Island County, WA Car Tax & Registration (2026)
In Island County (Oak Harbor), a car purchase is taxed at about 9.2% combined (plus a 0.3% motor-vehicle add-on). Island County is outside the Sound Transit district, so there's no RTA excise tax here. Washington has no emissions test.
Verified July 2026 from official sources. How we verify fees.
What you'll pay in Island County
- Combined sales tax: 9.2% (+ 0.3% motor-vehicle add-on on purchases)
- RTA / Sound Transit tax: None
- Base tab fee: ~$43 + weight fee · Title: $15
- Emissions test: Not required (ended 2020)
How the tax works
Washington collects sales/use tax at your address, and adds a 0.3% motor-vehicle tax on purchases. Registration is a base tab fee (~$43) plus a weight fee. Estimate the purchase cost on our Washington title & tax page.
Frequently asked questions
Does Island County have the RTA / Sound Transit tax?
No — Island County is outside the Sound Transit district, so there's no RTA excise tax.
What is the car sales tax in Island County, WA?
About 9.2% combined around Oak Harbor, plus a 0.3% motor-vehicle add-on on a purchase.
Does Island County require an emissions test?
No — Washington ended emissions testing statewide on January 1, 2020.