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Vermont · What a car really costs

Buying a car in Vermont.

Vermont charges purchase and use tax of 6% statewide on vehicles, with no local add-on. A trade-in does reduce the taxable price, which is real money on the deal.

6%
Purchase and use tax on a vehicle
Full credit
Trade-in reduces the taxable price
$42.00
Title fee
$91
Registration, typical new car
~$200
Doc fee, typical (no cap)

How the tax works.

No local sales tax in Vermont; the Purchase and Use Tax is paid to the DMV at registration.

Manufacturer rebate treatment is not stated on VD-119i; the DMV taxes the purchase price shown on the bill of sale (or the J.D. Power value if higher). Verify for the specific transaction.

Leases: tax is based on the lease's total (acquisition cost minus lease-end value) and computed by the dealer/leasing company; the lessee pays tax on the residual if they buy the vehicle at lease end.

6% of the purchase price or the J.D. Power value, whichever is higher, less trade-in. No maximum for cars and light trucks (curb weight under 10,100 lbs); $2,486 maximum for heavier trucks and trailers.
Trade-ins: Tax is computed on the purchase price minus the value of any trade-in vehicle (VD-119i).

At the DMV.

FeeAmount
Title$42.00
Registration~$91
Lien fee (if financed)$14.00
Auto (car) registration $91 per year for gasoline/diesel; $135.50 PHEV; $178 BEV (includes the infrastructure fee effective January 1, 2025); $159.25 other fuels. Two-year options available ($167 ICE). Plates included.

Leasing in Vermont.

upfront on total

Cities in Vermont.

Pick your city for the exact combined rate where you register, plus what title and registration run there.

MontpelierWashington CountyBurlingtonChittenden CountyBrattleboroWindham CountyColchesterChittenden CountyBartonOrleans CountyEssex JunctionChittenden CountyRutlandRutland CountySaint AlbansFranklin CountySouth BurlingtonChittenden CountyWaterburyWashington County
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Questions.

How much is sales tax on a car in Vermont?

6%. Vermont applies one rate statewide on vehicles, so it does not change from city to city.

Does a trade-in lower the sales tax in Vermont?

Tax is computed on the purchase price minus the value of any trade-in vehicle (VD-119i).

What are title and registration fees in Vermont?

Title is $42.00. Auto (car) registration $91 per year for gasoline/diesel; $135.50 PHEV; $178 BEV (includes the infrastructure fee effective January 1, 2025); $159.25 other fuels. Two-year options available ($167 ICE). Plates included.

Is the doc fee capped in Vermont?

No. Vermont sets no statutory cap, and dealers typically charge around $200. No statutory cap. Typical from CarEdge 2026 (secondary).

How is a lease taxed in Vermont?

upfront on total

Where these numbers come from.

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.