New York car tax
New York has no yearly car tax based on value. Owners pay registration fees by weight, plus county vehicle use taxes and, in the MCTD region, a supplemental fee. When you buy a car you pay 4% state sales tax plus the local rate where you live.
No value-based yearly tax. The registration fee depends on weight, and counties add a vehicle use tax of $10–$60 per two years.
Buying a car in New York: one-time tax
New York State sales/use tax — 4%, plus local sales tax where you live. Your trade-in is subtracted before tax.
The local rate for your county or city of residence is added, for a total of about 7–8.875%. Trade-ins are deducted on dealer purchases.
Registration and due dates
Registration costs $26–$140 for two years by weight. County use tax is $10–$60 per two years, and the MCTD supplemental fee is $50 per two years in the 12 MCTD counties.
No yearly car tax. Registration renews every two years.
Cut what your car costs in New York
Car tax is set by your town, but your loan and insurance aren't. Refinancing a car loan at a lower rate often saves more each year than the tax itself.
Questions
Does New York have a car property tax?
No. You pay weight-based registration plus flat county and MCTD fees.
What sales tax do I pay on a car in NY?
4% state plus your local rate, based on where you live, not where you buy.
What is the county vehicle use tax?
A flat amount collected with registration: usually $10–$20 per two years, and $30–$60 in NYC, Nassau, Suffolk, and Westchester.
Sources
Last checked October 14, 2026. Rates are for passenger cars owned by individuals; leased, business and specialty vehicles can differ. Confirm with your tax collector or commissioner of the revenue.