Idaho Title Transfer Cost
Transferring a car title in Idaho costs $14 in title fees. Buying a used car privately for $15,000, you'd pay about $972.25 in total, with $900 of that in tax and the rest for title and registration.
Idaho title fees
These are the title-related fees in Idaho's official schedule (source). Most buyers pay only the standard title fee, plus a lien fee if the car is financed.
| Title state | $14 |
|---|---|
| Title county admin | Varies by county |
| Late title penalty | $20 |
Example: buying a used car from a private seller in Idaho
A 4-year-old car bought from a private seller for $15,000, worked out with the Idaho car tax calculator:
| Title (state) | $14 |
|---|---|
| Tax on the sale | $900 |
| Registration (if you register it now) | $57 |
| EMS fee (if you register it now) | $1.25 |
| Estimated total | $972.25 |
Local taxes, county fees and inspections aren't included. Run your own numbers in the calculator.
Deadline and late fees
Idaho charges a penalty if the title isn't transferred on time. Late penalties: late title penalty $20.
Transferring a title to a family member or as a gift
| Family transfer (Form ST-133) | Tax $0 |
|---|---|
| Gift (Form ST-133GT) | Tax $0 |
| Assuming payments | Taxable; not a gift |
Inherited vehicles
| Inheritance | Tax $0 |
|---|
Other cases that change the cost in Idaho
| Military, vehicle owned before orders | Tax $0 |
|---|---|
| New resident, owned 90+ days | Tax $0 |
| New resident, owned under 90 days | Tax minus tax paid elsewhere |
| Conventional hybrids | No EV fee |
How Idaho works out what you owe
- Dealer: taxable = price - trade-in + doc fee
- Private: taxable = purchase price (no trade-in credit)
- Tax = taxable x 6% (+ local option tax)
- Title = $14 + county admin fee
- Registration = age-based fee + county admin + EMS fee + EV/PHEV fee
- Total = tax + title + registration + doc fee
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 Idaho: itd.idaho.gov, tax.idaho.gov.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to transfer a car title in Idaho?
The title fee is $14. For a used car bought privately for $15,000, the title, tax and registration come to about $972.25.
Do I pay sales tax when a title is transferred in Idaho?
Usually yes. On a $15,000 private sale, Idaho charges about $900. Gifts, family transfers and inheritances can be treated differently (see below).
Is there a late fee for transferring a title in Idaho?
Yes. Late title penalty: $20.
How do I transfer a car title to a family member in Idaho?
Family transfer (Form ST-133): Tax $0. Gift (Form ST-133GT): Tax $0. Assuming payments: Taxable; not a gift.
What happens to a car title after a death in Idaho?
Inheritance: Tax $0.