Pennsylvania car sales tax calculator
Sales tax on a car in Pennsylvania is 6%–8% depending on where you live, charged on the price after your trade-in. Add title, registration and plate fees to get the real out-the-door cost. Updated 2026-10-26.
Pennsylvania car tax, title & registration calculator
Estimate based on Pennsylvania rules checked 2026-10-26. Your dealer or county office has the final figure.
How car sales tax works in Pennsylvania
- Pennsylvania charges 6% sales tax on vehicle purchases, 7% if you live in Allegheny County and 8% in Philadelphia. The rate depends on where the car will be registered.
- A trade-in taken by the dealer in the same sale reduces the taxable price.
- In a private sale, the buyer pays the tax to PennDOT through a notary or tag service when the title is transferred.
Examples: what you pay on a car in Pennsylvania
Registered in Any other county. Dealer documentation fee left out (it varies by dealer).
| Purchase | Price | Sales tax | Title, registration & plates | Taxes + fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New car from a dealer | $35,000 | $2,100.00 | $120.00 | $2,220.00 |
| New car with a $10,000 trade-in | $35,000 | $1,500.00 | $120.00 | $1,620.00 |
| Used car from a private seller | $15,000 | $900.00 | $120.00 | $1,020.00 |
Title and registration fees in Pennsylvania
| Fee | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate of title | $72 | |
| Lien recording | $36 | Recording a lien when a new title is issued costs $108 in total ($72 title + $36 lien). |
| Passenger vehicle registration (annual) | $48 | Standard plate included |
More detail: Pennsylvania car registration fees · Pennsylvania title transfer cost
Pennsylvania caps dealer documentary fees and adjusts the cap each year; check the amount on your buyer's order.
Frequently asked questions
What is the car sales tax rate in Pennsylvania?
6% to 8% depending on where you live. Pennsylvania charges 6% sales tax on vehicle purchases, 7% if you live in Allegheny County and 8% in Philadelphia. The rate depends on where the car will be registered.
How much is tax, title and license on a $35,000 car in Pennsylvania?
About $2,220 for a new car bought from a dealer with no trade-in: $2,100 in sales tax and $120 in title, registration and plate fees (dealer fee not included). Use the calculator above for your county, trade-in and vehicle.
Does a trade-in lower the sales tax in Pennsylvania?
Yes. Pennsylvania taxes the price after the trade-in allowance when the dealer takes your old car in the same sale. A $10,000 trade-in saves $600 or more in tax.
Do you pay sales tax on a private car sale in Pennsylvania?
Yes. The buyer pays tax to PennDOT through a notary or tag agent when the title is transferred.
Other states
Sources
Rates and fees checked on 2026-10-26. Official pages for Pennsylvania:
Spotted an outdated number? Email hi@carsalestax.com — corrections are checked against the official source and published within a few days.