How Maryland taxes car purchases
- State vehicle tax rate
- 6.5%
- Trade-in lowers the tax
- No
- Tax cap
- None
- Source
- Official source, checked 2026-10-05
These are the rules for a new car bought from a dealer. Used-car and private-sale rules can differ. How we check this data.
Maryland charges 6.5% at the state level. Vehicle excise (titling) tax. Trade-ins stopped reducing it on July 1, 2024. That rate is higher than 39 states and lower than 9 states. County and city taxes may add to it, so check your local rate and enter the total in the calculator.
What to know in Maryland
Maryland's vehicle excise tax is 6.5%, paid when the vehicle is titled. Until July 1, 2024, a trade-in reduced the taxable price, but a 2024 law repealed that allowance, so now you pay on the full price. Many older calculators and articles still describe the old rule.
The change costs Maryland buyers 6.5% of their trade-in's value: $975 on a $15,000 trade-in. Since the dealer's trade-in offer no longer comes with a tax break, compare it with offers from used-car buyers or a private sale.
Does Maryland tax your trade-in?
Yes. Maryland taxes the full price of the new car even when you trade one in. On a $35,000 car you'd pay $2,275.00 in state tax with or without a $10,000 trade-in. Because trading in gives you no tax break here, selling your old car privately is often worth more.
Example: a car loan in Maryland
A $35,000 car with $5,000 down, $1,500 in fees, and a 60-month loan at 6.5% APR ($2,275.00 state tax, rolled into the loan):
- Monthly payment: $660.85
- Amount financed: $33,775
- Total interest: $5,876
- Total cost of the car: $44,651
Change any number in the calculator above to see your own figures.
Rebates and fees
The calculator charges tax on the price before any manufacturer rebate. Ask the dealer how Maryland treats your specific rebate. Title, registration and dealer documentation fees vary, so ask for an itemized out-the-door price and put the fee total in the calculator.
Other states
States with similar vehicle tax rates:
- Arkansas 6.5%
- Kansas 6.5%
- New Jersey 6.625%
- Connecticut 6.35%
- Illinois 6.25%