Real Maryland deals, worked out
Each example runs through the same calculator above, line by line, so you can check every number yourself.
1Baltimore: new car with a trade-in
A buyer pays $37,000 and trades in $12,000. The 6.5% excise tax is on $25,000.
| Vehicle price | $37,000.00 |
| Excise titling tax (6.5%) on $25,000.00 | $1,625.00 |
| Title fee | $200.00 |
| Registration | $125.50 |
| Out-the-door | $38,950.50 |
| Due after the $12,000 trade-in | $26,950.50 |
2Heavier SUV
A buyer pays $46,000 for an SUV over 3,700 pounds, with no trade-in.
| Vehicle price | $46,000.00 |
| Excise titling tax (6.5%) on $46,000.00 | $2,990.00 |
| Title fee | $200.00 |
| Registration | $191.50 |
| Out-the-door | $49,381.50 |
The excise titling tax
The MVA collects the tax when you title the car. On a dealer purchase it's 6.5% of the full purchase price less the trade-in allowance, and the MVA lists the dealer trade-in allowance among items that aren't taxable. Contracts signed in June 2025 were taxed at 6%; the contract date decides the rate.
Maryland car tax at common prices
What a new gas car bought from a dealer comes to at four prices. The trade-in column shows how much a $10,000 trade-in changes the tax under Maryland's rules.
| Price | Tax | Tax with $10,000 trade-in | Taxes + fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| $15,000 | $975.00 | $325.00 | $1,300.50 |
| $25,000 | $1,625.00 | $975.00 | $1,950.50 |
| $35,000 | $2,275.00 | $1,625.00 | $2,600.50 |
| $50,000 | $3,250.00 | $2,600.00 | $3,575.50 |
Title and registration
The title fee is $200 for most vehicles. Registration rates rose for heavier cars from July 1, 2025; the MVA lists $191.50 for passenger cars over 3,700 pounds and $125.50 for 3,500 to 3,700 pounds. Electric and plug-in hybrid cars also pay a yearly surcharge.
Maryland taxes and fees at a glance
Officialfrom a state agency sourceEst.varies or not yet confirmed
| Item (baltimore: new car with a trade-in) | Status | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Excise titling tax (6.5%) | Official | $1,625.00 |
| Title fee | Official | $200.00 |
| Registration | Estimate | $125.50 |
| Total taxes and fees | $1,950.50 |
Maryland car tax FAQ
What is the car sales tax in Maryland?
Maryland charges a 6.5% excise titling tax, up from 6% on July 1, 2025.
Does a trade-in lower Maryland excise tax?
Yes. On a dealer purchase it's 6.5% of the price less the trade-in allowance.
How much is a Maryland title?
$200 for most vehicles.
Sources
We build every number from these agency pages. If something has changed, tell us and we'll fix it.
Rules and fees checked on