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Washington car sales tax at a glance
| Washington | |
|---|---|
| Tax | retail sales tax plus motor vehicle sales/use tax |
| State rate | 6.8% |
| Counties and cities add tax | Yes |
| Trade-in lowers the tax | Yes, tax is on the price minus the trade |
| Leases | Tax on each monthly payment |
| Dealer doc fee cap | $200 |
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 Washington sales tax on a car
Multiply the taxable price by the rate. In Washington the trade-in comes off first.
A $30,000 car with a $5,000 trade: $25,000 x 6.8% = $1,700 at the state rate, plus any county or city tax where you register the car.
6.5% state retail sales tax + 0.3% motor vehicle sales/use tax (RCW 82.08.020(2)) + local sales tax at the buyer's location (dealers use special motor vehicle location codes). Some localities add more (e.g. Pierce County 0.5% motor vehicle levy from Q3 2026, per DOR flyer).
Trade-ins
WA DOR: the selling price excludes trade-in property of like kind; the trade value must be on the invoice and the dealer must take ownership.
Leasing a car in Washington
Tax on each monthly payment. Washington: retail sales tax (including the 0.3% motor vehicle tax) is due on each lease payment when due; cash cap cost reductions are taxed at signing; trade-in value can offset the taxable amounts. The lease calculator uses Washington's method when you pick the state.
Dealer doc fees
RCW 46.70.180(2)(a)(ii): a documentary service fee of no more than $200 per vehicle sale or lease.