You can use our Arizona used car sales tax calculator to find out how much sales tax you’ll owe when buying a used car in Arizona.
Use our free calculator below to estimate your state and local sales tax based on your vehicle price and location in Arizona.
Arizona Car Sales Tax Overview
How Much is Used Car Sales Tax in Arizona?
- State sales tax rate: 5.60%
- Local/county tax rate: Varies by county, averaging around 0.74%
- Total tax rate: Can range from 5.60% to over 8%
- Tax is based on: The registration address, not where the vehicle was purchased.
Do I Pay Sales Tax on a Used Car from a Private Seller?
Yes. Even if you buy from a private individual instead of a dealership, sales tax is still due when you register the vehicle with the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) Motor Vehicle Division (MVD).
Other Fees to Expect in Arizona
While these aren’t part of the sales tax, you’ll need to budget for additional fees when registering your vehicle:
| Fee Type | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Title Fee | $4 |
| Registration Fee | $8-$9 |
| Vehicle License Tax (VLT) | Varies based on vehicle value |
| Documentation Fee (if buying from a dealer) | Varies by dealership |
When Do I Pay Sales Tax?
You don’t pay sales tax to the seller. Instead, you must pay it at the time of registration with the Arizona MVD.
Make sure to bring your bill of sale, vehicle title, and proof of insurance when you register your car.
County Tax Rates in Arizona
Arizona’s sales tax is a combination of state tax (5.60%) and additional local taxes, which vary by county. Some areas also have municipal taxes, which can increase the final tax rate.
Use our Arizona used car sales tax calculator above to get an estimate based on your location. You can also check the official Arizona Department of Revenue website for the latest rates.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1) Do I pay tax on dealer fees?
Yes, dealer fees such as documentation and prep fees are subject to sales tax in Arizona.
2) What if I buy a car out of state and bring it to Arizona?
If you purchase a car out of state and register it in Arizona, you must pay Arizona sales tax (credit may be given for taxes paid in another state).
3) What if I gift a car to a family member?
Arizona allows tax exemptions for gifts between close family members, such as parents, children, or spouses. Proper documentation must be provided.
What’s Next?
Now that you know your estimated used car sales tax:
- Gather your documents (bill of sale, title, proof of insurance).
- Visit your local Arizona MVD office or register online where applicable.
- Pay your applicable sales tax and fees to complete the registration process.
Use our calculator to get an estimate before heading to the MVD, ensuring you’re fully prepared!
Helpful Resources
If you need more information about buying, registering, and owning a car in Arizona, here are some other handy resources that might help:
- Arizona Department of Revenue Motor Vehicle Sales
- Vehicle Use Tax and Calculator Questions and Answers
- Arizona DMV Office Locations
Arizona County Sales Tax Rates
| County | County Sales Tax Rate (%) |
|---|---|
| Apache | 0.50 |
| Cochise | 0.50 |
| Coconino | 0.50 |
| Gila | 1.10 |
| Graham | 1.00 |
| Greenlee | 0.50 |
| La Paz | 1.00 |
| Maricopa | 0.70 |
| Mohave | 0.50 |
| Navajo | 0.50 |
| Pima | 0.50 |
| Pinal | 1.10 |
| Santa Cruz | 1.00 |
| Yavapai | 0.75 |
| Yuma | 1.10 |