Norfolk / Virginia Car Buying Guide
Out-The-Door Price in Virginia: Taxes, Title, Tags & Dealer Fees Explained
“Out-the-door” (OTD) means the total amount it takes to buy the vehicle — not just the sticker price.
This guide breaks down what typically goes into an OTD number in Virginia so you can compare deals accurately.
Quick tip: When comparing vehicles, ask for the out-the-door number so you’re comparing totals —
not just prices before taxes and fees.
What “Out-The-Door” Price Means
The out-the-door (OTD) price is the full purchase total — the number that reflects what you pay after the vehicle price
plus required taxes, DMV items, and dealer-related fees. This is the only number that allows a true apples-to-apples comparison
between two vehicles or two dealers.
? Vehicle price
Sale price (and any add-ons you choose) is the starting point of your OTD total.
? Taxes + DMV items
Virginia sales/use tax and registration/title/tag costs (varies by situation).
? Dealer fees
Processing/document fees and any required compliance items (where applicable).
The Simple OTD Formula
OTD = Vehicle price + Taxes + Title/Tags/Registration + Dealer processing fee + (Optional products you choose)
Optional products could include service contracts, GAP, or other protections — these should be clearly itemized.
If you have a trade-in, the taxable amount may change depending on your specific transaction details.
What’s Typically Included in a Virginia OTD Quote
Line Item | What It Means | Why It Matters |
|---|
Vehicle Sale Price | The agreed price of the car/SUV/truck | This is where comparison shopping starts |
Sales/Use Tax | Virginia state tax applied to the transaction | A major portion of the OTD difference |
Title / Registration / Tags | DMV items to title and register the vehicle | Varies by plate type, locality, timing, etc. |
Dealer Processing Fee | Document/processing cost for handling paperwork | Important to know so you compare fairly |
Optional Protections (If you choose) | Service contract, GAP, etc. | Should be itemized and explained |
At Your Kar Company, your standard disclaimer includes a $749 processing fee.
Always confirm the full OTD number and line items before signing. (See disclaimer at bottom.)
Why Two “Same Price” Cars Can Have Different OTD Totals
It’s common to see two vehicles with similar sticker prices, but different OTD totals. The difference is usually caused by:
Different dealer processing/document fees
Optional products added to one deal but not the other
Trade-in details and how the deal is structured
Registration/title differences (plate type, timing, etc.)
Best practice: ask for an OTD worksheet that lists each line item so there are no surprises.
How to Get a Clean, Accurate OTD Quote (Fast)
If you want a quick, accurate out-the-door number, have these items ready:
Which vehicle you’re looking at (send the link from our inventory page)
Cash vs financing (and if you want a payment estimate)
Trade-in info (year/make/model, estimated payoff if you still owe)
Whether you want optional protections (service contract / GAP)
Use our payment calculator to estimate monthly payment range:
https://www.yourkarcompany.com/loancalculator
Or apply online if you want financing options:
https://www.yourkarcompany.com/creditapp
FAQ: Out-The-Door Price in Virginia
What does “out-the-door” price include?
It’s the total purchase amount: vehicle price plus taxes, title/registration/tags, dealer processing fee, and any optional protections you choose.
Why is the OTD price higher than the listed price?
Because the listed price doesn’t include taxes, DMV items, and dealer processing/document fees. OTD reflects the full total.
How do I compare two vehicles fairly?
Ask both dealers for an itemized OTD worksheet so you compare totals with the same line items.
How can I estimate payments before choosing a vehicle?
Use our calculator: Payment Calculator
Want an Out-The-Door Quote on a Specific Vehicle?
Browse inventory, send us the vehicle link, and we’ll help you understand your full out-the-door total and payment options.
Your Kar Company • 7912 Becket St, Norfolk, VA 23518
Information deemed reliable, but not guaranteed. Interested parties should confirm all data before relying on it to make a purchase decision.
All prices and specifications are subject to change without notice. Prices may not include additional fees such as government fees and taxes,
title and registration fees, finance charges, dealer document preparation fees, $749 processing fee, and emission testing and compliance charges.
VADLR5929-7574800100
