How to calculate the out the door price
To calculate the out-the-door price, start with the selling price, subtract the trade-in and rebates, add the dealer doc fee, add sales tax on the taxable amount, then add title, registration, and other government fees.
The out-the-door price formula
OTD price = selling price − trade-in − rebates + doc fee + add-ons + sales tax + title and registration fees
Two state rules change the tax step: whether the trade-in is subtracted before tax, and whether the doc fee is taxed. Some states also add local tax or use a different tax entirely, like Georgia’s title ad valorem tax or Delaware’s document fee.
Worked example: Texas
A new $30,000 car with a $5,000 trade-in and the Texas presumed-reasonable doc fee, using the figures in the Texas out the door price calculator:
| Vehicle price | $30,000.00 |
|---|---|
| Trade-in | -$5,000.00 |
| Dealer doc fee | $225.00 |
| Texas motor vehicle sales and use tax (6.25%) | $1,562.50 |
| Title application (by county) | $28.00 |
| Base registration | $50.75 |
| TexasSure fee | $1.00 |
| State inspection fee | $7.50 |
| Processing and handling fee | $4.75 |
| Out-the-door price | $26,879.50 |
Skip the math
The out the door price calculator applies each state’s rules for you and updates as you type, including a monthly payment.
Estimates from official sources as of October 24, 2026; not legal or tax advice; confirm with your DMV.