Home > Tax, Title & License in Texas

How Much Is Tax, A Title, & A License In Texas?

Cost Of Tax, Title & License Fees On Vehicle Purchases In Texas (2024)

Fees Associated With Vehicle Purchases in Texas

When purchasing a vehicle, it’s a good idea to know the answer to the question, “How much is tax, a title, and a license in Texas?” You may have encountered this recurring phrase in the fine print: “‘Tax, title, and license fees not included.'” So, how much are tag, title, and license fees in Texas? We at Bravo Nissan are happy to give you the details.


How Much Is Tax, a Title, and a License in Texas? Key Takeaways

  • State sales tax remains at 6.25% in 2025
  • Starting in 2025, non-commercial vehicles must no longer undergo emissions testing to be registered, though an annual fee will still be charged
  • Title transfer fees are usually $33 in Victoria County — though they can be as low as $28 in other South Texas jurisdictions
  • South Central Texas takes $50.75 to license most non-commercial vehicles and $54 for cars up to 10,000 pounds, with commercial vehicles being charged up to $840
  • Learn about alternative fees, like new Texas resident costs, below

Calculate Tax, Title, and Registration for Texas With Ease

Fees one can expect to pay when purchasing a vehicle in Texas are as follows:

  • Sales Tax: 6.25% of the total vehicle purchase price
  • Title Transfer Fee: Usually ranges from $28 to $33, depending on the county
  • Tag/License Fee: $50.75 base fee, $10 local fee

How To Calculate TTL in Texas

← Drag to scroll →

DMV Fee Chart: How Much Are Tax, Title, and License Fees in Victoria, TX
Fee Type Cost
Sales Tax 6.25%
Transfer Fees
  • $33 in Victoria County
  • $28-$33 in certain counties
Emissions Inspection $11.50
State Admin for Emissions $2.50
Standard Inspection Fee $7.50
County Road
  • $11.50 in Victoria
  • Up to $21.50 in certain counties
Electric Vehicle $200
New Resident $90
Processing & Handling $4.75
Insurance Verification $1

Adding the above figures together will get you the total Texas vehicle tax, title, and license fees (TTL) you can expect for your new ride. Since vehicles are sold at different purchase prices, the sales tax amount will differ likewise. If you want to know “where do Texas DMV fees go?” we’re happy to tell you that they support Texas state highways and local roads in your county, improving the quality of your drive over years of registrations.

Similarly, the $50.75 base tag/license fee above applies to most cars and light trucks, but different amounts are required for heavy vehicles, models that use an alternative fuel source like electric vehicles, and mopeds or motorcycles. If you’re wondering how weight class factors into the registration cost for a new car purchase, the chart below walks through the details.

← Drag to scroll →

Weight Class Tag/License and 2025 Sticker Renewal Fees
6,000 lbs and below $50.75
Up to 10,000 lbs $54
Up to 18,000 lbs $110
Up to 25,999 lbs $205
Up to 40,000 lbs $340
Up to 54,999 lbs $535
Up to 70,000 lbs $740
Up to 80,000 lbs $840
Motorcycles/Mopeds $30
Local Fee
  • $11.50 for Victoria Residents
  • Ranges from $7 to $21.50

Tax, Title, and License Fees in Texas on a Used Car

Tax, Title, and License Fees in Texas on a Used Car

Title and license fees on a used car in Texas will typically cost $90 to $95 in addition to the sales tax, which is the same 6.25% mentioned above. If the used car purchase is a private sale, the vehicle may be taxed on the purchase price or Standard Presumptive Value (SPV) of the vehicle – whichever is higher. The SPV is derived from the sale prices of similar models in the region.

Sales tax is calculated using the car’s purchase price minus the value of a trade-in vehicle. Thus, a good way to save money on a tax, title, and license in Texas is to trade in your current ride when purchasing a fresh one. If you’re looking to make a trade, you can use our handy online tool to access an instant offer on your trade-in.

Other Fees Alongside Texas TTL

Other Fees Alongside Texas TTL

Other fees one may have to pay when buying a car include:

  • Transfer Registration Fee: $2.50
  • Vehicle Registration for New Residents: $90. This fee applies to a car owned by a new Texas resident previously registered in their name in another state or country.
  • TERP Surcharge Rate: 2.5% or 1%. The former rate applies to diesel vehicles from model year 1996 or before that weigh more than 14,000 pounds. The latter rate is used for diesel automobiles from model year 1997 and later that weigh more than 14,000 pounds.
  • Gift Tax: $10 on motor vehicles transferred to eligible relatives or nonprofit organizations. For an equal exchange, it is instead $5 for each recipient.
  • Vehicle History Report: The cost of a VHR varies by provider. The dealership may provide one for free. If not, look at CARFAX® or AutoCheck®.

How Much Can Dealers Charge for Documentation Fees in Texas?

How Much Can Dealers Charge for Documentation Fees in Texas?

There’s no limit to how much dealerships in Texas can charge to cover administrative costs related to the title, registration, and other paperwork. These fees, however, must be listed as part of the advertised vehicle price.

We hope this article has helped you understand the meaning of TTL and given you an idea of the fees you may encounter when you purchase a new or used vehicle in Texas. As we have explained, some fees will vary based on the region where you buy or register an automobile. For example, Tarrant County tax, title, and license fees may differ from what you’d pay for Bexar County tax office title transfer services.

If you have questions about Texas tag and title costs, please contact the team at Bravo Nissan or search for a tax, title, and license calculator. We are not taxation experts, but we will do our utmost to help you estimate the fees for a tax, title, and license in Texas.

Do You Pay Sales Tax on a Leased Car?

Drivers who want to avoid tax, tag, and title fees may wish to consider leasing a vehicle. When you lease a car, you get to drive a brand-new automobile without purchasing it outright, avoiding the Texas TTL until it’s time to renew your sticker. Our Nissan lease deals make it easy to start driving a fresh model.

Find Your New Ride at Bravo Nissan in The Crossroads of South Texas

Whether you want to sign a lease contract or start your financing plan today, please consider our new car specials. Our team will help you find the right car for your needs and walk you through any federal fees you might encounter.

We hope you’ve found the answer to the question, “How much are tax, title, and license fees in South Texas?” to be straightforward. Please reach out to our friendly staff if you have any further queries about the gift tax in Texas for a car or the possible title transfer cost that you may end up paying.


Frequently Asked Questions About TTL in Texas

How do I calculate the fees for my tax, title, and license in Texas?

The sales tax for a vehicle in Texas is equal to 6.25% of the sale price minus the cost of any trade-in vehicle. This makes trading in your car when you’re buying another one a financially sound decision. If you engage in a private sale, the taxed price is either the purchase price or the Standard Presumptive Value of the vehicle (whichever is higher).

How much will it cost to register my car in Texas in 2025?

The exact answer to this question varies by locality, but total registration costs are typically less than $100. Different counties have their own rules for tax and title office transactions. Please reach out to the friendly team at Bravo Nissan if you have any questions about these costs. We are not tax experts, but we can give guidance and recommend a specialist to visit.

What is the penalty for not transferring a title within 30 days in Texas?

You’ll typically have to pay a penalty if you transfer your title or file other vehicle paperwork late in Texas. This fee is equal to 5% of the taxes owed if paid one to 30 days after it was due or 10% if paid more than 30 days after the initial tax deadline. Please contact a taxation expert for further details.

How can I transfer a vehicle title without paying taxes in Texas?

There is no way to transfer a vehicle without paying any taxes in Texas, but a gift is taxed the least. You’ll have to pay the $10 Texas gift tax and transfer the title to the new name if a relative or friend gives you their vehicle. Please contact a Texas taxation expert to learn more.

Is a Texas title the same as registration?

Title and registration are similar but not exactly the same. Having a title proves that you own a vehicle, while registering allows you to legally drive the car in South Texas. If you have further questions about visiting the tax and title office in Texas, please get in touch with a tax expert or ask our team (we’re not experts, but we’ll do our best to help).

Does Texas still require vehicle inspections?

Drivers are no longer required to get yearly vehicle inspections. Starting in 2025, drivers will have to pay a $7.50 annual fee but will no longer have to visit a shop to get their car inspected. Emissions testing will still be required in 17 counties, including Dallas County and Tarrant County. Please contact us if you have any questions.

What is the tax rate for title transfer in Texas?

There is no tax rate for a title transfer in Texas. Instead, all counties have a static cost for transfers, gifts, or even exchanges of vehicles. For example, in Victoria County, you should expect a $33 title transfer fee, a $10 gift fee, or a $5 fee if you evenly exchange a vehicle with someone else’s. Please contact a tax expert if you have any questions about this fee.

Have More Questions? Contact Us!

We would love to hear from you! Please fill out this form and we will get in touch with you shortly.
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Menu

Get Directions

6003 N Navarro St, Victoria, TX, 77904
Bravo Nissan 28.851748, -96.9981934.