Tax base
Taxes
State + local sales / use
—
Title & related
Registration / plate
Plate / transferR.S. 47:463
—
EV / hybrid road usageR.S. 32:461
—
Other
Note: Estimate only. Final amounts are set at Louisiana OMV or a public tag agent using your domicile code. No default safety inspection. Verify rates at
taxes.mfn.dps.la.gov and fees at
OMV fees. As of 2026-09-05.
Sales / use tax (not SOT)
Local (city+county+district)
—
Title
Registration & SOT
Specific ownership taxClass C
—
Note: Sales/use tax and SOT are different taxes. Local rates come from the Colorado Tax Rates sheet (DR 1002 style). Home-rule cities may self-collect. Verify at
DR 1002 and
DMV taxes and fees. As of 2026-09-05.
Motor vehicle tax (6.25% statewide)
Title
Registration
TexasSure + processing + inspection
—
Financing
Total interest (finance charge)
—
Note: Texas motor vehicle tax is a statewide 6.25% Chapter 152 tax — not general local sales tax. Title is $28 or $33 by county of residence. Verify with your county tax assessor-collector, the
Comptroller, and
TxDMV. As of 2026-09-05.
Sales / use tax
Taxable baseTrade-in does not reduce
—
DMV fees
Vehicle license fee (0.65%)
—
Transportation improvement fee
—
Road improvement fee (ZEV)
—
Note: California sales/use tax is based on the vehicle registration address (not the dealer). Trade-in does not reduce the tax base. Verify rates at
CDTFA and fees at the
DMV fee calculator. As of 2026-09-18.
Sales / use tax
County surtaxfirst $5,000 only
—
Title
Registration
Initial registration fee
—
Note: Florida state sales tax is 6%. County discretionary surtax applies only to the first $5,000 of taxable price. Final amounts are set by the county tax collector / FLHSMV. Verify at
FLHSMV and
Florida Revenue. As of 2026-09-18.
Sales / use tax
Sales / use taxnot the title fee
—
PennDOT fees
Dealer documentary feenon-taxable
—
Note: Pennsylvania sales/use tax (6% / Allegheny 7% / Philadelphia 8%) is collected at title/registration and is separate from the PennDOT title fee ($72 or $108 with lien). Verify at
PennDOT and
PA DOR. As of 2026-09-05.
Sales / use tax
Title & registration
Note: Alabama automotive sales/use tax is
2% (not the 4% general rate) plus residence local AUTO. Final amounts are set by the county license plate issuing official. Verify at
ALDOR. As of 2026-09-05.
Sales / use tax
Title & registration
Note: Utah has no family-to-family sales-tax exemption on motor vehicles. The uniform age fee is not sales tax. Estimate only — verify with Utah DMV / Tax Commission. As of 2026-09-05.
Sales / use tax
Title & registration
Note: Ohio sales/use tax is
5.75% state + residence local/transit. Trade-in credit applies only to
new dealer purchases. Verify at
The Finder. As of 2026-09-05.
Tax (IDOR)
Taxable base / chart basis
—
Title & plates (SOS)
Note: Dealer sales use
ST-556 (6.25% + residence local). Private/gift use the
RUT-5/RUT-6 chart — never 6.25%. Verify rates at
MyTax. As of 2026-09-05.
Sales / use tax
Title & registration
Ad valorem
Note: Mississippi sales/use is 5% on (price − trade) when due; no credit for tax paid to another state. Ad valorem = assessed × mills ÷ 1000. County average millage is rough only. As of 2026-09-05.
TPT / use tax
Title & registration
Vehicle license tax (VLT)
—
Note: Arizona state TPT/use is 5.6% plus county/city. Casual/gift sales are untaxed. VLT uses manufacturer base retail, not sale price. Verify locality in the ADOR TPT Rate Table. As of 2026-09-05.
Sales / use tax
Title & registration
Note: Missouri sales/use is 4.225% state + buyer local from the DOR MV chart. Gift/new-resident paths can be $0 tax. 2026 BEV fuel decal $150+$9. As of 2026-09-05.
Sales / use tax
Title & registration
Note: Kansas sales/use is 6.5% state + higher-of local. Rebates are taxable. EV tags are category fees ($70/$100/$165), not $30+EV. As of 2026-09-05.
Sales / use tax
Title & registration
DOL fees (filing/service/tabs/plates)
—
Note: Washington is 6.5% + 0.5% MVST + local. RTA is district-only on depreciated MSRP. Doc fees are untaxed (cap $200). As of 2026-09-05.
Sales / use tax
City of Milwaukee tax (2%)
—
Credit for tax paid elsewhere
—
Title & registration
Registration base + plates
—
Financing
Total interest (finance charge)
—
Amortization schedule (first 12 months)
Note: Wisconsin 5% + county (City of Milwaukee +2%). Dealer doc fees are taxable; GAP/warranties are not. Title $214.50 (transfer). Verify with WisDOT / WDOR. As of 2026-09-05.
Sales / use tax
Title & registration
Note: Arkansas uses tiered state tax and local capped at $25 per 1%. Title $10. EV add-on $200. As of 2026-09-05.
Sales tax
Title, registration & MVRT
Note: Alaska has $0 statewide sales tax. Title $15. Biennial reg passenger $100. MVRT is by residence location × model year — separate from optional municipal sales. As of 2026-09-05.
Sales / use tax
Title & registration
EV / hybrid supplemental
—
Note: Indiana sales/use is 7% statewide; no local sales tax. Title $15. Passenger plate $21.35 + TIIF $15 + annual excise tax based on original MSRP/age. EV $242 / hybrid $81. County/municipal surtax/wheel may apply. As of 2026-09-05.
Motor vehicle usage tax
Title & registration
Note: Kentucky MVUT is 6% statewide with no local sales tax. Title $9. Clerk plate commonly $21 (statute $11.50). Lien $22. As of 2026-09-05.
Sales / use tax
Title & registration
Note: Tennessee state sales tax is 7% plus single-article (max $44). Local option applies only to the first $1,600. Title $14. Plate $26.50. Lien $11. As of 2026-09-05.
Motor vehicle sales tax
Title & registration
Note: Minnesota MVST is 6.875% statewide with no local sales tax on titled vehicles. Title package $51.50. Reg tax $10 + 1.575% × MSRP × YoL. As of 2026-09-05.
Sales / use tax
Title & registration
Note: New York title is $50 (not $5). Sales tax follows purchaser residence. Default illustration is 4% state only — NYC 8.875% only when selected. As of 2026-09-05.
Highway Use Tax
Title & registration
Note: HUT is 3% (not general sales tax). Title $66.75 / plate $46.25. New-resident ≥90 days capped at $250 HUT. As of 2026-09-05.
Sales tax
Governmental Services Tax
DMV valuation (35% MSRP)
—
Title & registration
Note: Private/gift sales tax is $0. GST uses 35% MSRP valuation (not purchase price). Supplemental GST is Clark & Churchill only. As of 2026-09-05.
Sales / use tax
Title & registration
Note: Statewide sales/use is 6%. Title is $14 + county admin. Reg is age-banded with EMS $1.25. As of 2026-09-05.
Infrastructure Maintenance Fee
Infrastructure Maintenance Fee
—
Title & registration
Note: IMF is 5% capped at $500 (not sales tax). New-resident OOS reg is flat $250. Title $15 / plate $40. As of 2026-09-05.
Consumers sales tax
Title & registration
Note: Statewide consumers sales tax is 6% ($30 if net under $500). Title $15. Class A $51.50 (hybrid $151.50 / EV $251.50). As of 2026-09-05.
Sales / use tax (Form 6)
Title & registration
Note: State sales/use is 5.5% plus city local. Title $10. Reg block $20.50. BEV $150 / PHEV $75. As of 2026-09-05.
Sales / use tax
Title & registration
Note: Combined sales/use at the owner’s residence locality. Title $15. State reg $30 (MC $25). County fee = max($5, 3% × age factor × factory price). As of 2026-09-05.
Excise & sales tax
Sales taxable (price − trade)
—
Title & registration
Lien / security interest
—
Note: Excise 3.25% (used = $20 + 3.25% over $1,500). Sales remnant 1.25%. No local MV tax. Title $11 + transfer $17. As of 2026-09-05.
Sales / use tax
Title & registration
Note: Statewide 6.35% / 7.75% (over $50k before trade). Parks $24. Title $25. No local MV sales tax. As of 2026-09-05.
Fee for New Registration
Title & registration
Note: Iowa FNR is $10 + 5% (not sales tax). Title $35. Doc fee max $180 outside FNR base. EV extras $130 / $65 / $9. No local sales-tax stack. As of 2026-09-05.
Sales / use tax
Title & registration
Note: Statewide 6.25% sales/use. Title $75. Biennial reg $60. Gift MVU-24 fee $25. Municipal excise is separate. As of 2026-09-05.
Privilege / use tax
Title & registration
Note: No general sales tax. Privilege/use 0.5% on taxable dealer vehicles (trade does not reduce). Title/reg are MPG-tiered. As of 2026-09-05.
Titling excise
Title & registration
Note: Statewide titling excise 6.5% (rental 3.5%). Title $200. Class A incl. EMS. $640 floor. As of 2026-09-05.
Motor Vehicle SUT
Title & registration
Note: Statewide Motor Vehicle SUT 4.15% (min $75). Trade-ins do not reduce. Title $15. Weight-based passenger registration. As of 2026-09-05.
Motor Vehicle Excise Tax
Title & registration
Note: Statewide MVET 4% (not GRT). Trade reduces. Title $5 + txn $3. Weight/age reg + tire $1.50. EV surcharge $0 in 2026. As of 2026-09-05.
Sales / use tax
Title & registration
Note: Statewide sales/use 6.625% (no local). Title $60 / $85 with lien. ZEV fully taxable from 2025-07-01. As of 2026-09-05.
Title Ad Valorem Tax
Title & registration
Note: Statewide TAVT 7% of FMV (not sales tax). Title $18 + tag $20. No OOS sales-tax credit. As of 2026-09-05.
Sales / use tax
Municipal & DMV
Note: New Hampshire has no state sales/use tax. Municipal permit uses MSRP × age mills (min $5). Title $35 (2026). As of 2026-09-05.
Sales / use tax
Title & registration
Registration (MSRP / weight)
—
Note: Statewide 6% (no local). Registration uses MSRP (MCL 257.801). Title $15. EV light $267. As of 2026-09-05.
Motor vehicle excise
Title & registration
Note: Excise = NADA Eastern FMV × MPG/EV matrix. Title $30. Class I $70 (2026-03-30). EVs are not excise-exempt. As of 2026-09-05.
Motor vehicle excise
Title & license
Note: Statewide 5% MVET (no local). Title $5. Abandoned $1.50 on initial ND title for new/OOS. License from MVD-2 2026 (year first registered × weight). EV $120 / PHEV $50. As of 2026-09-05.
Motor vehicle excise
Title & registration
Late interest / penalty / title
—
Note: Statewide 4% MV excise (no local stack). Title $10 + tech $2. EV $100. License and wheel tax are user-entered. As of 2026-09-05.
Document fee
Title & registration
Note: Delaware has no general sales tax. Document fee 5.25% (eff. 2025-10-01) on the higher of price or NADA, nearest dollar (mins $8 / $13.75). Title $35. Passenger $40/yr. PHEV ≤6,000 lb is $85, not $60. As of 2026-09-05.
Sales tax
Title & registration
Note: Statewide 7% sales tax. Title/lien $53.50. Passenger 2-year weight fee + $20/yr DOT + $3.50 tech. BEV $200 / PHEV $100 / hybrid $50 per year (2026). As of 2026-09-05.
GET / use tax
Registration & county
Lien / security interest
—
Note: Hawaii uses GET, not mainland sales tax. Default dealer illustration 4.5%. No statewide title-certificate dollar. State registration $46 + HRS 249-33 weight. County weight is user-entered. HiRUC is on BEV renewal only. As of 2026-09-05.
Sales / use tax
Excise, title & registration
Note: Statewide 5.5% sales/use. Municipal excise is MSRP × mills (min $5). Title $33 if ≤25 years. Passenger $35. Vanity $25. Town agent is user-entered. As of 2026-09-05.
Sales / use tax
Registration & MVD fees
Light-vehicle registration
—
County option (depreciated MSRP)
—
Note: Montana has no state sales tax. Light registration is $217 / $87 / $28 by age (or permanent $87.50). County option is user-entered on depreciated MSRP. MVD admin is 3% of Title 61 fees. Title $12 through 2028-06-30. As of 2026-09-05.
Purchase & Use Tax
Title & registration
Note: Statewide 6% Purchase & Use on max(price, J.D. Power) minus trade. Title $42. Lien $14. New warranty $8. Auto 1-year ICE $91 / PHEV $135.50 / BEV $178. As of 2026-09-05.
The Three Main Components: Tax, Title, and Registration
1. Sales and Use Tax (4.15%)
Virginia imposes a 4.15% sales and use tax on motor vehicle purchases, as outlined in the Virginia Code § 58.1-602. This tax applies to the vehicle’s sale price after manufacturer rebates but before trade-in credits.
Key Points:
- Minimum tax: $75 (even if 4.15% of the price is less)
- Manufacturer rebates reduce the taxable amount
- Trade-in value does NOT reduce the taxable amount in Virginia
- Tax is calculated on the gross sales price minus rebates only
Example 1: New Car Purchase with Rebate
Scenario: You’re buying a new sedan for $30,000 with a $2,000 manufacturer rebate.
- Sale Price: $30,000
- Manufacturer Rebate: -$2,000
- Taxable Price: $28,000
- Sales Tax (4.15%): $28,000 × 0.0415 = $1,162.00
Example 2: Used Car with Trade-In
Scenario: You’re buying a used truck for $15,000 and trading in your old vehicle worth $5,000.
- Sale Price: $15,000
- Trade-In Value: $5,000 (does NOT reduce tax)
- Taxable Price: $15,000
- Sales Tax (4.15%): $15,000 × 0.0415 = $622.50
- Out-of-Pocket After Trade-In: $15,000 – $5,000 = $10,000 (plus taxes and fees)
Note: While your trade-in reduces what you pay in cash, Virginia still taxes the full $15,000 purchase price.
2. Title Fee ($15)
According to Virginia Code § 46.2-628, the title fee for all motor vehicles is a flat $15. This fee applies whether you’re getting an original title, a substitute title, or transferring ownership.
Example 1: First-Time Title
Purchasing a new vehicle from a dealer requires an original title: $15
Example 2: Title Transfer
Buying a used vehicle from a private party requires transferring the title to your name: $15
3. Registration Fees (Varies by Vehicle Type)
Registration fees in Virginia vary significantly based on vehicle type, weight, and special classifications. The Virginia Code § 46.2-694 outlines the fee structure for different vehicle categories.
Standard Vehicle Registration Fees:
- Passenger Cars/SUVs (0-4,000 lbs): $30.75 annually
- Light Pickup/SUV (4,001-6,500 lbs): $35.75 annually
- Heavy Pickup (6,501-10,000 lbs): $44.75 annually
- Motorcycles: $24.75 annually
- Mopeds: $18.25 annually
- Antique Vehicles (25+ years): $50 one-time fee (permanent plates)
Example 1: Standard Passenger Car
A 2024 Honda Accord weighing 3,200 lbs: $30.75/year
Example 2: Heavy Pickup Truck
A 2025 Ford F-250 weighing 7,500 lbs: $44.75/year
Special Considerations and Additional Fees
Electric Vehicle Fee ($131.88)
Virginia imposes an annual $131.88 highway use fee on electric vehicles to compensate for lost fuel tax revenue, as specified in Virginia Code § 46.2-772. This fee applies to any vehicle type that is fully electric.
Example 1: Electric Sedan
A Tesla Model 3 (passenger car + electric): $30.75 base + $131.88 EV fee = $162.63/year
Example 2: Electric Pickup Truck
A Rivian R1T (heavy pickup + electric): $44.75 base + $131.88 EV fee = $176.63/year
Trailer Registration
Trailers have unique registration options in Virginia. Owners can choose between annual registration or permanent plates (one-time fee), as detailed in Virginia Code § 46.2-694.
- Small Trailers (≤1,500 lbs): $18/year or $70 permanent
- Medium Trailers (1,501-4,000 lbs): $28.50/year or $75 permanent
- Large Trailers (>4,000 lbs): $40/year or $100 permanent
Example 1: Small Utility Trailer (Annual)
A 1,200 lb utility trailer with annual registration: $18/year
Example 2: Large Boat Trailer (Permanent)
A 5,000 lb boat trailer with permanent plates: $100 one-time
Emissions Inspection Fee ($2)
Vehicles registered in certain Northern Virginia counties require emissions inspections. The $2 emissions inspection fee applies to residents of Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, Prince William, and Stafford counties, among others, as mandated by Virginia’s emissions inspection program.
Optional Fees
- Temporary Trip Permit: $5 (allows temporary operation before full registration)
- Late Renewal Penalty: $10 (if registration renewal is delayed)
Out-of-State Vehicle Purchases: Special Rules
Bringing a vehicle into Virginia from another state involves specific tax considerations outlined by the Virginia DMV’s out-of-state purchase guidelines.
12-Month Exemption
If you’ve owned and titled a vehicle in another state for 12 or more months in your name, Virginia waives the sales tax when you bring it into the state. You must provide proof of the out-of-state title showing continuous ownership.
Example 1: Military Relocation
Scenario: You’re relocating to Virginia with a vehicle you’ve owned in Texas for 18 months.
- Vehicle Value: $25,000
- Sales Tax: $0 (waived due to 12+ month ownership)
- Title Fee: $15
- Registration Fee: $30.75 (passenger car)
- Total: $45.75
Example 2: Recent Out-of-State Purchase
Scenario: You bought a vehicle in Maryland 3 months ago and are now moving to Virginia. You paid $800 in Maryland sales tax.
- Vehicle Value: $20,000
- Virginia Tax Owed: $20,000 × 0.0415 = $830
- Maryland Tax Paid: -$800
- Virginia Tax Due: $30 (difference)
- Title Fee: $15
- Registration Fee: $30.75
- Total: $75.75
Note: You must provide proof of tax paid in Maryland.
Tax Credit for Recently Purchased Vehicles
If you purchased a vehicle out of state within the last 12 months and paid sales tax in that state, Virginia will credit that amount against what you owe. You’ll only pay the difference if Virginia’s tax is higher.
Dealer vs. Private Party Purchases
Buying from a Virginia Dealer
When purchasing from a licensed dealer, the process is streamlined:
- Dealer calculates and collects all taxes and fees at the point of sale
- Dealer handles title and registration paperwork
- You receive temporary tags immediately
- Permanent plates arrive by mail within 30 days
Example 1: New Car from Dealer
Complete Transaction:
- Sale Price: $35,000
- Manufacturer Rebate: -$3,000
- Dealer Doc Fee: +$500
- Taxable Price: $32,000
- Sales Tax (4.15%): $1,328.00
- Title Fee: $15.00
- Registration Fee: $30.75
- Total TTL: $1,873.75
- Total Due at Dealer: $35,000 – $3,000 + $500 + $1,373.75 = $33,873.75
Example 2: Used Car from Dealer with Trade-In
Complete Transaction:
- Sale Price: $22,000
- Trade-In Value: -$8,000
- Dealer Doc Fee: +$400
- Taxable Price: $22,000 (trade-in doesn’t reduce this)
- Sales Tax (4.15%): $913.00
- Title Fee: $15.00
- Registration Fee: $35.75 (light pickup)
- Total TTL: $963.75
- Cash Due: $22,000 – $8,000 + $400 + $963.75 = $15,363.75
Buying from a Private Party
Private party sales require you to handle the DMV process yourself:
- You must visit the DMV to title and register the vehicle
- Bring a bill of sale with the purchase price clearly stated
- Pay sales tax at the DMV when titling
- DMV may require Vehicle Price Certification (Form SUT-1) if the price seems unusual
How Our Calculator Works
Our Virginia Vehicle TTL Calculator uses the official rates and formulas from the Virginia DMV to provide accurate cost estimates. Here’s the step-by-step calculation process:
Step 1: Calculate Taxable Price
Taxable Price = Sale Price - Manufacturer Rebates
Important: Trade-in value is NOT subtracted from the taxable price in Virginia.
Step 2: Calculate Sales Tax
Sales Tax = MAX(Taxable Price × 0.0415, $75)
The calculator ensures the minimum $75 tax is applied even for low-value vehicles.
Step 3: Add Title Fee
Fixed at $15 for all vehicles.
Step 4: Determine Registration Fee
Based on vehicle type, weight, and special classifications (electric, antique, trailer).
Step 5: Add Optional Fees
Emissions inspection ($2), trip permit ($5), late renewal penalty ($10) if applicable.
Step 6: Calculate Grand Total
Grand Total = Sales Tax + Title Fee + Registration Fee + Additional Fees + Dealer Doc Fee
Step 7: Calculate Out-of-Pocket Cost
Out-of-Pocket = Grand Total + Sale Price - Manufacturer Rebate - Trade-In Value
Common Questions and Important Notes
Why doesn’t my trade-in reduce the sales tax?
Unlike some states, Virginia does not allow trade-in credits to reduce the taxable amount. According to Virginia tax law, sales tax is calculated on the gross sales price minus manufacturer rebates only. Your trade-in reduces your out-of-pocket cash payment but not the tax base.
What if the calculator shows a different amount than the dealer quoted?
Dealers may include additional fees not covered by our calculator, such as documentation fees (which vary by dealer), optional products (extended warranties, GAP insurance), or dealer-specific charges. Always ask for a detailed breakdown of all fees.
Are there any tax exemptions?
Yes, Virginia offers exemptions for certain situations including:
- Vehicles owned out-of-state for 12+ months
- Gifts between immediate family members (with proper documentation)
- Vehicles transferred due to divorce or inheritance
- Certain disabled veteran exemptions
How accurate is this calculator?
Our calculator uses official Virginia DMV rates and formulas current as of 2025. However, actual costs may vary based on individual circumstances, local fees, or recent legislative changes. Always verify final costs with the Virginia DMV or your dealer.
Official References and Resources
This calculator and guide are based on the following official Virginia sources:
Conclusion: Plan Your Vehicle Purchase with Confidence
Understanding Virginia’s vehicle tax, title, and registration costs is essential for budgeting your vehicle purchase accurately. Whether you’re buying new or used, from a dealer or private party, or bringing a vehicle from out of state, our calculator provides transparent, accurate estimates based on official Virginia DMV rates.
Remember that while our calculator provides reliable estimates, individual circumstances may vary. Always verify final costs with the Virginia DMV or your dealer before completing your purchase. With proper planning and understanding of these costs, you can make informed decisions and avoid surprises at the DMV.
Ready to calculate your costs? Use our Virginia Vehicle TTL Calculator above to get an instant, accurate estimate of your tax, title, and registration fees.