Maryland Car Sales Tax Calculator (2026)

• Maryland's vehicle excise tax rose to 6.5% of the total purchase price on July 1, 2025.
• Manufacturer rebates do not reduce the taxable price in Maryland, while a trade-in allowance on a non-leased vehicle does.

Vehicle excise (titling) tax

6.5%In effect since Jul 1, 2025

Local tax

None on vehicles

Trade-in

Full credit: reduces the taxable price

Manufacturer rebate

Taxed: tax is figured before the rebate

Figured with Maryland's rules for a buyer from a dealer.

• Used car, no trade-in$1,170

  $18,000 price. Taxed on $18,000.

• New car with a trade-in$1,625

  $35,000 price, $10,000 trade-in. Taxed on $25,000. The trade-in saves $650.

• New car with a trade-in and a rebate$1,950

  $45,000 price, $15,000 trade-in, $2,000 rebate. Taxed on $30,000. The trade-in saves $975. The rebate does not lower the tax.

These examples treat the agreed price as the taxable price. Where a state uses a book value instead, the tax can differ.

Maryland has no local tax on vehicles, so buyers in Baltimore and Frederick and everywhere else in Maryland are figured at the same state rate: $1,950 on a new $30,000 car. Whether the tax applies to your purchase still depends on the rules above.

The calculator covers a car bought from a dealer. These rules apply to other ways of buying or bringing a car to Maryland.

Buying from a private seller

In a private sale of a car 7 or more model years old, Maryland's excise tax is figured on the greater of the purchase price or $640. For a newer car, the tax is on the purchase price unless it is $500 or more below the retail value in the used car guide the state uses; then the price is accepted only with a notarized MVA bill of sale, otherwise the guide value is taxed. (mgaleg.maryland.gov, checked Nov 10, 2026)

A car received as a gift

A Maryland-titled car given with no money or other consideration to a spouse, child, grandchild, parent, sibling, grandparent or parent-, son- or daughter-in-law is exempt from the excise tax. A gift to a niece or nephew is also exempt if the giver is at least 65. (mgaleg.maryland.gov, checked Nov 10, 2026)

Moving to Maryland with your car

A new resident titling a car already titled and registered in another state owes Maryland excise tax, but only at the difference between Maryland's rate and the lower rate paid to the other state, if they have been a resident for no more than 60 days. Titling after 60 days loses the credit for tax paid elsewhere. (mgaleg.maryland.gov, checked Nov 10, 2026)

Active-duty military

A car owned by an active-duty service member, or one returning to Maryland from active duty, is exempt from the excise tax on its first Maryland title if the member previously titled and registered it in another state. (mgaleg.maryland.gov, checked Nov 10, 2026)

Deadline to pay

The buyer must apply for a new Maryland title promptly after delivery; if the MVA does not receive the title and application within 30 days, it may charge an additional service fee. (mgaleg.maryland.gov, checked Nov 10, 2026)

Paying late

If the title application reaches the MVA more than 30 days after delivery, the MVA may charge an additional service fee. Failing to pay the excise tax is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $1,000. (mgaleg.maryland.gov, checked Nov 10, 2026)

Maryland is tied for 37th lowest of all 50 states and the District of Columbia for tax on a $30,000 car. See all states.

Tax on a $30,000 car before trade-in, in nearby states. You generally pay tax based on where you register the car.

• Virginia$1,245
• Delaware$1,575
• District of Columbia$1,800
• Pennsylvania$1,800 – $2,400
• West Virginia$1,800
• Maryland$1,950

• All car calculators
• Sales tax calculators by state
• Car sales tax by state
• Trade-in tax credit by state
• Car cost by state
• Maryland out-the-door price
• Auto loan calculator

• Delaware car sales tax
• District of Columbia car sales tax
• Pennsylvania car sales tax
• Virginia car sales tax
• West Virginia car sales tax