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Maryland Car Sales Tax Calculator

The Maryland car sales tax calculator applies the state's 6.5% excise tax to the price after your trade-in allowance. There is no city or county tax on top, so the state rate is the whole rate. Enter your numbers to see the estimate.

Calculate Your Maryland Car Sales Tax

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The selling price on your buyer’s order.

What the dealer credits you.

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Maryland's excise tax applies to the full purchase price the dealer charges, which includes dealer fees.

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Enter your own amounts where you know them. They replace our estimates.

Replaces the state estimate.

Replaces the state estimate.

Plates, inspections, add-ons.

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Estimated out-the-door price

$0.00

Enter a vehicle price to see your estimate.

Vehicle price
$0.00
Trade-in
—
Taxable amount
$0.00
State sales tax (6.5%)
$0.00
Title fee
$0.00
Registration fee
$0.00
Dealer / documentation fee
—
Estimated total
$0.00
How this estimate was calculated

    Estimates are for informational purposes only. Actual taxes and fees may vary based on your location, vehicle, transaction and current state rules.

    Estimated Maryland Car Sales Tax

    State rate6.5%
    Local taxNone on vehicles
    Trade-inLowers taxable price
    Dealer feeTaxed with the price; limit not confirmed

    Maryland calls its vehicle tax an excise tax rather than a sales tax, and as of July 1, 2025 the rate is 6.5%, which comes to $1,625.00 on a $25,000 purchase with no trade-in.

    When you buy from a licensed dealer, the excise tax is 6.5% of the full purchase price less your trade-in allowance. There is no city or county tax added on top, so the state rate is the whole rate everywhere in Maryland.

    Maryland's title fee is notably high at $200, well above what most states charge, so it is worth budgeting for separately from the tax itself.

    Maryland Car Title and Registration Fees

    The MVA charges a $200 title fee for most vehicles ($100 for a rental vehicle, $40 for a motor scooter or moped). Registration fees changed for several weight classes starting July 1, 2025, so we have not added a single flat registration figure; enter your own amount under Advanced options.

    FeeAmountNotes
    Title feeTitle$200.00$200 for most vehicles. Lower fees apply to a rental vehicle ($100) or a motor scooter or moped ($40).
    Registration feeRegistrationVariesSet by the vehicle's weight class, with fee changes effective July 1, 2025 for several classes. Use the MVA's fee schedule, then enter your amount under Advanced options.
    Dealer documentation feeSet by the dealerVariesWe have not confirmed a specific Maryland dollar limit on the dealer processing fee.

    How Maryland Car Sales Tax Is Calculated

    1. Start with the purchase price.
    2. Subtract your trade-in allowance.
    3. Multiply the result by the excise tax rate of 6.5%.
    4. Add the $200 title fee and your registration fee (by vehicle weight class) to reach your out-the-door price.

    The excise tax rate rose from 6% to 6.5% for titles issued on or after July 1, 2025.

    Maryland's registration fee depends on the vehicle's weight class and changed for several classes on July 1, 2025, so check the MVA's fee schedule for your figure. Read how a trade-in affects sales tax to see how Maryland compares with other states.

    Example Maryland Car Sales Tax Calculation

    This example uses the 6.5% rate that took effect July 1, 2025, for a dealer purchase with full trade-in credit.

    Vehicle price$25,000.00
    Trade-in−$5,000.00
    Taxable amount$20,000.00
    State sales tax (6.5%)$1,300.00
    Title fee$200.00
    Registration feeNot included
    Estimated total$21,500.00

    This is an illustration, not a quote.

    Frequently Asked Questions About Maryland Car Sales Tax

    What is the car sales tax rate in Maryland?

    Maryland charges a 6.5% excise tax on a vehicle purchase (as of July 1, 2025), applied to the price after your trade-in allowance. There is no city or county tax on top.

    Does a trade-in reduce Maryland's excise tax?

    Yes, on a dealer purchase. The excise tax is 6.5% of the full purchase price less the trade-in allowance.

    Why is Maryland's title fee so high?

    The MVA charges $200 for a standard vehicle title, higher than most states. Lower fees apply to rental vehicles and motor scooters or mopeds.

    How much is registration in Maryland?

    Registration is set by the vehicle's weight class, and several class fees changed on July 1, 2025. Check the MVA's fee schedule for your vehicle.

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