Kentucky Vehicle Sales Tax Calculator
State rate: 6.00%. Trade-in credit: No.
Inputs
Kentucky sales tax
About Kentucky vehicle tax
Kentucky charges 6% Motor Vehicle Usage Tax with no local additions. No trade-in credit; tax is on retail value per state schedule.
Estimates only. Tax rates change and local rates vary by city/county. Always verify with the Kentucky DMV before finalizing a purchase.
About Kentucky vehicle tax
Kentucky charges 6% Motor Vehicle Usage Tax with no local additions. No trade-in credit; tax is on retail value per state schedule.
State sales tax
Max observed local rate
Trade-in credit
Title transfer fee
Kentucky used car market
Tax math tells you what a car costs to buy. CarFlipIQ tells you whether it'll actually sell in Kentucky. We track every Facebook Marketplace listing across the state — real comps, real days-on-market, for every make and model.
Sales tax in other states
Buying or selling across state lines? Compare the rate, trade-in rules, and out-the-door cost in other states — or read the full used car sales tax by state guide.
FAQ
What is the vehicle sales tax in Kentucky?
Kentucky charges a state-level rate of 6.00% on vehicle purchases. No local additions apply to vehicles. Trade-in value is NOT deductible — tax applies to full purchase price.
Does Kentucky give a trade-in tax credit?
No. Kentucky taxes the full purchase price regardless of trade-in value. This is a meaningful negative for buyers — verify with the state DMV before factoring trade-in into your math.
What is the title transfer fee in Kentucky?
Kentucky charges approximately $9 for title transfer. Dealer documentation ("doc") fees typically range up to $305, though these are dealer-set and negotiable on most transactions.
How do I calculate out-the-door price in Kentucky?
Out-the-door = purchase price + (taxable amount × effective rate) + title fee + registration. Taxable amount equals purchase price minus trade-in (where allowed). Effective rate is state plus local. Use the calculator above for an exact figure on your specific purchase.