New Jersey Car Sales Tax Calculator
New Jersey charges a state vehicle sales/use tax of 6.63% on a car purchase. On a $20,000 vehicle that is about $1,325.00 in state tax before any local add-ons. Enter your own price below — and your trade-in, if New Jersey allows a trade-in credit — to estimate what you'll owe.
Quick answer: New Jersey’s state vehicle sales/use tax rate is 6.63%. Local (county/city) taxes may apply on top.
Estimate your New Jersey car sales tax
Enter the vehicle price. If New Jersey gives a trade-in tax credit, add your trade-in value to reduce the taxable amount.
State rate only. Many New Jersey counties and cities add a local sales tax on top, so your actual total may be higher. Trade-in credit rules vary — confirm eligibility with the official source below.
How New Jersey taxes a car purchase
| State vehicle sales/use tax rate | 6.63% |
| Taxable amount | Price − trade-in credit (where allowed) |
| Local / county tax | Varies by jurisdiction — added on top of the state rate |
New Jersey title fee is $60 for a standard title, $85 with a single lien, and $110 with two liens. State sales/use tax is 6.625%. Registration fees vary by weight and age and are administered by the NJ Motor Vehicle Commission.
What this estimate excludes
- Local and district taxes. County, city, and transit taxes are added on top of the New Jersey state rate.
- Title, registration, and plate fees. These are separate from sales tax — use the New Jersey registration and title-transfer calculators for those.
- Dealer documentation fees. A dealer “doc fee” is charged on top and is often itself taxable.
- Exemptions. Gifts, inheritance, and certain family transfers may be exempt — confirm with New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC).
Official New Jersey source
↗New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC)www.state.nj.usRelated New Jersey tools & guides
Frequently asked questions
How much is sales tax on a car in New Jersey?
The New Jersey state vehicle sales/use tax rate is 6.63%. Multiply it by the taxable purchase price (usually the price minus any trade-in credit). Counties and cities may add a local sales tax on top, so confirm your combined rate with New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC).
Do I pay sales tax when buying a used car from a private seller in New Jersey?
In most states, sales or use tax on a private-party vehicle purchase is collected when you title and register the car, not at the point of sale. The rate is generally the same as a dealer sale. Confirm the private-sale rules with New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC).
Does New Jersey give a sales tax credit for a trade-in?
Most states tax only the difference between the vehicle price and your trade-in value, which lowers the tax you owe. A handful of states tax the full price with no trade-in credit. Verify New Jersey's treatment before you rely on the estimate above.
Are there local or county car sales taxes in New Jersey?
Often, yes. The rate shown here is the New Jersey state rate only; many counties, cities, and transit districts add a local sales tax on vehicle purchases, so your combined rate can be higher. New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) publishes the official combined rates.
Last reviewed: 2026-01-01 · Reviewed by the Car Paperwork editorial team · Based on official New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) sources · Independent resource · Not legal advice