Key Takeaways:

  • Registration fees in California start at a few hundred dollars
  • The fees depend on the type of vehicle, if it’s new, and where you live
  • You must renew your vehicle registration annually
  • The Vehicle License fee (VIF) is the only tax-deductible fee
  • There are stiff penalties for late registration

California’s registration fees are some of the highest in the country. Knowing how much car registration costs in California requires understanding which fees you must pay. The fees can range from a few hundred dollars to over $1,000, depending on the vehicle you drive and the county you live in.

Check out the registration fees you’ll pay whether you buy your car from a licensed California dealer or private seller and what you’ll pay to renew your registration annually.

What Costs are Included in the Car Registration Fees in California?

FeeAmount
Registration fee for original or renewal$74
California Highway Patrol Fee$32 ($54 commercial)
Vehicle License Fee0.65% of vehicle’s value
Transportation Improvement Fee$32 – $227
County/District FeesVaries by city/county

Registration Fees

All vehicle owners in California must pay a registration fee. The fees vary depending on these factors:

California Highway Patrol Fee

You’ll pay the California Highway Patrol fee each time you register your vehicle. The fee is higher for commercial vehicles. You’ll also pay late fees if you don’t pay on time. The fee is $32 for regular vehicles and $54 for commercial vehicles. The late fee for original registration is $32 for one year or less late and $54 for more than two years.

Renewal late fees are different:

  • 1- 10 days – $10
  • 11 – 30 days – $15
  • 31 days up to 12 months – $32
  • 12 – 24 months – $54
  • 24 months+ – $100

Vehicle License Fee

The vehicle license fee is an annual fee you pay each time you register your vehicle. This is the part of your registration fees that is tax deductible. This fee is in place of personal property tax and is in addition to the other required fees.

The VLF is based on your vehicle’s purchase price or value and is 0.65% of the value or price. The fee decreases during the first 11 renewal years, and certain people are exempt, including:

  • Veterans with a 100% disability rating from the VA
  • Members of a federally recognized or California Native American tribe
  • Historical vehicles
  • Non-resident military personnel stationed in CA
  • Specialty transportation vehicles

Transportation Improvement Fee

The Transportation Improvement Fees (TIF) fund road maintenance and repairs. You pay the TIF on new registrations, transfers, and renewals. The fee varies based on the vehicle’s value and ranges from $32 to $227.

County/District Fees

The Department of Motor Vehicles collects money on behalf of its counties or districts to fund special programs. The fees you’ll pay depend on the county in which you reside. The fees may cover some or all of the following:

  • Services Authority for Freeway Emergencies
  • Remove abandoned vehicles from the local area
  • Run a Fingerprint Identification Program
  • Support safe air quality
  • Deter auto theft or DUIs

Penalties for Late Original Registration

In addition to late fees for the CHP fees, you may also pay late fees for original late registration. The fees are based on the number of days you are late, the amount of VLF, and if the vehicle owes a weight fee.

Here’s what to expect:

Days LateFee
1 – 1010% of the vehicle license fee plus 10% of the weight fee, if applicable, plus $10
11- 30 days20% of the vehicle license fee plus 20% of the weight fee, if applicable, plus $15
31 days – 12 months60% of the vehicle license fee plus 60% of the weight fee, if applicable, plus $30
366 days – 24 months80% of the vehicle license fee plus 80% of the weight fee, if applicable, plus $50
Over 2 years160% of the vehicle license fee plus 160% of the weight fee, if applicable, plus $100

Penalties for Late Renewal Registration

Days LateFee
1 – 1010% of the vehicle license fee plus 10% of the weight fee, if applicable, plus $10
11- 30 days20% of the vehicle license fee plus 20% of the weight fee, if applicable, plus $15
31 days – 12 months60% of the vehicle license fee plus 60% of the weight fee, if applicable, plus $30
366 days – 24 months80% of the vehicle license fee plus 80% of the weight fee, if applicable, plus $50
Over 2 years160% of the vehicle license fee plus 160% of the weight fee, if applicable, plus $100

How California Determines Your California Registration Fees

Your California car registration fees are based on the following:

  • Type of vehicle
  • The vehicle purchase price
  • The date you purchased or transferred the vehicle
  • Your location (city and county)
  • The vehicle’s gross vehicle weight (if commercial)
  • If you have regular or special license plates
  • If you have unpaid parking violations or toll evasion bail

Can You Get Registration Fees Waived in California?

There are some special situations when the California registration fees may be waived:

  • Transfer: If you transfer a vehicle into your name but were unaware that the registration fees were due before your purchase date.
  • Stolen vehicle: If your vehicle was stolen and the registration became due between the date it was stolen and you recovered it.

Why is Car Registration so Expensive in California?

It may seem unfair that California has some of the highest registration fees, but here are some reasons why:

  • Environmental programs: A part of the California car registration fees covers environmental programs to reduce air pollution by enforcing emissions regulations.
  • Road maintenance: The TIF covers costs to improve California’s roads and highways. Its large road infrastructure requires constant upkeep and repairs.
  • Vehicle value: Registration fees are based on a vehicle’s value. The more a car is worth, the more you pay to register it.
  • Vehicle weight: Heavier vehicles, especially commercial vehicles, may be subject to higher registration fees. This is due to the larger amount of pollution they cause.

What Do You Need To Register a Car in California?

If you’re registering a vehicle in California for the first time, here’s what you’ll need for the California car registration process:

  • Vehicle title: You’ll need the vehicle title signed by the seller. If purchasing a new car, complete the Application for Title or Registration.
  • Mileage: If you are purchasing a used car, you must provide a record of the odometer reading. This only applies if the car is less than ten years old.
  • Smog: If you transfer the vehicle within 90 days of submitting a smog certification that wasn’t for the transfer, you may need to complete a smog statement.
  • Weight: You may need to complete the Declaration of Gross Vehicle Weight if you purchase a commercial vehicle that weighs at least 10,000 pounds.

FAQ

How Often Must You Renew Vehicle Registration in California?

California requires vehicle registration renewal annually. You can renew your registration online if you know your VIN, the DMV has your electronic smog certification, and you have proper vehicle insurance.

Is Car Registration Tax Deductible?

The Vehicle License Fee (VLF) is the only part of the California vehicle registration fee that is tax-deductible.

Is There a Grace Period for Paying Your California Car Registration Fees?

There is not a grace period for paying your California vehicle registration fees. If you are even one day late, the fees begin to accrue. The longer you wait to pay them, the more they cost. Penalties start at $10 plus 10% of the owed fees.

Do I Need a Smog Check to Register My Car in California?

California requires a smog check when you originally register or renew a registration. But there are a few exceptions:

  • You drive a vehicle that’s from 1975 or earlier and is gas-powered
  • You drive a diesel-powered vehicle that is from 1997 or older
  • Your vehicle has a Gross Vehicle Weight of over 14,000 pounds
  • You drive an electric vehicle
  • You drive a gas-powered vehicle that is eight years old or newer

Do You Need Insurance to Register a Car in California?

The state of California requires valid vehicle insurance when you originally register or renew a vehicle’s registration.

Final Thoughts

Proper registration is a legal requirement in California. There is no grace period for late registration, and registration expires annually. The initial registration must take place within ten days of buying the car. The vehicle registration fee may be hefty, but it helps support the roads, highway patrol, and the overall environment in California.

Written by Samantha Hawrylack

Written by

Samantha Hawrylack

Samantha Hawrylack writes for our company and is an expert in personal finance. Sam received her Bachelors of Science in Finance and her Masters in Business Administration from West Chester University of Pennsylvania. She began her career in the financial services industry and shifted to an entrepreneurial role where she could directly impact clients. Sam has an impressive background in personal finance and business management.