Car sales tax in Virginia
Virginia: Virginia motor vehicle sales and use tax; no separate local tax on vehicles.
On a $30,000 used car from a dealer with no trade-in, the tax is $1,245.00 and all taxes and government fees come to about $1,290.75–$1,396.23.
Trade-in: a trade-in does not lower the tax on this example. Private sale ($15,000): tax $622.50.
Estimate of government charges. Your DMV, tax office or county calculates the final amount.
Your own numbers
Set up for: buying from a dealer in Virginia · Different situation?
Every line on a $30,000 dealer purchase
| Line | Group | Amount | Set by |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia motor vehicle sales and use tax | State & local tax | $1,245.00 | Virginia DMV |
| Original title fee | Title | $15.00 | Virginia DMV |
| Passenger car registration (1 year, by empty weight) | Registration & plates | $30.75 | Virginia DMV |
| Emissions-area add-on (Northern Virginia localities only) | Registration & plates | $0.00–$2.00 | Virginia DMV |
| Local vehicle license fee / decal (city, county or town) | Registration & plates | you fill in | Code of Virginia |
| Highway use fee, fuel-efficient vehicle (25+ combined MPG, annual) | Registration & plates | $0.00–$103.48 | Virginia DMV |
| Local personal property tax on the vehicle (yearly) | Yearly taxes | you fill in | Code of Virginia |
How Virginia taxes a car purchase
- Trade-in: Trade-in value is NOT deducted; tax is on the full gross sales price.
- Private sale: Tax is on the sales price on the title/bill of sale. For a vehicle no more than 5 years old, the taxable price can't be lower than the pricing-guide trade-in value minus $1,500 unless the buyer signs an affidavit (SUT-1A). The engine can't look up NADA values, so ask the user for the price; warn if the car is 5 years old or newer.
- Bought in another state: A vehicle first titled in Virginia with a valid out-of-state title/registration in the owner's name is exempt if owned more than 12 months, or if bought within 12 months and proof of sales tax paid to another state is shown. Without proof, Virginia tax is due on fair market value. This is an all-or-nothing exemption, not a partial credit; a vehicle first used in Virginia 6+ months after acquisition is taxed on current market value.
- Local tax: No local add-on to the motor vehicle SUT; one statewide rate (local sales tax add-ons apply only to ATVs, mopeds and off-road motorcycles).
Exemptions (check the official rule before relying on one)
- 100% disabled veterans: Certain veterans rated 100% service-connected permanent and total disabled may be exempt on one vehicle.
- Lease buyout by the lessee: Exempt if the lessee (a natural person) paid the SUT when leasing.
- Inherited vehicle: Transfer from a deceased owner to spouse or heir is exempt.
- Manufacturer rebates and disability equipment: Manufacturer rebates/incentives and required disability adaptive equipment are excluded from the sale price.
Dealer fees
Doc, processing and prep fees are set by the dealer, not the state. No dollar cap in law. Dealers must post the processing fee on a sign in the sales area and list it on the buyer's order. The processing fee is part of the taxable gross sales price.
Official tools: Virginia DMV Fee Chart (DMV 201) · Virginia DMV Highway Use Fee chart (by MPG) · Virginia DMV Motor Vehicle Sales and Use Tax
Sources
- Virginia DMV: Motor Vehicle Sales and Use Tax
- Virginia DMV: DMV 201 Fee Chart (08/10/2026)
- Code of Virginia: § 46.2-752 Local taxes and license fees
- Virginia DMV: 2026 Estimated Highway Use Fee Chart (valid 2026-07-01 to 2027-06-30)
- Code of Virginia: § 58.1-3503 General classification of tangible personal property
- Code of Virginia: § 58.1-2405 Basis of tax
- Code of Virginia: § 58.1-2403 Exemptions
- Code of Virginia: § 58.1-2401 Definitions (sale price)
- Code of Virginia: § 46.2-1530 Buyer's order (processing fee disclosure)
FAQ
How much is the sales tax on a car in Virginia?
Virginia motor vehicle sales and use tax; no separate local tax on vehicles. On a $30,000 used car from a dealer that is $1,245.00 in tax (estimate).
Does Virginia charge tax on the price minus the trade-in?
Trade-in value is NOT deducted; tax is on the full gross sales price.
Do you pay sales tax on a private car sale in Virginia?
Tax is on the sales price on the title/bill of sale. For a vehicle no more than 5 years old, the taxable price can't be lower than the pricing-guide trade-in value minus $1,500 unless the buyer signs an affidavit (SUT-1A). The engine can't look up NADA values, so ask the user for the price; warn if the car is 5 years old or newer.
What if I buy a car in another state and register it in Virginia?
A vehicle first titled in Virginia with a valid out-of-state title/registration in the owner's name is exempt if owned more than 12 months, or if bought within 12 months and proof of sales tax paid to another state is shown. Without proof, Virginia tax is due on fair market value. This is an all-or-nothing exemption, not a partial credit; a vehicle first used in Virginia 6+ months after acquisition is taxed on current market value.
Is there a cap on dealer doc fees in Virginia?
Doc, processing and prep fees are set by the dealer, not the state. No dollar cap in law. Dealers must post the processing fee on a sign in the sales area and list it on the buyer's order. The processing fee is part of the taxable gross sales price.