Ohio charges sales and use tax of 5.75% at the state level, and local jurisdictions add their own, which brings a typical vehicle to about 7.25%. A trade-in does reduce the taxable price, which is real money on the deal.
The clerk of courts collects sales tax at the rate of the purchaser's county of residence. County permissive plus transit rates: Cuyahoga and Franklin 2.25% (8.0% combined); Hamilton 2.05%; Lucas and Coshocton 2.0%; 51 counties 1.5% (7.25%); Butler, Lorain, Stark, Wayne 0.75% (6.5%). Warren County rises from 1.0% to 1.5% on October 1, 2026.
Manufacturer rebates and cash down payments do not reduce the taxable price; cash discounts not reimbursed by a third party do.
Leases: sales tax on the total of all lease payments for the initial term is collected up front at lease consummation.
The BMV lists the title fee as $18 statewide ($23 in counties that approve an additional charge); older references show $15.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Title | $18.00 |
| Registration | ~$66 |
| Lien notation (if financed) | $15.00 |
| Local permissive tax (annual; maximum per taxing district, varies $0-$30) | $30.00 |
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Pick your city for the exact combined rate where you register, plus what title and registration run there.
Ohio charges 5.75% at the state level and local jurisdictions add more, so a typical combined rate on a vehicle is about 7.25% and can reach 8% at the high end. The rate is set by where you live, so pick your city above for the exact figure.
Trade-in allowance reduces the taxable price only when purchasing a NEW motor vehicle (or watercraft) from a licensed dealer; it does not reduce the price on a used-vehicle purchase (R.C. 5739.01(H)).
Title is $18.00. State passenger registration $36 per year plus local permissive taxes of up to $30 per registration (assessed in $5 increments by county/municipality/township) and a deputy registrar fee of $8-$24 depending on term. Plates included. EVs add $200, hybrids $100 per year.
Yes, at $398. R.C. 4517.261 as amended by SB 94 (effective Oct 24, 2024): the lesser of 10% of the price or a CPI-indexed cap, reported as $398 for 2026 (secondary; the statute page could not be fetched). Typical $250 per CarEdge (secondary, pre-adjustment).
upfront on total
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.