How does Vermont value vehicles for tax purposes?

Tax is calculated on either the actual purchase price or the J.D. Power clean trade-in book value, whichever is higher, to prevent artificial underreporting.

Can I deduct my trade-in or previous sale in Vermont?

Yes. Under 32 V.S.A. § 8905, you can deduct a trade-in allowance or claim a tax credit if you sold a vehicle previously registered in Vermont within three months of purchasing your new vehicle.

How much does it cost to title and register a car in Vermont?

The certificate of title fee is $42.00 under 23 V.S.A. § 2002 (increased from $35.00 by Act 62). Annual passenger registration ('pleasure car') is $91.00 for one year or $167.00 for two years.

Verified for 2026 Vermont Statutory Rates

Vermont Private Party Vehicle Tax, Tags & Title Calculator

Calculate your true first-year out-of-pocket costs for a private vehicle sale in Vermont. Accurately accounts for 6% excise/sales tax, $42 certificate of title fee, 1 or 2-year tag registration, and state-specific regulations.

Vehicle & Transaction Details

Enter purchase information to calculate true out-of-pocket costs in Vermont.

State of Registration5 Regional States Active

Vehicle Type

Purchase Price (Agreed Sale Price)Vermont 6% tax base

Vehicle Model Year7 years old

Vehicle Weight ClassificationClass A Passenger

Registration TermVermont tag options

Powertrain / Fuel TypeEV surcharge rules

Financing & Lien FilingLien fee: $14.00

Trade-in Value (Optional)Vermont: Deductible

Vermont Statute: Vermont allows trade-in value on private sales to be deducted from the purchase price before applying the 6.00% fee.

Official Notice & Statutory Disclaimers

Estimates only — not tax or legal advice. Verify with Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

Vermont charges a 6% Purchase and Use Tax on the higher of the purchase price or J.D. Power clean trade-in book value.

Trade-in credits apply to private sales if the previous vehicle was registered in Vermont and sold within 3 months.

County & Local Tax Note: Vermont charges a uniform 6.0% Motor Vehicle Purchase and Use Tax statewide; no local city or county sales taxes apply. Tax is assessed on the greater of purchase price or J.D. Power clean trade-in book value.

Estimated Total Breakdown

First-Year Out-of-Pocket Cost

Jurisdiction

Vermont

Total True First-Year Cost

$1,109.00

Sales/Excise Tax + Title Certificate + Tags & Registration

Itemized Line ItemEstimated Fee

1Vehicle Sales / Excise Tax (6%)

Calculated at 6% on taxable base of $15,000

$900.00

2Certificate of Title Fee

Standard state title certificate issuance

$42.00

3Lien / Security Filing Fee

Unfinanced / cash purchase (waived $0.00)

$0.00

4Registration & Tag Fee

Base license plates & tags

$167.00

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Frequently Asked Questions

Vermont Private Vehicle Sales & Tag Rules

Essential statutory answers regarding MVA excise taxes, titling requirements, and tag renewal fees.

Vermont imposes a 6.0% Motor Vehicle Purchase and Use Tax on the taxable cost of vehicles under 32 V.S.A. § 8903, paid to the DMV at registration.