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Virginia car sales tax at a glance
| Virginia | |
|---|---|
| Tax | motor vehicle sales and use tax (SUT) |
| State rate | 4.15% |
| Counties and cities add tax | No |
| Trade-in lowers the tax | No, tax is on the full price |
| Leases | Tax on the car's price, due at signing |
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 Virginia sales tax on a car
Multiply the taxable price by the rate. Virginia taxes the full price, even with a trade-in.
A $30,000 car with a $5,000 trade: $30,000 x 4.15% = $1,245 at the state rate.
4.15% of gross sales price (after rebates, including the dealer processing fee) or $75, whichever is greater. Paid at titling; no local add-on. The general sales tax average (5.77%) does not apply.
Trade-ins
Virginia DMV: the gross sales price excludes price reductions such as trade-in credit from the deduction, so a $40,000 car with a $5,000 trade-in is taxed on $40,000.
Leasing a car in Virginia
Tax on the car's price, due at signing. Virginia: the leased vehicle is titled to the lessor, who pays the 4.15% SUT on the vehicle price at titling (the lease contract may pass it to the lessee, usually capitalized or paid at signing). No tax on monthly payments. The lease calculator uses Virginia's method when you pick the state.
Dealer doc fees
No dollar cap found; the processing fee is included in the taxable price.