Ohio car tax
Ohio has no yearly value-based car tax. Registration is a flat fee, and most counties and cities add flat permissive license taxes. A car purchase is taxed at 5.75% plus the county rate where you live.
No value-based yearly tax. County and municipal permissive license taxes are flat, usually $5–$25 or more a year.
Buying a car in Ohio: one-time tax
Ohio sales/use tax on motor vehicles — 5.75%, plus local sales tax where you live. Your trade-in is subtracted before tax.
The county rate is added, based on your county of residence. Trade-in credit applies only to new vehicles bought from a dealer.
Registration and due dates
Base registration is $31 plus permissive taxes. Hybrids add $100 and EVs add $200. A title costs $15.
No yearly car tax. Registration renews every year, due on the owner's birthday.
Cut what your car costs in Ohio
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 Ohio have a car property tax?
No. Registration plus flat local permissive taxes.
Does Ohio give trade-in credit?
Only on a new vehicle bought from a dealer. A used car is taxed on the full price.
Can I deduct Ohio car taxes on my federal return?
Generally no. Ohio has no yearly value-based car tax, and flat registration fees cannot be deducted as personal property tax. Sales tax on the purchase can be deducted instead of income tax if you itemize.
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.