North Carolina·Updated for 2026·Figures in USD · highway use tax is 3% statewide
North Carolina Car Tax and Tag Calculator (2026)
North Carolina charges a 3% highway use tax instead of sales tax: on the price less any trade-in from a dealer, or on NCDMV's value in a private sale. Then come the $66.75 title, the $46.25 plate and, in four counties, a county tax. Choose your county to see your estimate.
Your purchase
$
What you pay for the vehicle
$
Dealer sales only. On a private (casual) sale the tax is 3% of the DMV value
Durham, Orange, Wake and Randolph counties add a registration tax
Enter the purchase price. Your North Carolina tax, title and license estimate appears here as you type — there is no button to press.
Calculating
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This is a planning estimate, not the exact number a dealer or license plate agency will quote. Fees change with NCDMV’s inflation adjustments, so check current NCDMV guidance before you buy.
Figures last verified October 18, 2026. From NCDMV's fee schedule (MVR-94) and registration requirements (MVR-106). Fees change, so check current NCDMV guidance.
How much is the tax on a car in North Carolina?
3% highway use tax, plus fixed title and plate fees, plus a county tax in four counties. On a $25,000 car bought from a dealer:
Charge
Most counties
Randolph
Durham, Orange, Wake
Highway use tax (3%)
$750.00
$750.00
$750.00
Certificate of title
$66.75
$66.75
$66.75
Passenger plate
$46.25
$46.25
$46.25
County registration taxes
$0.00
$1.00
$17.00
Estimated total
$863.00
$864.00
$880.00
Dealer sale or private sale?
From a dealer, the tax is 3% of the sale price plus any administrative or document fee, less your trade-in. A $30,000 car with a $10,000 trade-in owes $600.00 instead of $900.00. In a casual sale between individuals, NCDMV charges 3% of its computer value for the vehicle, not the price you agree, and a trade-in does not count: a car valued at $14,000 owes $420.00 even at a $12,000 price. NCDMV does not publish a lookup tool, so ask your license plate agency for the value.
North Carolina title and registration fees
Fee
Amount
Source
Highway use tax
3%; new residents at most $250
NCDMV MVR-106
Certificate of title
$66.75
NCDMV MVR-94
Passenger registration
$46.25 a year
NCDMV MVR-94
Durham, Orange and Wake counties
+$17 ($10 regional transit + $7 county registration tax)
NCDMV MVR-94
Randolph County
+$1
NCDMV MVR-94
Annual vehicle property tax
Billed by your county with renewal; not included
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NCDMV's MVR-106 lists the Orange County regional transit tax as $8; its newer fee schedule (MVR-94, revised September 2026) lists $10 for Durham, Orange and Wake. The calculator uses the fee schedule.
North Carolina car tax FAQ
What is the sales tax on a car in North Carolina?
North Carolina charges a 3% highway use tax instead of sales tax. On a $25,000 car from a dealer that is $750.00.
How is the highway use tax worked out?
On a dealer sale, 3% of the sale price plus any administrative or document fee, less the trade-in. On a casual (private) sale, 3% of the NCDMV computer value of the vehicle. A new resident bringing a vehicle titled in another state pays at most $250.
Does a trade-in lower the North Carolina highway use tax?
Yes, on a dealer sale. On a $30,000 car with a $10,000 trade-in, the tax falls from $900.00 to $600.00.
How much is the highway use tax on a private sale?
3% of the vehicle's value in NCDMV's records, not the price you agree. A car NCDMV values at $14,000 owes $420.00, even if you paid $12,000.
How much is a North Carolina title and plate?
The certificate of title is $66.75 and a passenger plate is $46.25 (NCDMV fee schedule, effective July 1, 2024).
Which counties charge extra?
Durham, Orange and Wake counties add $17 a year: a $10 regional transit authority tax and a $7 county vehicle registration tax. Randolph County adds $1.
Do I pay property tax on my car in North Carolina?
Yes. Counties tax vehicles each year based on their value, and the bill is collected with your registration renewal. It is not part of this estimate.
Are you covering other states?
Yes. Texas, California, Florida, New York, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Washington, Arizona, Michigan and Illinois are live too, and more states are added once their rates and fees are verified from each state's own pages. Each state uses its own published rules. Pick your state on the vehicle tax, title and license calculator by state.
Highway use tax: dealer sale, 3% of the sale price plus any administrative or document fee less the trade-in; casual sale, 3% of the NCDMV computer value; new residents, up to $250 (MVR-106). Title $66.75 and passenger registration $46.25, plus $17 in Durham, Orange and Wake counties and $1 in Randolph (MVR-94).
