By state Blog Tax, Title & License

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CA·26

California vehicle taxes & fees

Pick what you're here to figure out - every calculator below uses California's own rates and rules, verified June 2026 against the California DMV.

Use tax: 7.25%–10.75%
Title transfer: $15
Base + CHP: $110
VLF: 0.65% of value
TIF: $33–$231

01 - Pick your calculator

Every California vehicle cost

Tax, Title & License
The full out-the-door cost of buying a car: sales tax, title fee, registration, and every state add-on in one total.
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Car Sales Tax
Exactly how much sales tax you'll pay on a new or used vehicle - including trade-in credits and private-party rules.
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Registration Fees
First-time registration costs by vehicle type - cars, trucks, trailers - with county fees and EV surcharges included.
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Renewal Cost
What your annual registration renewal actually costs, what's included, and what happens if you renew late.
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Title Transfer
Title transfer fees, deadlines, and the late penalties that stack up if you miss them - with a penalty calculator.
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Gift a Car
What it costs to gift a vehicle to a family member - who qualifies, which taxes are waived, and the forms you need.
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Boat Registration
Boat and vessel registration costs by length and type, plus titling fees and where to register (it's often not the DMV).
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Motorcycle Fees
Motorcycle registration, title, and tax costs - usually cheaper than a car, but with their own quirks by state.
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verified June 2026 · sources cited on every page