What Are Car Dealership Documentation Fees?
Editor’s Note: This article is being updated as laws and rules change.
A post on an automotive website began like this:
“Pen in hand, you review the sales contract before signing for your new car. It all looks good except for one mysterious figure: the documentation fee or “doc fee.” In some states, this will be less than $100. But in others it can be higher than $700. What, exactly, are you getting for your money? And do you really have to pay this fee?”
This is a question too few buyers ask.
The dealer charges a documentation fee in exchange for filling out and filing paperwork for the car you are purchasing, as well as the vehicle you are trading (if applicable). This is a complicated process involving many different state and federally-mandated forms, and culminates with a trip to the Clerk of Courts office.
As of 2026, dealers in Ohio are allowed to charge a maximum $398 documentation fee, and this is subject to annual adjustments based on inflation. Most dealers will then tack on the state’s title fee, temporary tag fee (and more) in addition.
At CAR 1, our documentation fee is just $299, and this includes the title fee and temp tag. And unlike some dealers, we DON’T charge it twice if you are trading a vehicle in.
