Overview
Enter your numbers below and the calculator itemizes every line the county tax office will charge you. It works for dealer purchases and private-party sales alike - with one Texas quirk to know: on private sales the county compares your price against the vehicle's Standard Presumptive Value (SPV) and taxes whichever is higher (your price, or 80% of SPV). If you got a genuinely great deal, bring proof.
01 - Official fees
Texas tax, title & license fees at a glance
| Fee | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Motor vehicle sales tax | 6.25% | of price (or 80% of SPV if higher, private sales) |
| Title application fee | $28 / $33 | non-emissions / emissions county |
| Base registration | $50.75 | car or truck ≤ 6,000 lbs |
| County road & bridge fee | $11.50–$21.50 | set by each county |
| Inspection replacement fee | $7.50 | replaced the old safety-inspection sticker |
| Processing & handling | $4.75 | |
| Insurance verification | $1.00 | TexasSure |
| EV fee (if electric) | $200/yr | EVs ≤ 10,000 lbs |
Figures verified June 2026 against official sources (listed below). Always confirm the final amount with your county tax assessor-collector's office (TxDMV) - counties can add small local fees.
02 - Step by step
How to pay TTL in Texas
- 1
Agree the sale and get a properly signed-over title from the seller (or the dealer handles this).
- 2
Fill out Form 130-U (Application for Texas Title and/or Registration).
- 3
Bring the title, Form 130-U, proof of insurance, and your ID to your county tax assessor-collector's office within 30 days.
- 4
Pay the 6.25% sales tax, title fee, and registration - the office takes one combined payment.
- 5
Keep the receipt; your plates/sticker follow by mail if not issued on the spot.
03 - Same state, other costs
More Texas vehicle costs
04 - Common questions
Texas tax, title & license FAQ
How much is tax, title and license on a $30,000 car in Texas?
About $1,980 total: $1,875 in sales tax (6.25%), a $28–$33 title fee, and roughly $75 in first-year registration and state fees. Use the calculator above for your exact county.
Is TTL negotiable at a Texas dealership?
The tax, title, and registration portions are set by law - no dealer can discount them. What IS negotiable is the dealer's documentation fee (doc fee), which is separate from TTL and averages $150–$250 in Texas.
What is SPV and when does it apply?
Standard Presumptive Value is TxDMV's database value for used vehicles. On private-party sales, the county taxes the higher of your actual price or 80% of SPV. It doesn't apply to dealer sales, new vehicles, or gifts. You can check any VIN's SPV on the TxDMV site before you buy.
Does a trade-in reduce sales tax in Texas?
Yes - at a dealership, the 6.25% tax applies to the price minus your trade-in allowance. Trade in a $10,000 car against a $30,000 purchase and you pay tax on $20,000, saving $625. Private-party sales have no trade-in deduction.
What happens if I miss the 30-day deadline?
Two penalties stack: a tax penalty of 5% (or 10% after 60 days) of the sales tax owed, and a title-transfer penalty of $25 that grows by $25 each month, capped at $250. A $1,875 tax bill can grow by nearly $450 if you wait two months.
Do I pay TTL on a leased car in Texas?
Texas taxes the full vehicle price on leases, not just the monthly payments - the leasing company pays 6.25% up front and builds it into your payment. Title and registration work the same as a purchase, in the lessor's name.
I just moved to Texas - do I pay 6.25% again?
No. New residents who already paid sales tax in another state pay a flat $90 new-resident tax instead when they title their vehicle here, plus normal title and registration fees.
05 - Receipts
Official sources
Every number on this page comes from these documents - check them yourself.