness Certificate Fee:
All vehicles in Bangladesh need a fitness certificate to ensure they meet safety and environmental standards. A vehicle inspection is required to obtain this certificate, and there’s a fee for the inspection and the issuance of the certificate.
- The fitness certificate typically has a validity period (e.g., one year), after which the vehicle needs to undergo another inspection and renewal.
- The fees can vary based on the type and age of the vehicle.
E. Number Plate Fee:
You will need to obtain new number plates from BRTA for your newly registered car. There is a specific fee for the issuance and fixing of these number plates. This usually includes the cost of the digital registration certificate as well.
F. Inspection Fee:
Before registration, BRTA might conduct a physical inspection of the vehicle to verify its chassis number, engine number, and other details. There might be a separate fee for this inspection.
G. Application Processing Fee and Other Miscellaneous Charges:
BRTA may levy a small fee for processing your registration application. There could also be other minor charges for specific documents or services.
H. Value Added Tax (VAT):
VAT is applicable to various services, including vehicle registration. A certain percentage of the total registration fees might be charged as VAT. Currently, the standard VAT rate in Bangladesh is 15%, but this can be subject to change.
II. Additional Costs:
Besides the direct BRTA fees, you might incur other related expenses:
- Agent Fees (if applicable): Many people use agents to navigate the BRTA registration process, which can be time-consuming. Agents charge a service fee, which can vary widely.
- Bank Charges: If you pay the fees through a bank, there might be small transaction charges.
- Insurance: While not directly a BRTA fee, having valid car insurance is mandatory to register and drive a vehicle in Bangladesh. You will need to factor in the cost of your insurance policy.
- Advance Income Tax (AIT): Owners of private motor cars are liable to pay advance income tax at the time of registration and fitness renewal. The amount depends on the engine capacity of the vehicle and increases for owners with multiple cars.
III. Step-by-Step Deep Dive into the Registration Process:
While the fees are crucial, understanding the registration process will help you anticipate when these payments are required. The general steps for new car registration in Bangladesh are:
1. Document Collection:
Gather all necessary documents. This typically includes:
- Original purchase receipt/invoice of the vehicle.
- Import documents (if the car is imported).
- Sales certificate.
- Blueprint of the vehicle.
- PAN card of the owner.
- National ID card or passport of the owner.
- Address proof of the owner (utility bill, etc.).
- Passport-sized photographs of the owner.
- Bank solvency certificate (if required).
- Tax Identification Number (TIN) certificate of the owner.
- Other documents as specified by BRTA.
2. BRTA Application Form:
Obtain the prescribed vehicle registration application form from the BRTA website or office. Fill it out accurately.
3. Vehicle Inspection:
Take your new vehicle to the designated BRTA inspection center for physical verification of the engine and chassis numbers and its overall condition. You will likely need to pay the inspection fee at this stage.
4. Fee Payment:
After the inspection, you will be directed to pay the various registration fees, road tax, tax token fee, and other applicable charges at a designated bank or through the BRTA online portal if available. Ensure you keep the payment receipts.
5. Document Submission:
Submit the completed application form along with all the required documents and the fee payment receipts to the BRTA office.
6. Biometric Data and Photograph:
The vehicle owner might need to be present at the BRTA office for biometric data (fingerprints) and photograph capture for the digital registration certificate.
7. Number Plate and Digital Registration Certificate (DRC) Collection:
Once the registration process is complete, BRTA will issue the new number plates for your vehicle and the digital registration certificate. You will need to schedule an appointment or visit on a specific date to collect these. There might be a separate fee for fixing the number plates.
8. Tax Token and Fitness Certificate:
After receiving the registration certificate and number plates, you wil receive the initial tax token (upon payment of road tax) and will need to schedule a fitness test for your new vehicle to obtain the fitness certificate.
IV. Staying Updated:
The fees and procedures mentioned above are based on general knowledge and past trends. For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding BRTA car registration fees in 2025, it is strongly recommended to:
- Visit the official website of the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA): Look for sections related to vehicle registration fees and procedures.
- Contact your nearest BRTA office: They will provide you with the exact fee structure applicable in 2025 and guide you through the process.
- Be aware of any official notifications or circulars issued by BRTA regarding changes in fees or regulations.
Registering a car in Bangladesh involves a significant financial outlay. By understanding the different components of the registration fees and the step-by-step process, new car owners can be better prepared for this essential procedure. Remember to always rely on official BRTA sources for the most current information.