Maryland Car Taxes & Fees (2026)
| vehicle excise (titling) tax | 6.5%Maryland's 6.5% vehicle excise (titling) tax (raised from 6.0% on July 1, 2025) applies to the greater of purchase price or book value with no local add-on and no trade-in credit; private-party buyers pay it at titling. |
| Trade-in tax credit | NoThe full price is taxed — a $10,000 trade-in saves $0 in tax here (it would save $650 in a credit state at the same rate). |
| Doc fee | Capped at $800Capped at $800 (raised from $500 by SB 362, effective July 1, 2024) |
| Title fee | $100 |
| Registration fee | $135-$187 based on weight |
| Inspection & emissions | Safety inspection required · emissions testing in some/all areasA statewide safety inspection is required before titling a used vehicle; biennial VEIP emissions testing applies only in the Baltimore–Washington metro counties, and out-of-state vehicles get a VIN check at titling. |
Full fee reference with negotiation tips: Maryland car buying costs
Maryland OTD Price Questions
What is the sales tax on a car in Maryland?
Vehicle purchases in Maryland are subject to a 6.5% vehicle excise (titling) tax. Maryland's 6.5% vehicle excise (titling) tax (raised from 6.0% on July 1, 2025) applies to the greater of purchase price or book value with no local add-on and no trade-in credit; private-party buyers pay it at titling. On a $35,000 purchase that works out to $2,275 at the statewide rate.
Does Maryland give a trade-in tax credit?
No. Maryland is one of the few jurisdictions with no trade-in tax credit — vehicle excise (titling) tax is charged on the full purchase price. On a $35,000 car with a $10,000 trade-in you still pay tax on the full $35,000 ($2,275 at the statewide rate).
What is the doc fee cap in Maryland?
Maryland caps dealer documentation fees at $800. Capped at $800 (raised from $500 by SB 362, effective July 1, 2024)
How much are taxes and fees on a $35,000 car in Maryland?
Using 2026 statewide figures — $2,275 in vehicle excise (titling) tax, a $100 title fee, about $161 in registration, and a typical $499 doc fee — taxes and fees add about $3,035 (8.7%), for an out-the-door total of roughly $38,035. Local taxes can move that number.
Do I need a vehicle inspection or emissions test in Maryland?
A statewide safety inspection is required before titling a used vehicle; biennial VEIP emissions testing applies only in the Baltimore–Washington metro counties, and out-of-state vehicles get a VIN check at titling.
More OTD Calculators
Sources & Data
Maryland tax, title, registration, and doc fee data compiled from state DMV and Department of Revenue publications; last reviewed . Estimates use the statewide rate — local taxes and value-based fees vary by address and vehicle. Always confirm against your dealer's written, itemized quote.
Know your Maryland OTD. Now check if it's a good deal.
See what buyers actually paid for the same model, search live inventory, or have a dealer quote checked line by line.