Idaho Residents: Buy in Spokane, Pay Idaho Taxes and Fees
Live in North Idaho? You can buy your next Ford at Wendle Ford and pay Idaho sales tax and fees instead of Washington's. Washington law allows it, and our team handles the exemption paperwork for you.
Spokane Selection, Idaho Taxes
Plenty of North Idaho drivers already cross the state line every day. About 10,000 jobs in Spokane, Spokane Valley and Liberty Lake are held by Kootenai County residents, according to the Idaho Department of Labor.
Pay 6%, Not 9.6%
Qualified Idaho buyers pay Idaho's 6% sales tax, collected by Wendle at signing, instead of the 9.6% Washington rate.
See taxes and feesWe Offer the Exemption
Washington dealers are not required to offer it. Wendle Ford does, and we prepare the state forms for you at signing.
How it worksKeep Ford Incentives
Idaho buyers still receive eligible Ford and Ford Credit offers when they buy from Wendle Ford.
See current specialsRegister at Your County DMV
We collect Idaho tax and title fees at signing. You register at your county DMV with the paperwork we provide. Idaho registration is based on vehicle age, not value.
What to bringHow the Nonresident Exemption Works
Washington sales tax does not apply to a vehicle sold to a nonresident for use outside the state when the sale meets the rules in RCW 82.08.0264 and WAC 458-20-177. Here is what those rules mean for an Idaho buyer.
| Rule | What it means for you |
|---|---|
| Who qualifies | An Idaho resident buying the vehicle for use outside Washington. People who keep a home in both states, or who live in Washington while planning a move, do not qualify. |
| How it leaves | You drive off on a Washington trip permit, or with Idaho plates already issued for the vehicle. |
| Where it is registered | In Idaho. If the vehicle is licensed or registered in Washington, Washington sales tax applies. |
| Time in Washington | The vehicle cannot be used in Washington for more than three months. |
| Paperwork | You provide ID, proof of your Idaho address and a signed Buyer's Affidavit. We complete the Seller's Certificate and keep the records the state requires. |
Sources: Washington Department of Revenue, Nonresident vehicle sales; RCW 82.08.0264.
Not every Washington dealer offers this. Wendle Ford does.
The Washington Department of Revenue notes that vehicle dealers are not required to make tax-exempt sales to nonresidents and may collect Washington sales tax instead. At Wendle Ford, we offer the exemption to qualified Idaho buyers under the state's nonresident sales rules. We prepare the paperwork and collect the Idaho sales tax and title fees at signing, so you only pay Idaho registration fees when you register your vehicle at home.
What Idaho Buyers Need to Bring
Washington requires dealers to keep copies of these documents for every exempt sale. Bringing them with you keeps signing quick.
- A valid Idaho driver's licenseOr another current, official photo ID issued outside Washington.
- One proof of your Idaho addressMany documents are accepted to establish residency. Contact a Wendle representative and we will walk you through the options and help you choose what works best.
- Your signature on the Buyer's AffidavitWe provide this Washington form at signing. It confirms the vehicle is for use outside Washington.
- Proof of insuranceSo you can drive your new Ford home.
- Trade-in title or payoff detailsIf you are trading in a vehicle, bring the title or your lender's payoff information.
Source: Washington Department of Revenue, Nonresident vehicle sales.
Washington vs. Idaho: What You Pay
With the exemption, you skip Washington sales tax. Wendle Ford collects Idaho sales tax and title fees at signing, and you pay registration at your county DMV.
| Cost | Amount | When and where |
|---|---|---|
| Washington sales tax | 9.6% if registered in Washington. $0 for qualified Idaho buyers using the exemption. | Collected by the dealer at signing, only when the exemption does not apply. |
| Idaho sales tax | 6% | Collected by Wendle Ford at signing. |
| Idaho registration | $69 (1 to 2 years old), $57 (3 to 6 years), $45 (7 years or older), plus $10 in other state fees | Paid at your county DMV when you register, then yearly. Electric vehicles add $140 and plug-in hybrids add $75. |
| Idaho title fee | $14 state fee plus a county admin fee. In Kootenai County, the total is $24. | Collected by Wendle Ford at signing. |
Sources: Idaho Transportation Department, Registration Fees; Idaho State Tax Commission.
Find Your Next Ford
Tap any vehicle below to browse current inventory. Eligible Ford incentives apply to Idaho buyers, too.
Three Steps to Buy From Idaho
Choose your Ford
Browse new inventory and in-transit vehicles, prequalify online and let our team know you live in Idaho.
Sign with the exemption
Bring your ID and proof of address. We prepare the Buyer's Affidavit and Seller's Certificate, collect Idaho sales tax and title fees, and you drive home on a trip permit.
Register in Idaho
Take the paperwork we give you, your ID and the vehicle to your county DMV for a VIN inspection, then pay Idaho's registration fees.
Idaho Buyer FAQ
Can an Idaho resident buy a car in Washington and pay Idaho sales tax?
What do I need to bring to buy a car in Washington as an Idaho resident?
Do all Washington dealers offer the exemption?
Where do I pay Idaho sales tax and fees?
Will I be taxed twice?
Do I still get Ford incentives as an Idaho buyer?
Does the exemption cover parts, accessories or service?
I just moved to Idaho. Do I qualify?
Ready to shop from Idaho?
Wendle Ford · 9000 N Division St, Spokane, WA