California’s statewide sales tax is 7.25%, and local district taxes push it as high as 11.75% depending on the city where you register the car. California also doesn’t subtract a trade-in, and you’ll pay a yearly vehicle license fee of 0.65% of the car’s value.
California car taxes and fees at a glance
| Sales / use tax | 7.25% to 11.75% by city or area where you register |
|---|---|
| Trade-in | Not subtracted |
| Registration | $76 + $34 CHP fee |
| Vehicle license fee | 0.65% of the price or value, every year |
| Transportation improvement fee | $33 to $231 by value |
| Title transfer (used) | $15 |
Rules worth knowing
- Rates come from the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration table effective October 1, 2026.
- County and district fees also vary and aren’t included.
- The vehicle license fee is deductible on your income taxes.
Example: what you’d pay in California
Buying a $30,000.00 used car from a dealer in Los Angeles County (unincorporated area), with a $5,000.00 trade-in:
| Sales/use tax (10.25%) | $3,075.00 |
| Registration fee | $76.00 |
| California Highway Patrol fee | $34.00 |
| Vehicle license fee (0.65%) | $195.00 |
| Transportation improvement fee | $132.00 |
| Taxes and fees | $3,512.00 |
|---|---|
| Out-the-door price | $28,512.00 |
Dealer documentation fees aren’t included in this example; add your dealer’s fee in the calculator.
Frequently asked questions
Does a trade-in reduce sales tax in California?
No. California taxes the full price of the car.
Which California sales tax rate applies to a car?
The rate for the address where you register the car.
Checked October 2026 against official California sources. Rates and fees change; your dealer or the motor vehicle office has the final numbers. How we calculate.