New York’s car sales tax is 4% state plus your county’s or city’s rate, so most buyers pay 7% to 8.875% based on where they live. Registration is priced by the car’s weight, and many counties and New York City add a vehicle use tax on top.
New York car taxes and fees at a glance
| Sales tax | 7% to 8.875% combined, set by where you live |
|---|---|
| Trade-in | Subtracted on dealer sales |
| Private sales | Taxed on the full price, including the value of anything traded |
| Title | $50 |
| Plates | $25 |
| Registration (2 years) | $26 to $140 by weight; at least $32.50 for 6+ cylinders or electric |
| Local add-ons (2 years) | County use tax $10 to $60 in many counties; $50 MCTD fee in NYC and 7 nearby counties |
Rules worth knowing
- New York City (all five boroughs) and Yonkers have the highest rate at 8.875%.
- The MCTD fee applies in the five NYC counties plus Dutchess, Nassau, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Suffolk and Westchester.
- Private buyers pay the sales tax at the DMV when they register, using Form DTF-802.
- Registration fees and county use taxes cover two years.
Example: what you’d pay in New York
Buying a $30,000.00 used car from a dealer in Nassau, with a $5,000.00 trade-in:
| Sales tax (8.625% in Nassau) | $2,156.25 |
| Title certificate | $50.00 |
| License plates | $25.00 |
| Registration (2 years, by weight) | $59.00 |
| County vehicle use tax (2 years) | $30.00 |
| MCTD supplemental fee (2 years) | $50.00 |
| Taxes and fees | $2,370.25 |
|---|---|
| Out-the-door price | $27,370.25 |
Dealer documentation fees aren’t included in this example; add your dealer’s fee in the calculator.
Frequently asked questions
Which sales tax rate applies when I buy a car in New York?
The rate where you live and register the car, not where the dealer is.
Do I pay sales tax on a car from a private seller in New York?
Yes, on the full price, paid at the DMV with Form DTF-802.
Why is my New York registration different from my friend’s?
Registration is priced by weight, and many counties add a use tax; the NYC area also adds the MCTD fee.
Checked October 2026 against official New York sources. Rates and fees change; your dealer or the motor vehicle office has the final numbers. How we calculate.
Sources
- NY Tax: Publication 718, sales tax rates by jurisdiction
- NY Tax: Form DTF-802
- NY DMV: Passenger vehicle registration fees, use taxes and supplemental fees