Lancaster County, NE Car Sales Tax & Registration (2026)
In Lancaster County (Lincoln), a vehicle purchase is taxed at a combined 7.25% — about $1,812 on a $25,000 car. On top of that you pay Nebraska's statewide motor-vehicle tax (based on the car's MSRP and age) and the $15 base registration fee. Lincoln also charges a wheel tax: Lincoln wheel tax $74/yr for a passenger car. Lincoln's 1.75% city rate is unusual — most Nebraska cities are at 1.5% or 2.0%.
Verified July 2026 from official sources. How we verify fees.
What you'll pay in Lancaster County
- Combined sales tax (in Lincoln): 7.25%
- Sales tax on a $25,000 vehicle: $1,812
- Motor-vehicle tax: by MSRP & age (statewide, not county-based)
- Base registration fee: $15 (statewide) + motor-vehicle fee
- City wheel tax: Lincoln wheel tax $74/yr for a passenger car
How the cost works
Nebraska's biggest yearly charge is the motor-vehicle tax, set by the car's original MSRP and its age on a 14-year schedule — it's the same in every county, so it doesn't appear in the table. What changes between counties is the local sales tax (7.25% here) charged once at purchase, and any city wheel tax. The county treasurer collects everything when you title the vehicle. Estimate the purchase cost on our Nebraska title & tax page.
Frequently asked questions
How much is car sales tax in Lancaster County, NE?
A combined 7.25% in Lincoln — Nebraska's 5.5% state rate plus local. On a $25,000 vehicle that's about $1,812.
Does Lancaster County charge a wheel tax?
Lincoln does: Lincoln wheel tax $74/yr for a passenger car. It's billed with your registration each year.
What is the motor-vehicle tax in Lancaster County?
It's Nebraska's statewide tax based on the car's original MSRP and age (phasing out over 14 years) — the same formula in every county. Your county treasurer collects it with the $15 registration fee.