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Used car dealer fees in Texas
Buying a used car in Texas, expect a documentation fee (no cap; ~$150–$250 typical), sales tax of 6.25% motor vehicle sales tax, a title fee around $33, and registration (~$51–$54/yr + local fees). Everything beyond those four lines deserves scrutiny before you sign.
- Doc fee
- No cap; ~$150–$250 typical
- Sales tax
- 6.25% motor vehicle sales tax
- Title fee
- ~$33
- Registration
- ~$51–$54/yr + local fees
Frequently asked
Is the doc fee capped in Texas?
No. Texas does not cap the documentation fee, and dealers commonly charge ~$150–$250 typical. The fee itself is rarely dropped, so negotiate the out-the-door total instead.
How much is sales tax on a used car in Texas?
6.25% motor vehicle sales tax. 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 Texas allows it.
Which dealer fees can I refuse in Texas?
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 Texas?
Take the agreed vehicle price, add Texas's tax (6.25% motor vehicle sales tax), title (~$33), and registration, plus a doc fee in line with no cap; ~$150–$250 typical. 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 Texas DMV or your county before signing.