Car Dealer Fee Checker by State
Enter a fee exactly as it appears on the buyer's order. CarDealAudit classifies the label and, where a current state rule is verified, shows the relevant cap, tax treatment or question to ask.
Government charge, dealer fee or optional product?
Dealer worksheets use inconsistent labels. First separate government pass-through charges from dealer-controlled fees and optional products; then verify any state rule that applies to the actual charge.
Government fees
Title, registration, license, plate and certain government filing charges are generally collected for a public agency. The amount may depend on vehicle value, weight, county, plate transfer, EV status or transaction type. Ask for the agency and fee basis when a government line is unusually high.
Dealer documentation and processing fees
Documentation, processing, conveyance or service fees are generally dealer-controlled even when state law regulates the amount or disclosure. They should not be described as the same thing as tax, title or registration. Some states cap particular dealer charges; others primarily regulate disclosure or tax treatment.
Electronic filing and registration-service fees
A dealer can perform electronic title/registration work while still charging a dealer service amount in addition to the actual government fee. For example, California distinguishes document-processing and electronic-filing service charges, while New York DMV separately describes a dealer registration/title service fee. Check the specific state rule rather than assuming all "filing" labels are government charges.
Reconditioning, certification and inspection fees
These labels are dealer-created price components unless a specific government program says otherwise. Compare the effective vehicle price after adding them. The FTC has brought enforcement actions involving dealers that advertised one price and then added charges such as reconditioning or inspection; the practical buyer step is to get the complete OTD price in writing and question any mandatory dealer-created amount.
Add-ons and protection products
GAP, service contracts, maintenance plans, etching, paint/fabric protection, theft products and accessories are not government fees. If you want one, compare the cash price, coverage, exclusions and financing cost. If you do not want it, make sure it is not included in the signed purchase or financing contract. FTC consumer guidance says buyers should review contracts and remove unwanted add-ons.
Fee audit example
A quote shows a $24,000 used car, $999 "reconditioning," $799 "doc fee," $495 "protection package" and $420 "DMV." Before comparing it with another dealer, treat the first three non-government lines as $2,293 of dealer-controlled price/add-ons and verify the $420 DMV amount separately. The effective dealer-controlled price is already $26,293 before tax and government registration.
Questions to ask about an unfamiliar fee
- Who receives the money?
- Is the amount required by government or dealer policy?
- Is it included in the advertised price?
- Is it taxable in this state?
- Can it be removed?
- What product or service do I receive?
- Is the same cost listed elsewhere?
- What official source supports a claimed government amount?
Official consumer guidance
FTC: Car Dealer Ads and Promotions · FTC: unwanted add-ons
Have a full buyer's order? Audit every line together instead.