Virginia Car Sales Tax Calculator
Determine exact Virginia motor vehicle sales tax, official DMV title and license fees (TTL), and dealer documentation fee caps under Va. Code § 58.1-2402 (Motor Vehicle SUT).
Vehicle & Tax Parameters
Calculates in real time as you adjust inputs or click presets.
Worked Scenario: Buying a $30,000 Vehicle in Virginia
Here is how the numbers break down when purchasing a $30,000 car with a $5,000 trade-in allowance in Virginia:
| Line Item | Calculation Rule | Amount ($) |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle Agreed Price | Base vehicle purchase price | $30,000.00 |
| Less Trade-In Allowance | Deducted from vehicle equity | -$5,000.00 |
| Taxable Purchase Amount | Full price (No trade-in credit permitted) | $30,000.00 |
| Virginia Sales Tax (4.15%) | $30,000.00 × 4.15% | $1,245.00 |
| Dealer Documentation Fee | No statutory cap; dealer processing fees average $599 t... | $699.00 |
| DMV Title & Registration | Official state titling and plate fee | $50.00 |
| Total Out-the-Door Due | Net balance + tax + fees | $26,994.00 |
Virginia Motor Vehicle Tax Laws & Regulations
When purchasing a car in Virginia, understanding how your state assesses tax and regulates dealer fees ensures you never overpay at the dealership signing table. Primary legal authority is codified under Va. Code § 58.1-2402 (Motor Vehicle SUT).
1. Sales Tax Assessment & Surtaxes
Under Va. Code § 58.1-2402 (Motor Vehicle SUT), Virginia assesses a 4.15% Motor Vehicle Sales and Use Tax (minimum $75). Localities also levy an annual personal property tax (car tax) based on vehicle market value.
2. Trade-In Tax Deduction Rules
Strictly NO trade-in credit under Va. Code § 58.1-2402. The 4.15% Motor Vehicle Sales and Use Tax (SUT) applies to the gross purchase price before trade-in allowance.
3. Dealer Documentation Fees & Ceilings
No statutory cap; dealer processing fees average $599 to $899 and must be disclosed on buyer orders under Va. Code § 46.2-1530. Learn how this compares with other jurisdictions in our complete Dealer Doc Fees by State Directory.
Local DMV & County Fee Variations in Virginia
While state tax rates provide the baseline, local county surtaxes and DMV plate fees vary across Virginia jurisdictions:
| County / Metropolitan Area | Combined Vehicle Tax Rate | DMV Plate & Title Fee | Typical Dealer Doc Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fairfax County | 4.15% state SUT + local PPT | $30.75 base + $33 county fee | $699-$899 |
| Prince William County | 4.15% state SUT + local PPT | $30.75 base + $24 county fee | $699-$849 |
| Loudoun County | 4.15% state SUT + local PPT | $30.75 base + $25 county fee | $699-$899 |
| Henrico County (Richmond) | 4.15% state SUT + local PPT | $30.75 base + $20 county fee | $599-$749 |
| Chesterfield County | 4.15% state SUT + local PPT | $30.75 base + $20 county fee | $599-$749 |
| Virginia Beach | 4.15% state SUT + local PPT | $30.75 base + $25 city fee | $599-$799 |
Cross-Border & Private-Party Buying Rules
If you purchase a vehicle from an out-of-state dealership, you pay motor vehicle sales tax to Virginia when titling the car in your home jurisdiction. Read our transactional guide on buying a car out of state to avoid paying duplicate sales tax.
For private-party transactions between individual buyers and sellers, review our guide on private party vs. dealer vehicle sales tax to understand state valuation rules and required bill of sale documentation.
Need a National View?
Compare statutory rates across all 50 states or recalculate with custom dealer parameters: