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Washington Car Sales Tax Calculator

The Washington car sales tax calculator applies the 6.5% state sales tax on a vehicle, plus local sales tax at the buyer's address and a separate 0.5% motor vehicle sales and use tax that began on January 1, 2026. Tax applies to the price after your trade-in. Enter your numbers below to see the estimate.

Last reviewed: November 2, 2026Reviewed by Michael Steve

Calculate Your Washington Car Sales Tax

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The selling price on your buyer’s order.

What the dealer credits you.

State
WashingtonChange state

Washington adds city, county and transit sales tax based on the buyer's address. Enter your local rate, which is the combined rate minus the 6.5% state rate. Look it up here: Washington local sales and use tax rates

Condition

Advanced options

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

Replaces the state estimate.

Replaces the state estimate.

Plates, inspections, add-ons.

Estimate only

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
Motor vehicle sales/use tax (0.5%)
$0.00
Local sales tax
$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 Washington Car Sales Tax

    State rate6.5%
    Local taxVaries by location
    Trade-inLowers taxable price
    Dealer feeLimit not confirmed

    Washington charges 6.5% state sales tax on a vehicle, or $1,625.00 on a $25,000 purchase with no trade-in, plus local sales tax at the buyer's address.

    Local tax means city, county and transit tax based on where the buyer lives. Enter your local rate, which is the combined rate minus the 6.5% state rate. A separate 0.5% motor vehicle sales/use tax is added on the same taxable amount.

    The seller reduces the price by the agreed trade-in value, and retail sales tax is collected on the reduced price. What you still owe on the trade-in does not reduce the allowance.

    Washington Car Title and Registration Fees

    Washington's title fee runs roughly $21.50 to $24.50 depending on which filing and service charges apply, so we have not added a single figure. Registration starts at a $43.25 basic fee, then adds a weight fee and, in some areas, a regional transit tax. The calculator leaves both out unless you enter them under Advanced options.

    FeeAmountNotes
    Title feeTitleVariesSources we found disagree, from about $21.50 to $24.50 depending on which filing and service charges are combined, so we have not added a single figure. Check the DOL's fee page, then enter your amount under Advanced options.
    Registration feesRegistrationVariesStarts from a $43.25 basic registration fee, then adds a weight fee and, in some areas (notably Sound Transit's district around Seattle), a regional transit tax that can add well over $100. Use the DOL's [fee calculator](https://dol.wa.gov/vehicles-and-boats/vehicles/vehicle-registration/calculate-vehicle-tab-fees), then enter your total amount under Advanced options.
    Dealer documentation feeSet by the dealerVariesWe have not confirmed a Washington dollar limit or tax rule for dealer documentary fees. Check each line on the buyer's order.

    How Washington Car Sales Tax Is Calculated

    1. Start with the price on your invoice.
    2. Subtract the agreed trade-in value. What you still owe on it does not count.
    3. Multiply the result by the state rate of 6.5%.
    4. Add the 0.5% motor vehicle sales/use tax on the same amount.
    5. Add your local rate for the buyer's address.
    6. Add the title and registration fees you enter, plus any dealer fee.

    The motor vehicle sales/use tax was 0.3% through December 31, 2025 and rose to 0.5% on January 1, 2026. The calculator applies it to the same taxable amount as the other taxes.

    A separate luxury motor vehicle tax applies to some high-priced vehicles. It is not included.

    We have not confirmed a Washington dollar limit on dealer documentary fees, so check each line on the buyer's order. To see how Washington's trade-in rule compares with other states, read how a trade-in affects sales tax. Seattle buyers should use the Department of Revenue's tax rate lookup for their address. Seattle's local sales tax rate rose by one-tenth of one percent on January 1, 2026, so an older rate you find online will run a little low.

    Example Washington Car Sales Tax Calculation

    This example assumes a 3% local rate above the state rate, for illustration. Your local rate depends on the buyer's address.

    Vehicle price$35,000.00
    Trade-in−$8,000.00
    Taxable amount$27,000.00
    State sales tax (6.5%)$1,755.00
    Motor vehicle sales/use tax (0.5%)$135.00
    Local tax (3%)$810.00
    Title feeNot included
    Registration feeNot included
    Estimated total$29,700.00

    This is an illustration, not a quote.

    Frequently Asked Questions About Washington Car Sales Tax

    What is the car sales tax rate in Washington?

    The state rate is 6.5%, and the local rate varies by city and county. Motor vehicles are also subject to a separate motor vehicle sales/use tax, which is 0.5% since January 1, 2026.

    Does a trade-in reduce Washington sales tax?

    Yes. Dealers collect retail sales tax on the price after the value of the trade-in is deducted. The seller must accept ownership of the trade-in and reduce the price by its value at the time of sale.

    Does what I owe on my trade-in change the allowance?

    No. When you buy or lease a vehicle you are entitled to the full agreed trade-in value, and the allowance is not reduced by any amount you owe on the vehicle you trade in.

    How do I find my Washington local tax rate?

    Use the Department of Revenue's local sales and use tax rate lookup for the buyer's address. Enter the local part of the rate in the calculator above.

    Sources

    Taxes and fees change, so confirm exact amounts with the agencies above.

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