District of Columbia Title Transfer Cost
Transferring a car title in District of Columbia costs $30 in title fees. Buying a used car privately for $15,000, you'd pay about $855 in total, with $615 of that in tax and the rest for title and registration.
District of Columbia title fees
These are the title-related fees in District of Columbia's official schedule (source). Most buyers pay only the standard title fee, plus a lien fee if the car is financed.
| Title | $30 |
|---|---|
| Lien | $20 |
Example: buying a used car from a private seller in District of Columbia
A 4-year-old car bought from a private seller for $15,000, worked out with the District of Columbia car tax calculator:
| Title | $30 |
|---|---|
| Tax on the sale | $615 |
| Registration (if you register it now) | $175 |
| Inspection (if you register it now) | $35 |
| Estimated total | $855 |
Local taxes, county fees and inspections aren't included. Run your own numbers in the calculator.
Other cases that change the cost in District of Columbia
| Battery EVs | Not exempt; use electric column |
|---|---|
| Ordinary hybrids | Use MPG columns; no Class V registration |
| Listed DC DMV exemption | Excise $0 |
| Registration renewal | No excise and no title |
How District of Columbia works out what you owe
- Excise = fair market value x matrix rate (weight + city MPG, or electric column)
- With EITC election: use the lower of matrix rate or weight-class rate (non-EVs)
- Total = excise + title + lien + registration + inspection + doc fee (+ 2.5% if paying by card)
What to bring
The title signed over by the seller (with the odometer reading), a bill of sale, proof of insurance and your ID. If the car still has a loan, the lender must release the lien first.
Official sources checked for District of Columbia: dmv.dc.gov.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to transfer a car title in District of Columbia?
The title fee is $30. For a used car bought privately for $15,000, the title, tax and registration come to about $855.
Do I pay sales tax when a title is transferred in District of Columbia?
Usually yes. On a $15,000 private sale, District of Columbia charges about $615. Gifts, family transfers and inheritances can be treated differently (see below).