Last checked Nov 10, 2026
Buying a car in Ohio
The tax you will pay, whether your trade-in lowers it, what the dealer may charge for paperwork, and where to title and register. Taken from official Ohio sources.
- State tax on vehicles
- 5.75%
- Trade-in lowers tax
- Partly
- Doc fee limit
- Limited
- Deadline to title or register
- 30 days
details below
Sales tax on a car in Ohio
Ohio charges a state sales tax of 5.75% on vehicle purchases.
Counties and regional transit authorities add their own sales tax, charged at the rate in the buyer's county of residence; the combined rate cannot exceed 8.75%.
Manufacturer rebates are included in the taxable price. A vehicle bought from a private seller is also subject to sales tax, paid at the county clerk of courts title office.
Does a trade-in lower the tax?
A trade-in allowance reduces the taxable price only when buying a new motor vehicle; it does not reduce the price of a used motor vehicle.
Dealer doc fees in Ohio
The documentary service charge may not exceed the lesser of a dollar maximum or 10% of the price. The dollar maximum starts from $250 and is adjusted for inflation each September by the registrar of motor vehicles for the following calendar year.
Whatever the rule, the fee is part of your out-the-door price. Ask for it in the written quote and negotiate the total, not the line. See dealer fees explained.
Title and registration
Titles and registrations are handled by the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (titles are issued by county Clerk of Courts title offices). Title transfers must take place within 30 days of the date of sale or a late fee is charged. An Ohio dealer handles the title paperwork on a new vehicle.
Also worth knowing
- Ohio titles are issued by county Clerk of Courts title offices, not by the BMV.
- A 45-day temporary tag is available, and it must be obtained before the title is transferred into the buyer's name.
Sources
- Ohio Revised Code 4517.261: Documentary service charge (codes.ohio.gov)
- Ohio Department of Taxation: Sales Tax for Motor Vehicles, Watercraft, and Aircraft (tax.ohio.gov)
- Ohio Department of Taxation: Sales and Use Tax (tax.ohio.gov)
- Ohio BMV: Vehicle Titles (bmv.ohio.gov)
Last checked Nov 10, 2026; next review by Feb 10, 2027. This page explains how the rules generally work and is not tax or legal advice. Rules change, so confirm with the state. Report an error.
Concierge
Rather not do this part yourself?
Tell us the car you want. A person finds it, checks it, negotiates the out-the-door price in writing, and lines up the paperwork. You approve every step.