Dealer fee data

California car sales tax, doc fee, title & registration

State base sales/use tax

7.25%

The state base car sales/use tax rate in California is 7.25%. Verify any local component for your registration address.

Fees at a glance

State base 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 approx. 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%. Verify any local component for your registration address.
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.