Maryland charges vehicle excise tax (titling tax) of 6.5% statewide on vehicles, with no local add-on. A trade-in does reduce the taxable price, which is real money on the deal.
No local sales tax; the excise tax is uniform statewide.
The FY2026 budget reconciliation act raised the excise tax to 6.5% and doubled the title fee to $200 effective July 1, 2025, and raised registration surcharges.
Manufacturer rebates are not deducted from the purchase price for excise tax purposes (MVA treats them as part of the price); dealer discounts are. Verify for the specific deal.
Leases: the excise tax is charged on the vehicle's full purchase price (capitalized cost) when the leased vehicle is titled, not on the monthly payments.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Title | $200.00 |
| Registration (weight-based) | ~$121 |
| Security interest (lien) filing (if financed) | $20.00 |
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Pick your city for the exact combined rate where you register, plus what title and registration run there.
6.5%. Maryland applies one rate statewide on vehicles, so it does not change from city to city.
For a dealer sale, the taxable price is the total purchase price less the allowance for a vehicle traded in (Md. Transportation Code 13-809).
Title is $200.00. Class A passenger car annual fee (includes the $40 EMS surcharge): 3,500 lbs or less $120.50; 3,501-3,700 lbs $125.50; over 3,700 lbs $191.50. New registrations are issued for two years, so a 3,500 lb car pays $241 at titling.
Yes, at $800. Md. Transportation Code 15-311.1(b): dealer processing charge may not exceed $800 on and after July 1, 2024. Typical $499 per CarEdge 2026 (secondary).
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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.