Tax Title and License Calculator - TTL & Out-the-Door Price Calculator
Free tax title and license calculator (TTL) for vehicle purchases. Calculate sales tax, title fees, registration costs, and out-the-door price with trade-in savings. Our calculator uses state-specific formulas to estimate total vehicle purchase costs including all mandatory fees and taxes, helping you budget accurately and avoid surprises at the dealership.
Last updated: January 10, 2025
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Reduces taxable amount in most states
Check your state/local tax rate
Additional Fees
Dealer processing fee (may be negotiable)
Cost Breakdown
$2,250.00
On $30,000 (after trade-in)
Title Fee
$150
Registration
$200
Doc Fee
$300
$2,900.00
$37,900.00
Vehicle price + TTL fees
$375.00
Reduced sales tax by $375.00
$636/mo
60 months @ 6% APR (example)
Cost Summary
Tax Title and License Calculator Components
Typical rate
4-10% of Price
Largest component of TTL costs
Typical range
$50-$300
One-time state fee for title transfer
Typical range
$50-$500+
Annual fee, varies by state and vehicle
Typical range
$100-$700
Dealer fee, may be negotiable
Tax benefit
Trade Value × Tax Rate
Reduces taxable amount in most states
Formula
Price + TTL Fees
Complete purchase cost before financing
Quick Example Result
$35,000 vehicle with $5,000 trade-in at 7.5% tax rate:
Sales Tax
$2,250
Total TTL
$2,900
OTD Price
$37,900
Tax Saved
$375
How Our Tax Title and License Calculator Works
Our TTL calculator computes total vehicle purchase costs by applying your state's sales tax rate to the taxable amount (vehicle price minus trade-in), then adding mandatory title and registration fees plus dealer documentation charges. The calculator uses standard automotive finance formulas to provide accurate out-the-door pricing and show exactly how trade-ins reduce your tax burden.
TTL Calculation Formula
The trade-in tax benefit is significant—a $5,000 trade-in at 7.5% tax rate saves $375 in sales tax. This is why trading in at a dealer (even for slightly less than private sale value) can make financial sense. The tax savings effectively increases your trade-in value. Some states don't offer this benefit, so verify your state's policy before assuming tax savings.
Visual breakdown of typical tax, title, license, and fee components
State-by-State Fee Variations
Vehicle TTL costs vary dramatically by state. Some states have low sales tax but high registration fees, while others have high tax but low fees. Understanding your state's structure helps you budget accurately. Registration fees may be based on vehicle value, weight, age, or a flat rate. Some states charge annual registration, while others offer multi-year options. Always verify current rates with your state's DMV as fees change periodically.
- Sales tax: 0% (OR, MT, AK, DE, NH) to 10%+ (CA, some local areas)
- Title fees: $15-$300 depending on state (most $50-150)
- Registration: Flat rate, value-based, or weight-based (varies widely)
- Documentation: $85-$995 (some states cap, others don't regulate)
- Trade-in credit: Reduces sales tax in most states (not all)
- Out-of-state: Pay tax/register in home state, not purchase state
Sources & References
- State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) - Vehicle Registration and Title FeesOfficial state-by-state fee schedules and requirements
- State Tax Commission - Vehicle Sales Tax RatesCurrent sales tax rates by state and locality
- National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) - Dealer Fee GuidelinesIndustry standards for documentation and dealer fees
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Purchase Details:
- Vehicle Price: $35,000
- Trade-In Value: $5,000
- Sales Tax Rate: 7.5%
- Title Fee: $150
- Registration Fee: $200
- Doc Fee: $300
Cost Calculation:
- Taxable amount: $35,000 - $5,000 = $30,000
- Sales tax: $30,000 × 7.5% = $2,250
- Title fee: $150
- Registration: $200
- Doc fee: $300
- Total TTL: $2,250 + $650 = $2,900
- Out-the-door: $35,000 + $2,900 = $37,900
Result: $37,900 total out-the-door price
TTL fees: $2,900. Trade-in saved $375 in sales tax. Monthly payment: ~$636 (60 mo @ 6% APR).
High-Tax State Example
$40K vehicle, 10% tax, no trade
$4,650 TTL, $44,650 OTD
Low-Tax State Example
$30K vehicle, 4% tax, $3K trade
$1,730 TTL, $31,730 OTD
Frequently Asked Questions
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