AutoTaxCalculatorAuto sales tax in Maryland
Maryland car sales tax is the 6.5% vehicle excise titling tax, charged on the total purchase price after a dealer trade-in. The rate went up from 6% to 6.5% on July 1, 2025.
When Maryland buyers search for "MD car sales tax" or Maryland sales tax for cars, the tax they actually pay is the excise tax the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) collects when a vehicle is titled. It applies to new and used vehicles, dealer and private sales, and there's no county or city add-on. A $30,000 car pays $1,950, which is $150 more than it would have before July 2025.
How to calculate the Maryland excise tax
- Start with the total purchase price.
- Subtract the dealer trade-in allowance, plus any dealer discounts or rebates. The MVA's taxable price may not include them.
- Multiply by 6.5%.
Example: a $32,000 car with a $9,000 dealer trade-in
- Taxable price: $32,000 − $9,000 = $23,000
- Excise tax: $23,000 × 6.5% = $1,495.00
- Without the trade-in it would be $2,080, so the trade saves $585.
Private sales and low prices
On a private sale, you pay the excise tax at the MVA when you title the car. Because a low price on a bill of sale can't be checked as easily as a dealer invoice, the MVA can base the tax on a standard book value, the NADA "clean retail value", instead of an unusually low price. If the car really is worth less because of its condition, the MVA can accept supporting evidence such as an inspection or appraisal.
Moving to Maryland with your car
New residents have 60 days from moving to title their vehicle in Maryland. If you title within that window:
- If your previous state's tax rate was 6.5% or higher, you pay a flat $100 excise tax.
- If it was lower, you pay the difference between what you paid and Maryland's 6.5%.
Wait longer than 60 days and you lose the credit for tax paid in your previous state.
Example: moving from a state where you paid 4% on a $25,000 car
- Maryland 6.5%: $25,000 × 6.5% = $1,625
- Tax already paid: $1,000
- Due at the MVA: $625.00
Title and registration
On top of the excise tax you'll pay a certificate of title fee and a registration fee. Maryland registration for passenger cars is issued for two years and is priced by vehicle weight. The MVA's fee schedule lists the current amounts, and your dealer's buyer's order or the MVA will show them before you pay.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Maryland automobile sales tax rate in 2026?
6.5% excise titling tax for most vehicles, in effect since July 1, 2025.
Do I pay the old 6% rate if I bought before July 1, 2025?
The rate depends on the date of the transaction; purchases before July 1, 2025 used the earlier 6% rate.
Is the Maryland excise tax charged on a gifted car?
Transfers between certain close family members can be exempt. Check the MVA's excise tax exemptions before titling.
Does Maryland charge a separate local car tax?
No. The 6.5% excise tax is statewide, with no county or city rate on vehicles.
Sources
- Maryland MVA: Excise tax (6.5% rate, new resident $100 rule)
- Maryland MVA: Taxable price (trade-in allowance, discounts and rebates excluded)
- Maryland MVA: New resident titling (60 days)
This calculator gives an estimate. The MVA calculates the final amount. How we calculate