Maryland Resident — Buying Car In Virginia

When you buy a car in Virginia, you are generally taxed based on where the vehicle will be registered, not where it is sold.

: Many experts recommend getting a pre-purchase inspection (PPI) from a trusted Maryland mechanic before finalizing the deal in Virginia. Some buyers even negotiate to have the Virginia dealer fix items that might cause a Maryland inspection failure. 3. Registration and Paperwork maryland resident buying car in virginia

: Virginia does not cap dealer document fees, which can often exceed $800 . In contrast, Maryland law caps these fees at $500 . Always check the "out-the-door" price to ensure high Virginia fees don't erase your savings. 2. The Inspection Hurdle When you buy a car in Virginia, you

: Unless the vehicle is brand new, it must pass a Maryland state inspection before it can be permanently registered. Always check the "out-the-door" price to ensure high

Most large Virginia dealerships are experienced with out-of-state buyers and can handle the Maryland registration for you, providing temporary tags so you can drive home.

: Expect to pay Maryland's 6% excise tax (sales tax) on the purchase price.