Idaho used car dealer paperwork and sales tax guide
How Idaho sales tax works on a used-car deal, how trade-ins and dealer fees are treated, and the title forms and notices a Idaho dealer prints.
Last checked November 14, 2026
This is a plain-language summary of how a used-car deal works out in Idaho: the sales tax, what happens to a trade-in, how dealer fees are treated, and the paperwork a dealer prints. DMS Apex uses these same rules to work out each Idaho deal.
Idaho tax and fees at a glance
| Item | Idaho |
|---|---|
| State tax | 6% state rate |
| Who pays it | Collected by the dealer |
| Trade-in | Reduces the tax |
| Dealer document preparation fee | Part of the taxable amount |
| Service contract | Not taxed |
| Starting title fee in DMS Apex | $14 |
How Idaho sales tax is worked out
Idaho: the dealer collects 6% on the price, the document preparation fee and other charges, less a trade-in placed into resale inventory. A separately stated optional warranty is not taxed. Idaho requires the fee to be listed separately as a 'dealer document preparation fee' that is subject to sales tax, and the title fee to be labeled 'TITLE FEE'. Title fee starts at $14 (a county fee can add to it). The title line on the Buyer's Order is printed as the title fee the law requires you to identify.
Required wording beside the dealer fee
Idaho requires this wording where the dealer fee appears. The Buyer's Order prints it.
THIS DEALER DOCUMENT PREPARATION FEE IS SUBJECT TO SALES TAX AS PART OF THE PURCHASE PRICE OF THE VEHICLE.
Idaho paperwork a dealer prints
DMS Apex prints these documents for a Idaho deal, all in black and white:
- Buyer's Order
- Buyers Guide
This is general information, not legal or tax advice. Idaho rules change: confirm current requirements with the Idaho Transportation Department or the Idaho State Tax Commission.
Common questions
How much is sales tax on a used car in Idaho?
6% state rate. A trade-in reduces the taxable amount. See the table above and confirm the current rate with the Idaho Transportation Department or the Idaho State Tax Commission.
Does a trade-in lower the tax in Idaho?
Yes. In Idaho the trade-in allowance reduces the amount the tax is figured on.
Is the dealer fee taxed in Idaho?
Yes. In DMS Apex the dealer document preparation fee is part of the taxable amount for Idaho.
Does DMS Apex print Idaho dealer forms?
Yes. It prints Buyer's Order, Buyers Guide.
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