California charges sales and use tax of 7.25% at the state level, and local jurisdictions add their own, which brings a typical vehicle to about 9.5%. A trade-in does not reduce the taxable price here.
Statewide base rate is 7.25%; district taxes (0.10% to 3.5%) are collected at the rate of the address where the vehicle is registered, not the dealer's location (CDTFA Publication 34).
Typical local of 2.25% = Los Angeles County base (9.5% combined); Alameda County is 10.25%-10.75% and several LA County cities reach 10.75%, so the district share can reach about 3.5%.
Manufacturer rebates and factory incentives do not reduce the taxable price; tax is due on the full price before rebates. Dealer discounts do reduce it.
Fee amounts are CPI-indexed each January; the figures shown are the DMV's posted 2026 amounts.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Title | $28.00 |
| Registration (mixed-based) | ~$620 |
| Plates | $28.00 |
| Transportation Improvement Fee (annual, vehicle value $35,000-$59,999 ($33/$66/$132/$198/$231 tiers)) | $198.00 |
| CHP fee (annual) | $34.00 |
Lease tax applies to each monthly payment rather than to the full price of the car, so you pay it as you go.
Pick your city for the exact combined rate where you register, plus what title and registration run there.
California charges 7.25% at the state level and local jurisdictions add more, so a typical combined rate on a vehicle is about 9.5% and can reach 10.75% at the high end. The rate is set by the address you register the car to, so pick your city above for the exact figure.
California allows no trade-in deduction; tax applies to the full selling price of the new vehicle.
Title is $28.00. Original registration for a $40,000 new car: registration fee $76 (includes $3 alternative fuel/technology fee) + CHP fee $34 + Transportation Improvement Fee $198 (value $35,000-$59,999; $132 for $25,000-$34,999) + Vehicle License Fee 0.65% of value ($260) + county/district fees (roughly $20-30) + plates $28. Zero-emission vehicles MY2020+ add a $121 Road Improvement Fee.
Yes, at $85. Vehicle Code 11713.1(x): document processing charge capped at $85 for dealers using electronic registration (BPA), $70 otherwise. Nearly all dealers charge $85.
Tax applies to each monthly payment rather than the whole price of the car, so the tax is spread across the lease.
Rates, fees, and rules change. These figures are estimates for planning, not tax advice; confirm the final numbers with the dealer and your state's motor vehicle agency before you buy.