$3,320
4.15% of $80,000, plus the $15 title fee and registration. Add your county's annual personal property tax in later years.
Land Rover Tysons Corner | Data TableChecked October 2026
VA vs MD vs DC Car Tax & Title Fee Comparison
Every vehicle tax, title fee and inspection rule that matters to a DC-region Land Rover buyer, side by side and sourced to the agency that sets it.
- Maryland raised its excise tax from 6.0% to 6.5% for contracts dated July 2025 onward.
- DC moved to a weight-and-fuel-economy excise formula on February 17, 2025, and electric vehicles are no longer exempt.
- Virginia's 4.15% rate has a $75 minimum; Virginia localities also bill an annual personal property tax.
Tax, Title & Registration at a Glance
Use the column for the place where you live and will register the vehicle. The location of the dealership does not change which column applies.
| Item | Virginia | Maryland | Washington, DC |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tax name | Motor Vehicle Sales and Use Tax (SUT) | Vehicle excise (titling) tax | Motor vehicle excise tax |
| Rate | 4.15% | 6.5% (6.0% before July 1, 2025) | Percentage from DC's table based on unladen weight and city mpg |
| Tax base | Gross sales price after rebates and incentives; includes dealer processing fee | Dealer purchase price including dealer processing charge | Fair market value per the NADA Eastern Region guide |
| Trade-in | Does not reduce the tax base | Trade-in allowance is deducted for dealer purchases | Not applicable; tax is based on fair market value |
| Minimum tax | $75 | Based on a $640 minimum purchase price | Set by DC's formula |
| Title fee | $15 | $200 (doubled from $100 on July 1, 2025) | $30 |
| Passenger registration | Weight-based annual fee; local fees may apply | Weight-based; $191.50 per year for vehicles over 3,700 lbs, which covers most Land Rovers | Weight-based; see DC DMV fee schedule |
| Safety inspection, new vehicle | Virginia requires periodic safety inspections of registered vehicles | Required for used vehicles; generally not for new vehicles bought new | Not required for brand-new passenger vehicles |
| Emissions, new vehicle | Required in Northern Virginia localities on a biennial cycle; newest model years exempt | First VEIP test scheduled at least 36 months after first registration | Newer vehicles exempt for an initial period; check DC DMV |
| Annual local vehicle tax | Yes: personal property tax billed by your county or city | No vehicle personal property tax | No vehicle personal property tax |
| Last major change | 4.15% rate in effect since July 1, 2016 | July 1, 2025 (HB 352) | Excise formula Feb 17, 2025; title fee to $30 Mar 30, 2026 |
Sources: Virginia DMV, Maryland MVA and DC DMV, linked below. Registration amounts change often, so confirm with the agency before budgeting to the dollar.
Worked Example: $80,000 Land Rover
This example compares the tax line only, for a new vehicle bought from a dealer at an $80,000 taxable price with no trade-in.
$5,200
6.5% of $80,000, plus the $200 title fee and registration. With a trade-in, Maryland deducts the allowance before calculating the tax.
Use DC's estimator
DC applies a percentage from its weight and city-mpg table to the vehicle's fair market value. Heavier, lower-mpg vehicles fall in higher tiers.
Example only. Your taxable price depends on the final deal, dealer processing charge, rebates and trade-in.
How DC Calculates Excise Tax
Since February 17, 2025, DC DMV calculates excise tax with this formula: fair market value multiplied by a percentage set by the vehicle's unladen weight and city mpg. Fuel efficiency uses mpg, not MPGe, and fully electric vehicles are no longer exempt.
Because most Land Rover models are heavy SUVs, DC buyers should expect a higher tier than a compact car. Use the DC DMV excise tax estimator with your exact model before you budget.
Before You Visit DC DMV
- Get the vehicle's unladen weight and EPA city mpg from your sales consultant.
- Run DC's online estimator.
- Bring payment for excise tax, title, registration and any lien fee.
Get Your State's Numbers on One Page
We'll prepare a buyer's order with the tax and fees for where you live, so there are no surprises at the MVA or DMV. See how the full process works in our out-of-state buying guide, or check inspection rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the car sales tax in Virginia vs Maryland?
Virginia charges a 4.15% motor vehicle sales and use tax with a $75 minimum. Maryland charges a 6.5% vehicle excise tax, raised from 6.0% for contracts dated July 2025 onward.
What is the DC car excise tax rate?
DC does not use a single rate. Since February 17, 2025, DC applies a percentage based on the vehicle's unladen weight and city mpg to its fair market value. Use DC DMV's online estimator for your exact model.
How much is a title fee in VA, MD and DC?
Virginia charges $15, Maryland charges $200 and DC charges $30 for a new title.
Does Maryland give a tax credit for a trade-in?
Yes, for dealer purchases. The MVA calculates excise tax on the purchase price less the trade-in allowance. Virginia's sales and use tax does not deduct a trade-in.
Do Virginia residents pay tax on their car every year?
Yes. Virginia counties and cities levy an annual personal property tax on vehicles. Maryland and DC do not have an equivalent vehicle personal property tax.
Are electric Land Rovers exempt from DC excise tax?
No longer. DC DMV states that electric vehicles are no longer exempt under the formula effective February 17, 2025.
Sources & Reference Materials
Official sources last reviewed October 2026. State fees and rules change; always confirm with the agency before you buy.
Motor Vehicle Sales & Use Tax
Virginia's 4.15% sales and use tax, collected at titling, with a $75 minimum.
Maryland Excise Tax
Official explanation of Maryland's 6.5% vehicle excise tax and how it is calculated.
2025 Fee & Tax Changes
MVA bulletin on HB 352 (2025): excise tax rose from 6.0% to 6.5% for contracts dated July 2025 onward.
Title & Excise Tax Fees
DC title fee and the weight-and-fuel-economy excise tax formula effective February 17, 2025.
Register a New or Used Vehicle
DC DMV document requirements, including the new-vehicle inspection exemption.
Maryland Safety Inspections
When a Maryland Safety Inspection Certificate is needed to title and register.
This page is general information, not legal or tax advice. Tax rates, title and registration fees, inspection rules and agency procedures are set by the Virginia DMV, Maryland MVA and DC DMV and can change. Figures shown were checked against official agency sources in October 2026. Your actual amounts depend on your purchase price, trade-in, vehicle weight, fuel economy, financing and residency. Confirm current requirements with the agency and your sales consultant before you sign.
