Arkansas Car Sales Tax Calculator Tax, title & license fees (2026)
Tiered state sales tax + capped local tax · 6.5% state rate
Calculate Arkansas car tax & fees
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How much is car sales tax in Arkansas?
Arkansas uses a tiered state rate for vehicles. New vehicles and used vehicles priced at $10,000 or more pay 6.5%. Used vehicles from $4,000 to $9,999 pay a reduced 3.5%, and used vehicles under $4,000 pay no state tax at all. Local taxes have their own cap.
The tier is chosen by the purchase price before any trade-in. The tax is then applied to the price minus your trade-in (and minus the value of a vehicle you sold within 60 days, if you qualify).
Local city and county taxes apply even when the state rate is reduced, but each local tax is capped at $25 for every 1% of rate, which is the same as taxing only the first $2,500. Residents of Texarkana pay 7% state tax instead of 6.5%.
Fees are low: a $10 title, a 50-cent lien fee, and registration by weight ($17 up to 3,000 lb, $25 up to 4,500 lb, $30 above) plus a $2.50 decal and 50 cents postage. Electric vehicles add $200, plug-in hybrids $100 and hybrids $50.
- Taxable = price - trade-in - value of vehicle sold within 60 days + taxable extras
- State tax = taxable x tier rate
- Local tax = min(taxable x local rate, $25 x local rate points)
- Registration = weight fee + decal + postage + powertrain surcharge (or $1 transfer + weight difference)
- Total = state tax + local tax + title + registration + lien + late penalties + doc fee
Arkansas car tax example with real numbers
Used car in the reduced-rate tier
You buy a used sedan for $8,500 with no trade-in. Your city and county taxes add up to 2%.
- The price is between $4,000 and $9,999, so the state rate is 3.5%: $8,500 × 3.5% = $297.50.
- Local tax would be $8,500 × 2% = $170, but the cap is $25 per 1%, so you pay $50.
- Add title and registration of $38 for an estimated $385.50.
| Taxes | |
|---|---|
| State sales tax3.5% of $8,500.00 | $297.50 |
| Local tax (capped at $25 per 1%) | $50 |
| Title & registration | |
| Title | $10 |
| Registration + decal + postageMid weight band | $28 |
| Estimated total | $385.50 |
Computed with the calculator on this page using the figures in our data. Local add-ons not mentioned in the example are left out.
Exceptions that change your Arkansas tax bill
Used vehicles under $4,000
No state sales tax is due. Local taxes may still apply.
Texarkana residents
The state rate is 7% instead of 6.5%.
Gifts and inheritance
Treated as no sales tax due. Confirm at the State Revenue Office.
Military
Service members with a non-Arkansas home of record may avoid property assessment, but sales tax follows the purchase as normal.
Arkansas vehicle sales tax rates
| State rate | 6.5% |
|---|---|
| State rate tiers |
|
| Tier note | Tier is tested on purchase price before trade-in. Used vehicles $4,000-$9,999 are taxed at the reduced 3.5% state rate (DFA); local tax is not reduced. |
| Local rate | Varies by location; each local tax capped at $25 per 1% of local rate |
Arkansas title & registration fees
| Title | $10 |
|---|---|
| Lien | $0.50 |
| Registration by weight |
|
| Decal | $2.50 |
| Postage | $0.50 |
| Tag transfer | $1 |
| EV surcharge | $200 |
| Hybrid surcharge | $50 |
| Plug-in hybrid surcharge | $100 |
| Late tax penalty | 10% of state tax |
| Late registration penalty | $3 per 10 days late |
Arkansas car tax exemptions & special cases
| Used vehicle under $4,000 | State tax $0; local tax may still apply |
|---|---|
| Gift / inheritance | Tax $0 (confirm at Revenue Office) |
| Military with non-Arkansas home of record | Property assessment may be exempt; no automatic sales tax exemption |
Arkansas car tax FAQ
What is the Arkansas sales tax on a used car?
It depends on price: 0% under $4,000, 3.5% from $4,000 to $9,999, and 6.5% at $10,000 or more, plus capped local tax.
Does the trade-in decide which tier I'm in?
No. The tier is based on the price before trade-in. The trade-in then reduces the amount taxed.
Why is my local tax so low?
Each local tax on a vehicle is capped at $25 per 1% of rate.
How much is registration?
$17, $25 or $30 depending on weight, plus a $2.50 decal and 50 cents postage.
Sources & verification
We checked these figures against the following official pages on October 7, 2026:
- www.dfa.arkansas.gov/office/motor-vehicle/faqs-for-dsmv/
- www.dfa.arkansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/MyDMV-Fee-Schedule.pdf
- www.dfa.arkansas.gov/office/taxes/excise-tax-administration/sales-use-tax/sales-use-tax-ra
Not yet confirmed on an official page: late penalties (10% tax, $3/10 days). Treat these figures as estimates.
What changed in our last review
- used $4,000-$9,999 rate 0.02875 -> 0.035 (DFA FAQ: "Used Vehicle - $4,000 through $9,999 will be 3.5%")
Spotted something out of date? Tell us and we'll recheck it.