You can use our Ohio used car sales tax calculator to find out how much sales tax you’ll owe when buying a used car in Ohio.
Use our free calculator below to estimate your state and local sales tax based on your vehicle price and location in Ohio.
Ohio Car Sales Tax Overview
How Much is Used Car Sales Tax in Ohio?
- State sales tax rate: 5.75%
- Local/county tax rate: Varies by county, ranging from 0.75% to 2.25%
- Total tax rate: Can range from 6.50% to 8.00% depending on location
- 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. Whether you buy from a dealership or a private seller, sales tax is still required when registering the vehicle with the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV).
Other Fees to Expect in Ohio
While these aren’t part of the sales tax, you should budget for additional fees when registering your vehicle:
| Fee Type | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Title Fee | $15 |
| Registration Fee | Starts at $31 (varies based on vehicle type and weight) |
| Plate Transfer Fee | $6.00 |
| Lien Notation Fee | $15 |
| Documentation Fee (if buying from a dealer) | Capped at $250 or 10% of vehicle price (whichever is lower) |
When Do I Pay Sales Tax?
Sales tax is not paid to the seller but to the Ohio BMV when registering the vehicle.
Make sure to bring your bill of sale, vehicle title, and any necessary identification when registering your car.
County Tax Rates in Ohio
Ohio’s total car sales tax rate includes state tax (5.75%) plus a county tax that varies. The total sales tax rate can range from 6.50% to 8.00% depending on the county.
Use our Ohio used car sales tax calculator above to estimate your tax based on your location, or check with the Ohio Department of Taxation for the latest rates.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1) Do I pay tax on dealer fees?
Yes, dealer fees such as documentation fees are subject to sales tax in Ohio.
2) What if I buy a car out of state and bring it to Ohio?
If you purchase a car out of state and register it in Ohio, you must pay Ohio sales tax, but you may receive credit for any sales tax paid in the other state.
3) What if I gift a car to a family member?
Ohio allows tax exemptions for gifts between immediate family members (parents, children, spouses). However, you must complete the appropriate BMV forms to qualify.
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 Ohio BMV office or complete registration online where applicable.
- Pay your applicable sales tax and fees to finalize your vehicle registration.
Use our calculator to estimate your costs before heading to the BMV, ensuring you’re fully prepared!
Helpful Resources
If you need more information about buying, registering, and owning a car in Ohio, here are some other handy resources that might help:
- Sales of Motor Vehicles to Non-Residents of Ohio
- Buying and Selling a Vehicle – Ohio Department of Taxation
- Ohio DMV Office Locations
Ohio County Sales Tax Rates
| County | County Sales Tax Rate (%) |
|---|---|
| Adams | 1.50 |
| Allen | 1.10 |
| Ashland | 1.25 |
| Ashtabula | 1.00 |
| Athens | 1.50 |
| Auglaize | 1.50 |
| Belmont | 1.50 |
| Brown | 1.50 |
| Butler | 0.75 |
| Carroll | 1.00 |
| Champaign | 1.50 |
| Clark | 1.50 |
| Clermont | 1.00 |
| Clinton | 1.50 |
| Columbiana | 1.50 |
| Coshocton | 2.00 |
| Crawford | 1.50 |
| Cuyahoga | 2.25 |
| Darke | 1.50 |
| Defiance | 1.00 |
| Delaware | 1.25 |
| Erie | 1.50 |
| Fairfield | 1.00 |
| Fayette | 1.50 |
| Franklin | 1.75 |
| Fulton | 1.50 |
| Gallia | 1.50 |
| Geauga | 1.00 |
| Greene | 1.00 |
| Guernsey | 1.50 |
| Hamilton | 2.05 |
| Hancock | 1.00 |
| Hardin | 1.50 |
| Harrison | 1.50 |
| Henry | 1.50 |
| Highland | 1.50 |
| Hocking | 1.50 |
| Holmes | 1.25 |
| Huron | 1.50 |
| Jackson | 1.50 |
| Jefferson | 1.50 |
| Knox | 1.50 |
| Lake | 1.25 |
| Lawrence | 1.50 |
| Licking | 1.50 |
| Logan | 1.50 |
| Lorain | 0.75 |
| Lucas | 2.00 |
| Madison | 1.25 |
| Mahoning | 1.75 |
| Marion | 1.50 |
| Medina | 1.00 |
| Meigs | 1.50 |
| Mercer | 1.50 |
| Miami | 1.25 |
| Monroe | 1.50 |
| Montgomery | 1.75 |
| Morgan | 1.50 |
| Morrow | 1.50 |
| Muskingum | 1.50 |
| Noble | 1.50 |
| Ottawa | 1.25 |
| Paulding | 1.50 |
| Perry | 1.50 |
| Pickaway | 1.50 |
| Pike | 1.50 |
| Portage | 1.50 |
| Preble | 1.50 |
| Putnam | 1.25 |
| Richland | 1.25 |
| Ross | 1.50 |
| Sandusky | 1.50 |
| Scioto | 1.50 |
| Seneca | 1.50 |
| Shelby | 1.50 |
| Stark | 0.75 |
| Summit | 1.00 |
| Trumbull | 1.00 |
| Tuscarawas | 1.00 |
| Union | 1.25 |
| Van Wert | 1.50 |
| Vinton | 1.50 |
| Warren | 1.25 |
| Washington | 1.50 |
| Wayne | 0.75 |
| Williams | 1.50 |
| Wood | 1.00 |
| Wyandot | 1.50 |