Know the numbers
Dealer doc fees by state
Ten states, three questions each. Click a state to see every source link for its numbers. Local taxes and fees are not in this table.
| State | Dealer doc fee | Trade-in before tax? | Tax rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $85 cap for DMV-contract dealers | No: tax includes the trade-in allowance | 7.25% plus local districts |
| Texas | No fixed cap; $225 or less needs no state notice | Yes: tax on price minus trade-in | 6.25%, no local vehicle tax |
| Florida | No dollar cap found; notice required | Yes: only the net price is taxed | 6% plus county surtax |
| New York | Capped at $175 | Yes, if the dealer will resell it | 4% plus local |
| Pennsylvania | Capped by year: $490 for 2026 (electronic) | Yes: price less the trade-in deduction | 6% (1% Allegheny, 2% Philadelphia) |
| Illinois | Capped: $300 base from 2020, adjusted yearly | Yes, for a like-kind trade-in | 6.25% plus local |
| Ohio | Capped at the lesser of two limits | New vehicles only | 5.75% plus local |
| Georgia | No state cap (2019 state Q&A) | Yes, on dealer sales | TAVT 7.0% (instead of sales tax) |
| North Carolina | No dollar limit found; notice required | Yes: price less the trade-in allowance | 3% highway use tax (instead of sales tax) |
| Michigan | Capped at 5% or $280, whichever is less | Yes, up to a limit | 6%, no local tax |
Only facts we could confirm on the state's own page, twice, are shown. A cell that says "Not verified yet" is not a "no": it means we have not confirmed it. Doc fee caps can be indexed to inflation or change by law, so ask the dealer for the exact fee in writing.
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