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Used car dealer fees in Maryland
Buying a used car in Maryland, expect a documentation fee (capped at $500), sales tax of 6% excise tax on price/value, a title fee around $100, and registration (~$135–$187 biennial). Everything beyond those four lines deserves scrutiny before you sign.
- Doc fee
- Capped at $500
- Sales tax
- 6% excise tax on price/value
- Title fee
- ~$100
- Registration
- ~$135–$187 biennial
Frequently asked
Is the doc fee capped in Maryland?
Yes. Maryland limits the documentation fee by law: capped at $500. A doc fee above the cap on your contract is a compliance problem — point it out and ask for it to be corrected.
How much is sales tax on a used car in Maryland?
6% excise tax on price/value. Tax is a government charge, not dealer profit — but check that it is calculated on the correct price, with any trade-in credit applied where Maryland allows it.
Which dealer fees can I refuse in Maryland?
Government charges (sales tax, title, registration) are fixed. Everything else — doc fee, dealer prep, VIN etching, paint protection, nitrogen tires, appearance packages — is dealer profit. You may not get individual lines removed, but you can negotiate the out-the-door total down to offset them, or walk away.
What is a fair out-the-door price in Maryland?
Take the agreed vehicle price, add Maryland's tax (6% excise tax on price/value), title (~$100), and registration, plus a doc fee in line with capped at $500. If the quote is meaningfully above that math, ask the dealer to walk you through every added line.
Figures are typical published amounts as of 2026-07-03 and can change with legislation or local rates. Always verify current caps, tax rates, and fees with the Maryland DMV or your county before signing.