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District of Columbia car sales tax at a glance
| District of Columbia | |
|---|---|
| Tax | motor vehicle excise tax (titling tax) |
| State rate | None |
| Counties and cities add tax | No |
| Trade-in lowers the tax | No state sales tax to reduce |
| Leases | Its own rule (see leasing below) |
Checked on the state's official sources on 2026-11-02. Rates change; the state's revenue department has the last word.
How to work out District of Columbia sales tax on a car
District of Columbia has no state sales tax on cars. One-time excise tax at titling on fair market value. Since Feb 17, 2025 the rate depends on unladen weight and city MPG: 1.5%-9% (3,499 lbs or less), 2.5%-10% (3,500-4,999 lbs), 3.5%-11% (5,000+ lbs); EVs 1%, 2% or 3%. DC EITC recipients may elect 6%/7%/8% weight-class rates. No sales tax on the vehicle itself. (DC general sales tax rose from 6% to 7% on Oct 1, 2026, but it does not apply to titled vehicle sales.)
Trade-ins
The excise tax is a percentage of the vehicle's fair market value (NADA Eastern Region guide) at titling; neither DMV nor D.C. Code 50-2201.03(j) provides a trade-in deduction.
Leasing a car in District of Columbia
District of Columbia: leased vehicles are exempt from the titling excise tax only if the lease is subject to DC gross receipts tax (D.C. Code 50-2201.03(j)(3)(F)), and those gross receipts provisions name rental-fleet vehicles. Ask the leasing company how a long-term consumer lease is taxed. The calculator taxes the price at signing, the nearest fit; check the lease contract. The lease calculator uses District of Columbia's method when you pick the state.
Dealer doc fees
No cap found.