Washington Car Sales Tax Calculator
Washington charges a state vehicle sales/use tax of 6.50% on a car purchase. On a $20,000 vehicle that is about $1,300.00 in state tax before any local add-ons. Enter your own price below — and your trade-in, if Washington allows a trade-in credit — to estimate what you'll owe.
Quick answer: Washington’s state vehicle sales/use tax rate is 6.50%. Local (county/city) taxes may apply on top.
Estimate your Washington car sales tax
Enter the vehicle price. If Washington gives a trade-in tax credit, add your trade-in value to reduce the taxable amount.
State rate only. Many Washington 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 Washington taxes a car purchase
| State vehicle sales/use tax rate | 6.50% |
| Taxable amount | Price − trade-in credit (where allowed) |
| Local / county tax | Varies by jurisdiction — added on top of the state rate |
Washington title fee is approximately $15 (varies by transaction). Base registration is $30, with weight-based fees on top. State motor vehicle use tax is 6.5%; local taxes add to a typical 8%–10.5% combined.
What this estimate excludes
- Local and district taxes. County, city, and transit taxes are added on top of the Washington state rate.
- Title, registration, and plate fees. These are separate from sales tax — use the Washington 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 Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL).
Official Washington source
↗Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL)www.dol.wa.govRelated Washington tools & guides
Frequently asked questions
How much is sales tax on a car in Washington?
The Washington state vehicle sales/use tax rate is 6.50%. 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 Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL).
Do I pay sales tax when buying a used car from a private seller in Washington?
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 Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL).
Does Washington 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 Washington's treatment before you rely on the estimate above.
Are there local or county car sales taxes in Washington?
Often, yes. The rate shown here is the Washington state rate only; many counties, cities, and transit districts add a local sales tax on vehicle purchases, so your combined rate can be higher. Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) publishes the official combined rates.
Last reviewed: 2026-01-01 · Reviewed by the Car Paperwork editorial team · Based on official Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) sources · Independent resource · Not legal advice