What is the car sales tax in California?

The state base car sales/use tax rate in California is 7.25%. Local (city/county) taxes can add more on top of this rate.

What is the dealer doc fee in California?

A typical dealer documentation (doc) fee in California is about $85.

What are the title and registration fees in California?

The title fee in California is about $25. Registration is based on vehicle value, weight, or age and varies.

Dealer fee data

California car sales tax, doc fee, title & registration

State base sales/use tax

7.25%

This is the California state base rate. Local (city/county) taxes can add more on top.

Fees at a glance

State sales/use tax: 7.25%
Dealer doc fee: $85
Title fee: $25
Registration: Varies (value/weight-based)

Dealer doc fee: $85
Title fee: $25

How fees work in California

State base 7.25% (local adds up to ~3%); doc fee capped at $85; registration is value-based (VLF).

Common questions

What is the car sales tax in California?: The state base car sales/use tax rate in California is 7.25%. Local taxes can add more.
What is the dealer doc fee in California?: A typical dealer documentation fee is about $85.
What are the title and registration fees in California?: The title fee is about $25. Registration is based on vehicle value, weight, or age and varies.

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Figures are estimates for the California state base rate and typical fees. Local (city/county) taxes can add 1–3% in many areas, dealer doc fees vary, and some states base registration on vehicle value, weight, or age. Trade-in tax credits and special vehicle regimes are not reflected.