California Car Registration Fees
Typical California car registration costs about $400 a year. See what affects the fee and the other taxes you'll pay when buying a car.
California (CA)
~$400/yr
typical yearly registration for a mid-priced car
Average across states
$156/yr
Rank (highest = #1)
#2 of 51
Buying a $30,000 car in California
Sales tax (~8.85%)
$2,655
Registration / yr
~$400
Insurance / mo
$233
Loan payment*
$587/mo
*$3,000 down, 7% APR, 60 months, tax rolled into the loan.
California adds a 0.65% Vehicle License Fee on the car's value each year.
These are estimates for planning. Rates and fees change and vary by county and vehicle — confirm with your state motor vehicle agency.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to register a car in California?
Typically around $400 a year for a mid-priced car. California adds a 0.65% Vehicle License Fee on the car's value each year.
What else do I pay when buying a car in California?
Sales tax of about 8.85%, plus title and plate fees. On a $30,000 car that's roughly $2,655 in tax.
Where can I find the exact fee?
Your state's DMV or motor vehicle agency publishes current fees and often has an online fee calculator.
More for California
Car Registration Fees in other states
AlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming