Washington Car Tax & RTA Fee by County (2026)
In Washington, combined car sales tax runs 8.2%–10.55% by location — but the cost that shocks people is the RTA (Sound Transit) excise tax: 1.1% of your car's value, every year, in parts of King, Pierce, and Snohomish. No emissions test since 2020. Find your county below.
Verified July 2026 from WA DOR and the Dept. of Licensing (rates shown at the county seat/largest city). RTA is address-based within the Sound Transit boundary — confirm your exact address.
| County | Combined sales tax | RTA tax? |
|---|---|---|
| King (Seattle) | 10.55% | Yes (part of county) |
| Pierce (Tacoma) | 10.4% | Yes (part of county) |
| Snohomish (Everett) | 9.9% | Yes (part of county) |
| Spokane (Spokane) | 9.1% | No |
| Clark (Vancouver) | 8.9% | No |
| Thurston (Olympia) | 9.8% | No |
| Kitsap (Bremerton) | 9.2% | No |
| Whatcom (Bellingham) | 9.1% | No |
| Yakima (Yakima) | 8.5% | No |
| Benton (Kennewick) | 8.8% | No |
| Skagit (Mount Vernon) | 8.9% | No |
| Cowlitz (Longview) | 8.2% | No |
| Island (Oak Harbor) | 9.2% | No |
| Chelan (Wenatchee) | 8.9% | No |
| Franklin (Pasco) | 8.9% | No |
Frequently asked questions
What is the RTA tax in Washington?
The Regional Transit Authority (Sound Transit) excise tax — 1.1% of your vehicle's depreciated value, charged every year at registration. It applies only to addresses inside the Sound Transit district, which covers parts of King, Pierce, and Snohomish counties. It can add hundreds of dollars a year, and it's address-based, not countywide.
How much is car sales tax in Washington?
State sales tax is 6.5% plus local, so combined rates run from about 8.2% (Longview) to 10.55% (Seattle) — and vehicle purchases add another 0.3% motor-vehicle tax on top.
Does Washington require an emissions test?
No — Washington ended its vehicle emissions check program on January 1, 2020. No county requires one.
What are TBD fees in Washington?
Transportation Benefit District fees — local flat renewal fees ($20 without a vote, up to $100 with voter approval) that many cities add at registration. They show as 'TBD' on your tab renewal.