District of Columbia charges motor vehicle excise tax (title tax) rather than a flat sales tax rate, so what you pay depends on the car itself. A trade-in does not reduce the taxable price here.
Typical new-car excise: a 3,500-4,999 lb gasoline car rated 26-30 mpg city pays 4.1% of price; a 21-25 mpg SUV in the same weight class pays 6.0%; hybrids at 40+ mpg pay 2.5%.
Electric vehicles lost their excise exemption under the Motor Excise Tax Amendment Act of 2024 and now pay 1%-3% by weight.
The 2026 registration schedule is a large increase over prior years (3,500-4,999 lbs was $115); confirm with the DMV fee estimator for the exact vehicle.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Title | $30.00 |
| Registration (weight-based) | ~$175 |
| Lien recordation (per lien) | $20.00 |
| Registration card (per year (DC DMV fee schedule)) | $30.00 |
excise tax is due when the leased vehicle is titled in DC (paid by the lessor and typically passed through); DC sales tax applies to rental charges
Pick your city for the exact combined rate where you register, plus what title and registration run there.
District of Columbia does not use one flat rate. It charges motor vehicle excise tax (title tax), and the rate depends on the vehicle. Rate depends on unladen weight and EPA city MPG (effective Feb 17, 2025): 3,499 lbs or less: 9.0% (20 mpg or less), 5.0% (21-25), 3.1% (26-30), 2.2% (31-39), 1.5% (40+), 1.0% EV. 3,500-4,999 lbs: 10.0% / 6.0% / 4.1% / 3.2% / 2.5% / 2.0% EV. 5,000 lbs or more: 11.0% / 7.0% / 5.1% / 4.2% / 3.5% / 3.0% EV. Applied to fair market value (purchase price for a new vehicle).
The excise tax is assessed on the vehicle's fair market value; DC does not reduce the base for a trade-in.
Title is $30.00. Annual registration effective March 30, 2026: up to 3,499 lbs $70; 3,500-4,999 lbs $175; 5,000-5,999 lbs $300; 6,000 lbs and over $550 plus $75 per 1,000 lbs over 10,000; battery electric vehicles $40. A 3,500 lb car pays $175.
No. District of Columbia sets no statutory cap, and dealers typically charge around $300. No statutory cap. Typical from CarEdge 2026 (secondary).
excise tax is due when the leased vehicle is titled in DC (paid by the lessor and typically passed through); DC sales tax applies to rental charges
Rates, fees, and rules change. These figures are estimates for planning, not tax advice; confirm the final numbers with the dealer and your state's motor vehicle agency before you buy.