California Vehicle Registration & DMV Fees (2026)
Everything you need to know about registering a vehicle in California: fees, sales tax, emissions testing, and EV surcharges. Updated 2026-07.
Registration Fee
$65 base + Vehicle License Fee (0.65% of value)
Title Fee
$25
Sales Tax on Vehicles
7.25% state + up to 3% local (7.25%-10.25% total)
EV Surcharge
$118 annual for zero-emission vehicles (EVs)
Emissions Testing in California
Required
Biennial inspection required for gas vehicles >6 model years old. Diesel and hybrid vehicles have limited exemptions. Not required in some rural counties.
Important Notes
California charges a Vehicle License Fee (VLF) that depreciates with the vehicle's age. VLF replaced personal property tax.
Authoritative source: California DMV / Motor Vehicle Division . Fees change annually — always verify with the DMV before budgeting.