Washington charges retail sales tax plus motor vehicle sales/lease tax of 6.8% at the state level, and local jurisdictions add their own, which brings a typical vehicle to about 10.3%. A trade-in does reduce the taxable price, which is real money on the deal.
Sales tax on a dealer sale is collected at the rate where the buyer takes delivery (normally the dealership); the DOL rate file (Q3 2026) shows local rates from 1.5% to 4.2% (Edmonds/Lynnwood area 10.7% combined). Typical local of 3.5% reflects the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue area (RTA counties, 10.1%-10.55%).
Manufacturer rebates are part of the taxable selling price in Washington; dealer discounts reduce it.
Leases: 6.8% state plus local sales/lease tax on each lease payment.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Title | $15.00 |
| Registration (mixed-based) | ~$150 |
| Plates | $50.00 |
| RTA motor vehicle excise tax (annual, Sound Transit district only: 1.1% of MSRP-based depreciated value) | Varies |
| Title filing and service fees (title with registration ($12.50 filing + $18 service, approximately)) | $29.00 |
Lease tax applies to each monthly payment rather than to the full price of the car, so you pay it as you go.
Pick your city for the exact combined rate where you register, plus what title and registration run there.
Washington charges 6.8% at the state level and local jurisdictions add more, so a typical combined rate on a vehicle is about 10.3% and can reach 11% at the high end. The rate is set by the dealership location, so pick your city above for the exact figure.
Trade-in value of like-kind property (a motor vehicle) is excluded from the selling price (RCW 82.08.010).
Title is $15.00. Annual: $30 basic license fee + vehicle weight fee ($25 for 0-4,000 lbs; $45 for 4,001-6,000; $65 for 6,001-8,000; $72 over 8,000) + $10 additional weight fee + $6 filing + $11 service fee + $0.75 license service fee, plus a Transportation Benefit District fee of $20-$50 in many cities and the RTA motor vehicle excise tax (1.1% of depreciated MSRP value) inside the Sound Transit district (King, Pierce, Snohomish urban areas): roughly $400+ in year 1 on a $40,000 car. EVs add $150 + $75 transportation electrification fee.
Yes, at $200. RCW 46.70.180(2): documentary service fee capped at $200 (since 2022). Typical $199 per CarEdge (secondary).
Tax applies to each monthly payment rather than the whole price of the car, so the tax is spread across the lease.
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.