Dominican Republic Car Tax Calculator 2026

The Dominican Republic applies 18% ITBIS on goods and services including vehicles, collected by the DGII (Direccion General de Impuestos Internos). For imported vehicles, customs duties are calculated on the CIF value (Costo, Seguro y Flete) at rates ranging from 5% to 30% depending on the vehicle type, engine capacity, and age.

Vehicle imports in the Dominican Republic require working with a customs broker who handles the import declaration through the DGII system. The import process requires the Bill of Lading, commercial invoice, technical specifications, and compliance with Dominican import regulations.

The standard ITBIS rate of 18% applies to all vehicle purchases including new and used imports. For imported vehicles, customs duties are applied on the CIF value at rates ranging from 5% for some commercial categories to 30% for luxury vehicles and large-engine SUVs.

Registration of vehicles in the Dominican Republic is handled at the Instituto de Transito Terrestre (INTRA) in Santo Domingo or regional offices. Annual vehicle tax (impuesto de circulacion) is based on vehicle type and engine capacity, with rates set by the DGII.

Most vehicles imported into the Dominican Republic arrive through the ports of Santo Domingo, Caucedo, and Haina near Santo Domingo, with shipping routes from Florida being particularly common. The customs value is determined by Dominican customs authorities and includes the purchase price, international shipping costs, marine insurance, and handling fees.

US vehicles are the most common imports due to geographic proximity and the availability of left-hand drive vehicles in abundance from US dealers and auctions. Japanese imports are also popular, particularly hybrid vehicles that benefit from reduced import duties.

A practical approach to budgeting for a vehicle purchase in the Dominican Republic is to estimate the total tax burden at 20-45% above the base price for an imported vehicle, covering customs duties, ITBIS, and ISIVI. For domestically purchased new vehicles, the ITBIS is included in the dealer price but customs duties do not apply.

When comparing vehicle prices between Santo Domingo and Santiago dealers, factor in that the capital city may have different pricing and availability for specific models. Pre-owned vehicle imports from the US have become increasingly popular, offering significant savings on purchase price despite import taxes.

To register a vehicle in the Dominican Republic, you will need the customs clearance certificate with duty payment receipt, Bill of Lading, commercial invoice, technical specification certificate, your national identification (cedula) or company documents, and proof of Dominican address. Registration is completed at INTRA in Santo Domingo or regional offices, with the process typically taking one to two weeks to complete.

Vehicle insurance is mandatory in the Dominican Republic and must be purchased from licensed Dominican insurers before registration can be completed. Third-party liability insurance is the minimum legal requirement, with comprehensive cover available.

With the Dominican Republic's vehicle market heavily influenced by imports from the US and other markets, tax calculations are a critical part of total cost planning. This calculator breaks down each tax component separately, so you can see exactly how much customs duty, ITBIS, and ISIVI contribute to the total on-road price.

The tool is regularly updated to reflect any changes in ITBIS rates, customs duty schedules, ISIVI rates, or registration fee structures announced by the DGII. For the most accurate estimate, enter the vehicle's pre-tax price in US Dollars or Dominican Pesos and select the appropriate vehicle category.