Arizona Car Sales Tax Calculator (2026)
Estimate Arizona car sales tax in seconds. Enter your sale price and we apply the flat statewide rate; the calculator returns state tax, local surtax, title transfer fee, and total out-the-door cost for a private party sale.
Arizona Car Sales Tax Calculator
Estimate state tax, local surtax, and total cost for a private car sale in Arizona.
Estimated total tax
$0.00
Exempt from state sales tax for private party sales
Arizona exempts private party car sales from state sales tax. Private party sales pay a flat $20 vehicle license transfer fee instead of sales tax
Dealer sales: 5.6% + county. Private sales: flat $20 VLT instead
Estimate only. AZ DMV may calculate tax from the higher of purchase price or book value. Confirm exact rates with your county tax assessor before transfer.
How Arizona taxes private car sales
Arizona is one of the rare states that exempts private party car transactions from state sales tax. Private party sales pay a flat $20 vehicle license transfer fee instead of sales tax. Dealer sales: 5.6% + county. Private sales: flat $20 VLT instead. Even with no state tax, buyers still pay the $4 title transfer fee at the DMV.
Who pays the tax
In Arizona the buyer pays the car sales tax at the time of title transfer — it is collected by the DMV (or equivalent agency) when the buyer registers the vehicle. The seller does not collect tax in a private party sale.
When the tax is due
Tax is due within 15 days of the sale date. Arizona late-titling penalties typically begin once that window closes — interest accrues monthly on unpaid tax.
Exemptions and gift transfers
Arizona exempts private party car sales from state sales tax. Private party sales pay a flat $20 vehicle license transfer fee instead of sales tax.
Late penalties
Filing the title transfer beyond the 15-day window typically triggers a late fee plus monthly interest on the unpaid tax. The Arizona DMV may also block registration renewals until the back tax is paid. File on time — the calculator above shows the exact amount owed.
Compare car sales tax across states
See how Arizona stacks up against the five lowest- and highest-tax states for a private car purchase. Tap any state to open its calculator.
5 lowest sales-tax states
- Alaska0%
- Delaware0%
- Montana0%
- New Hampshire0%
- Oregon0%
5 highest sales-tax states
- Arkansas11.63%
- Louisiana11.45%
- California10.50%
- Kansas10.50%
- Washington10.40%
Arizona car sales tax FAQ
How much is sales tax on a car in Arizona?
Arizona private party car sales are exempt from state sales tax. Private party sales pay a flat $20 vehicle license transfer fee instead of sales tax. Use the calculator above to confirm your total.
Who pays sales tax on a private car sale in Arizona?
In Arizona the buyer pays the car sales tax at the time of title transfer — it is collected by the DMV (or equivalent agency) when the buyer registers the vehicle. The seller does not collect tax in a private party sale.
When is Arizona car sales tax due?
Tax is due within 15 days of the sale date. Arizona late-titling penalties typically begin once that window closes — interest accrues monthly on unpaid tax.
Are there any Arizona sales-tax exemptions for car transfers?
Arizona exempts private party car sales from state sales tax. Private party sales pay a flat $20 vehicle license transfer fee instead of sales tax.
What is the title transfer fee in Arizona?
The Arizona title transfer fee is $4. This is collected at the time of title transfer in addition to any sales tax owed. Use the calculator above to see fees plus tax on your sale price.
Ready to close the car sale?
Create a printable Arizona car bill of sale in minutes. It is required at the DMV to register your purchase and document the taxable amount.
Create your Arizona bill of saleRelated resources
Informational purposes only. This content is provided for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Laws vary by state and individual circumstances differ. Consult a licensed attorney for jurisdiction-specific guidance on vehicle transfers, title requirements, or related legal matters.