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Virginia · What a car really costs

Buying a car in Virginia.

Virginia charges motor vehicle sales and use tax (sut) of 4.15% statewide on vehicles, with no local add-on. A trade-in does not reduce the taxable price here.

4.15%
Motor vehicle sales and use tax (SUT) on a vehicle
No credit
Trade-in reduces the taxable price
$15.00
Title fee
$31
Registration, typical new car
~$799
Doc fee, typical (no cap)

How the tax works.

No local sales tax on vehicles; the 4.15% SUT is uniform statewide and collected by DMV at titling.

Manufacturer rebates are included in the gross sales price (not deductible); dealer discounts reduce it.

Virginia is one of the few states with neither a trade-in credit nor a cap, so the effective tax on a trade-heavy deal is higher than the rate suggests.

4.15% of the gross sales price, minimum $75.
Trade-ins: Virginia's SUT is based on the gross sales price; no deduction is allowed for a trade-in (Va. Code 58.1-2401).

At the DMV.

FeeAmount
Title$15.00
Registration (weight-based)~$31
Highway Use Fee (annual, fuel-efficient (25+ mpg) and electric vehicles; amount by mpg per DMV chart (EV $135.63 for July 2026-June 2027))Varies
Passenger vehicles 4,000 lbs or less $30.75 per year; 4,001-6,500 lbs $35.75 (DMV 201, 08/10/2026). Plates included. Add $2 in Northern Virginia emissions localities and local registration fees in participating localities. Highway Use Fee applies to vehicles rated 25 mpg or better and to EVs ($135.63 for EVs; $7 to $103 for efficient gasoline cars in FY2027).
Annual value-based tax: {"name":"Local personal property tax (car tax)","rate":"Locality rate (commonly $3.50-$4.60 per $100 of assessed value) on the vehicle's assessed value, partially offset by the state's Personal Property Tax Relief on the first $20,000","notes":"Billed annually by the city/county; often $1,000+ in year 1 on a $40,000 car before relief."}

Leasing in Virginia.

4.15% SUT on the vehicle's gross price is paid by the lessor when the leased vehicle is titled and is passed through in the lease; no tax on monthly payments

Cities in Virginia.

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

RoanokeRoanoke CountyRichmondCity of Richmond CountyArlingtonArlington CountyAlexandriaCity of Alexandria CountyNorfolkNorfolk CountyVirginia BeachVirginia Beach CountyCharlottesvilleAlbemarle CountyHamptonHampton CountyHenricoHenrico CountyNewport NewsNewport News County
What is my car worth? How buying with us works Every state

Questions.

How much is sales tax on a car in Virginia?

4.15%. Virginia applies one rate statewide on vehicles, so it does not change from city to city.

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

Virginia's SUT is based on the gross sales price; no deduction is allowed for a trade-in (Va. Code 58.1-2401).

What are title and registration fees in Virginia?

Title is $15.00. Passenger vehicles 4,000 lbs or less $30.75 per year; 4,001-6,500 lbs $35.75 (DMV 201, 08/10/2026). Plates included. Add $2 in Northern Virginia emissions localities and local registration fees in participating localities. Highway Use Fee applies to vehicles rated 25 mpg or better and to EVs ($135.63 for EVs; $7 to $103 for efficient gasoline cars in FY2027).

Is the doc fee capped in Virginia?

No. Virginia sets no statutory cap, and dealers typically charge around $799. No statutory cap; the 'processing fee' must be disclosed (Va. Code 46.2-1530). Typical from CarEdge 2026 (secondary).

How is a lease taxed in Virginia?

4.15% SUT on the vehicle's gross price is paid by the lessor when the leased vehicle is titled and is passed through in the lease; no tax on monthly payments

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.