Washington Vehicle Cost Guide 2026
Washington has a 6.5% state sales tax. Most cities and counties add 1% to 3.9% local taxes, with Seattle hitting a combined 10.25%. There is a $50 RTA (Regional Transit Authority) excise tax on vehicles registered in Puget Sound counties. The state EV sales tax exemption ended in 2023, and EVs now pay a $150 annual registration surcharge. Washington has no formal vehicle emissions inspection program. The western side of the state has the highest density of public DC fast chargers per capita in the US.
DMV / Registration Fees
| Title Transfer | $55 |
| License Plate Fee | $30 |
| Registration (Base) | $30 |
Insurance Requirements
County Tax Rates
Total vehicle sales tax = state rate + county rate
Ownership costs for popular models in Washington
Every purchase in Washington carries a 6.50% state sales tax, about $1,440/yr average insurance, and a 6.39% typical new-car loan APR. Open any model below to see its pre-filled 5-year cost of ownership tuned to Washington.
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