Pennsylvania’s car sales tax is 6%, or 7% if you live in Allegheny County and 8% if you live in Philadelphia. A trade-in lowers the taxable price when it’s part of the same sale.
Pennsylvania car taxes and fees at a glance
| Sales tax | 6% statewide; 7% Allegheny County; 8% Philadelphia (by where you live) |
|---|---|
| Trade-in | Subtracted when it’s part of the same sale |
| Title | $67 |
| Lien recording | $33 if you finance |
| Registration | $48 a year (passenger car, from April 16, 2025) |
Rules worth knowing
- Selling your old car separately is not a trade-in, so it doesn’t lower the tax on the new one.
- Pennsylvania adjusts many vehicle fees every two years for inflation; the passenger registration fee rose from $45 to $48 in April 2025.
Example: what you’d pay in Pennsylvania
Buying a $30,000.00 used car from a dealer in Allegheny, with a $5,000.00 trade-in:
| Sales tax (7%) | $1,750.00 |
| Certificate of title | $67.00 |
| Lien recording | $33.00 |
| Registration (1 year) | $48.00 |
| Taxes and fees | $1,898.00 |
|---|---|
| Out-the-door price | $26,898.00 |
Dealer documentation fees aren’t included in this example; add your dealer’s fee in the calculator.
Frequently asked questions
Does Pennsylvania charge local sales tax on cars?
Only in Allegheny County (+1%) and Philadelphia (+2%), based on where you live.
Does a trade-in reduce sales tax in Pennsylvania?
Yes, if the trade-in happens as part of the same sale.
Checked October 2026 against official Pennsylvania sources. Rates and fees change; your dealer or the motor vehicle office has the final numbers. How we calculate.
Sources
- PennDOT bulletin 09-10 (Philadelphia and Allegheny rates)
- 61 Pa. Code s.31.44 (computation of tax, trade-ins)
- PennDOT bulletin 25-07c (2025 fee changes)