What Are The Taxes Associated With Registering My Vehicle In My State?

You just purchased a new Kia, and now it’s time to register it with the state. Or, maybe you are simply planning out all the expected costs to determine when you can finally make that big purchase. Either way, knowing what to expect financially is key to a successful car-buying experience. We understand that at West Broad Kia, which is why we did your research for you. So, what are the taxes and fees associated with registering your vehicle in Virginia? Let’s find out.


Vehicle Registration Taxes and Fees at West Broad Kia in Henrico, VA | Red 2023 Kia overlapping an image of a city street
What is Registration?

First, let’s dig into the basics. Registering your vehicle is required by the state for identification purposes, like tracing ownership, and to show that all the taxes and fees have been paid. It goes along with titling the vehicle, which is the process that establishes a person or business as the legal owner of a vehicle. Typically at registration, you will receive a license plate and a registration document and/or sticker that shows the vehicle is known by the state and street legal. You must bring the proper forms of identification and pay all necessary fees to be granted your registration.


Virginia Vehicle Registration Taxes & Fees

Virginia is required to collect a 4.15% Sales and Use Tax (SUT) at the time of titling whenever a vehicle is sold, and/or the ownership of the vehicle changes. The amount due is based on the vehicle's gross sales price, or $75, whichever is greater. The gross sales price of a vehicle is the cost of the vehicle after any rebates or incentives are applied. It includes the dealer processing fee but does not include any other price reductions, such as credit for trade-ins, unpaid liens or other unpaid credits

In addition to the sales tax collected, the state of Virginia requires a yearly property tax based on the appraised value of your vehicle. This vary year-by-year based on the location in the state as well, there are some cities and counties that have local taxes and others that do not. If you skip paying this, you could face severe fines.

All of this information can be found on the official website of the Virginia DMV.

Vehicle Registration Taxes and Fees at West Broad Kia in Henrico, VA | White 2023 Kia Sorento overlapping dealership interior

Other Fees in Virginia
In addition to the taxes collected VA also collects other DMV fees for purchasing a car. These include plate fees of $2, title fees of $10, licensce fees will depend on the type of vehicle, and registration fees ranging from $40.75 - $101.50. These fees are current as of 2022, and are subject to change as they are set by the state and local government and not the dealer.

For more information feel free to contact us at West Broad Kia, and we will be happy to answer any questions.