There are a variety of fees that may be required when applying for or renewing vehicle registration.
Determining Fees
Registration fees are based on:
- Your vehicle type (auto, motorcycle, etc.).
- Your vehicle’s purchase price or declared value.
- Dates (for example, the date you purchased your vehicle, or the date your vehicle entered California).
- The city and/or county you live in.
- The city and/or county your business is based in.
- The unladen or declared gross vehicle weight (GVW) and the number of axles your vehicle may have.
- Any special license plates your vehicle may have.
- Whether you have any unpaid parking violations or toll evasion bail.
You will likely have to pay the following fees if your vehicle is registered for on-highway use:
- The registration fee
- California Highway Patrol (CHP) fee
- Vehicle license fee
- Transportation improvement fee
- County/district fee
DMV Fee Calculators
To help people plan for registration-related fees, DMV provides vehicle registration fee calculators.
These fee calculators can help you:
- Determine registration fees for a new vehicle that will be purchased in California from a licensed California dealer.
- Determine registration fees for a nonresident vehicle (vehicles last registered outside the state of California).
- Determine registration fees for a used vehicle that will be purchased in California.
- Determine vehicle license fee (VLF) paid for tax purposes.
- Determine registration renewal fees due.
Your estimate will vary depending on the information you enter.
Note All fees may change depending on the law.
California Highway Patrol (CHP) Fees (VC §§9250.8, 9250.13, 9552–9554)
| Fee type | Fee Amount |
|---|---|
| Fee typeCHP | Fee Amount$32 |
| Fee typeCHP CVRA | Fee Amount$54 |
| Fee typeLate penalties for original: | Fee Amount |
| Fee typeOne year or less | Fee Amount$32 |
| Fee typeMore than one year up to (and including) two years | Fee Amount$54 |
| Fee typeMore than two years | Fee Amount$100 |
| Fee typeLate penalties for renewal: | Fee Amount |
| Fee type1 to 10 days | Fee Amount$10 |
| Fee type11 to 30 days | Fee Amount$15 |
| Fee type31 days up to (and including) one year | Fee Amount$32 |
| Fee typeMore than one year up to (and including) two years | Fee Amount$54 |
| Fee typeMore than two years | Fee Amount$100 |
Information Request Fees (VC §1811)
| Fee Type | Fee Amount |
|---|---|
| Fee TypeElectronic requests by license, ID, or CF number | Fee Amount$2 |
| Fee TypeManual requests (walk-in, mail-in, telephone inquiries) | Fee Amount$5 |
| Fee TypeHistory fee (per year): | Fee Amount |
| Fee Type– Automated | Fee Amount$5 |
| Fee Type– Non-automated | Fee Amount$20 |
| Fee Type– Photocopy | Fee Amount$20 |
Moped Fees (VC §5036)
| Fee Type | Fee Amount |
|---|---|
| Fee TypeReplacement ID card (VC §9265) | Fee Amount$27 |
| Fee TypeOriginal moped | Fee Amount$27 |
| Fee TypeReplacement plate | Fee Amount$27 |
| Fee TypeTransfer | Fee Amount$27 |
Miscellaneous Registration and Service Fees
| Fee Type | Fee Amount |
|---|---|
| Fee TypeAlternative Fuel/Technology Registration | Fee Amount$3 |
| Fee TypeAlternative Fuel/Technology Smog | Fee Amount$8 |
| Fee TypeCTIP (VC §9400.1) | Fee Amount$3 |
| Fee TypeClean air vehicle sticker (original/replacement) (VC §§5205.5, 21655.9) | Fee Amount$27 |
| Fee TypeCounty (VC §§9250.2, 9250.7, 9250.10–9850.17) | Fee AmountVaries by county |
| Fee TypeCVRA motor vehicle (VC §9400.1) | Fee Amount$122 |
| Fee TypeCVRA weight/year stickers (original/replacement) (VC §9400.1) | Fee Amount$3 |
| Fee TypeDishonored check (GC §6157) | Fee Amount$30 |
| Fee TypeReplacement: (VC §9265) | Fee Amount |
| Fee Type– Title | Fee Amount$27 |
| Fee Type– License plates | Fee Amount$27 |
| Fee Type– Registration card | Fee Amount$27 |
| Fee Type– Sticker | Fee Amount$27 |
| Fee TypeEngine change (VC §9267) | Fee Amount$2 |
| Fee TypeHistorical vessel plaque (VC §9853.5) | Fee Amount$20 |
| Fee TypeInvestigation service (VC §9263) | Fee Amount$15 |
| Fee TypeLien sale authorization (CC §3071) | Fee Amount$5 |
| Fee TypeMotorcycle cross index (original) (VC §9268) | Fee Amount$1 |
| Fee TypeMotorcycle safety (original/renewal) (VC §2935) | Fee Amount$2 |
| Fee TypeNon-resident service (original from out-of-state) (VC §9252) | Fee Amount$27 |
| Fee TypeNon-resident reregistration (same registration year) (VC §9252) | Fee Amount$27 |
| Fee TypeNonrepairable vehicle certificate (original/replacement) (VC §11515.2) | Fee Amount$27 |
| Fee TypeOwnership responsibility citation (VC §40002.1) | Fee Amount$7 |
| Fee TypePartial year registration (VC §9702) | Fee Amount$27 |
| Fee TypePhotocopy of record (VC §§1810–1811) | Fee Amount$20 |
| Fee TypePlanned nonoperation (PNO) (all vehicles/OHV) (VC §4604) | Fee Amount$27 |
| Fee TypePrejudgment attachment filing or certificate (CCP §§488.385(b)(c)) | Fee Amount$27 |
| Fee TypePrior history (brands certificates prior junk, salvage, taxi, etc.) (VC §9255.1) | Fee Amount$2 |
| Fee TypePrivately owned school bus (PSD) registration/licensing education related | Fee Amount$27 |
| Fee TypeReflectorized license plate (VC §4850) | Fee Amount$1 |
| Fee TypeRepossession (VC §9255) | Fee Amount$15 |
| Fee TypeReturn non-resident license plates (VC §4302) | Fee Amount$1 |
| Fee TypeSalvage certificate (original/replacement) (VC §§9265, 11515) | Fee Amount$27 |
| Fee TypeSmog abatement (HSC §44060(d)(1)) | Fee Amount$20 |
| Fee TypeSmog transfer (VC §4000.1) | Fee Amount$8 |
| Fee TypeRush title (VC §9270) | Fee Amount$15 |
| Fee TypeTitle only (VC §9254) | Fee Amount$27 |
| Fee TypeTransfer (VC §9255) | Fee Amount$15 |
| Fee Type—Penalty (VC §9553.7) | Fee Amount$15 |
| Fee TypeTransfer on death beneficiary designation (VC §§4150.7, 9852.7) | Fee Amount$10 |
| Fee TypeTotal loss salvage/dismantled vehicle inspection (VC §9255.2) | Fee Amount$50 |
| Fee TypeTotal loss vehicle partial VLF refund service (RTC §10902) | Fee Amount$27 |
| Fee TypeVehicle seized/sold to satisfy DMV lien | Fee Amountup to $250 |
| Fee TypeWeight fee credit service (VC §9408) | Fee Amount$2 |
| Fee TypeZero emissions vehicle parking sticker (VC §22511) | Fee Amount$17 |
Off-Highway Vehicles (OHV) Fees (VC §§38225-38225.5, 38230, 38246, 38250, 38255, 38260, 38265)
These fees are due every two years to fund the California Department of Parks and Recreation Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division, OHV Trust Fund, and DMV administrative costs.
| Fee Type | Fee Amount |
|---|---|
| Fee TypeReplacement certificate | Fee Amount$27 |
| Fee TypeOriginal/Renewal OHV ($54 total) | Fee Amount |
| Fee TypeRegistration | Fee Amount$33 |
| Fee TypeCHP | Fee Amount$10 |
| Fee TypeService | Fee Amount$7 |
| Fee TypeLicense | Fee Amount$4 |
| Fee TypePenalties ($27 total): | Fee Amount |
| Fee TypeRegistration | Fee Amount$17 |
| Fee TypeCHP | Fee Amount$4 |
| Fee TypeService | Fee Amount$4 |
| Fee TypeLicense | Fee Amount$2 |
| Fee TypeReplacement plate and/or sticker | Fee Amount$27 |
| Fee TypeRepossession | Fee Amount$10 |
| Fee Type– Penalty | Fee Amount$10 |
| Fee TypeTransfer | Fee Amount$27 |
| Fee Type– Penalty | Fee Amount$27 |
Penalties
The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) does not offer a grace period for paying your annual vehicle registration fees. Be sure to pay your renewal fees on or before the expiration date shown on your current registration card, or DMV will charge penalties. Even though your license plates display only the month and year, your registration expires on a specific day. Be sure to check the registration card for the actual expiration date.
If you do not receive a billing notice approximately 60 days before your vehicle’s registration expires, please call us at 1-800-777-0133 to find out what your fees are.
The longer you delay payment, the greater the penalty amount will be. Penalty fees are assessed in addition to any other fees due.
Penalties for Vehicles Registered in California
Penalties are determined by adding a percentage of the vehicle license fee, plus a registration late fee, plus a California Highway Patrol (CHP) late fee.
| If payment is late: | Percentage of vehicle license fee and weight fee | Registration late fee | CHP late fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| If payment is late:1 – 10 days* | Percentage of vehicle license fee and weight fee– 10% of the vehicle license fee due for that year. – 10% of the weight fee due for that year (if any). | Registration late fee$10.00 | CHP late fee$10.00 |
| If payment is late:11 – 30 days* | Percentage of vehicle license fee and weight fee– 20% of the vehicle license fee due for that year. – 20% of the weight fee due for that year (if any). | Registration late fee$15.00 | CHP late fee$15.00 |
| If payment is late:31 days – one year* | Percentage of vehicle license fee and weight fee– 60% of the vehicle license fee due for that year. – 60% of the weight fee due for that year (if any). | Registration late fee$30.00 | CHP late fee$30.00 |
| If payment is late:More than one year – two years | Percentage of vehicle license fee and weight fee– 80% of the vehicle license fee due for that year. – 80% of the weight fee due for that year (if any). | Registration late fee$50.00 | CHP late fee$50.00 |
| If payment is late:More than two years | Percentage of vehicle license fee and weight fee– 160% of the vehicle license fee due for that year. – 160% of the weight fee due for that year (if any). | Registration late fee$100.00 | CHP late fee$100.00 |
* A Planned Nonoperation (PNO) may be filed up to 90 days after the registration expiration date if the vehicle was not operated in any manner, but applicable late penalties are due.
Penalties for New Vehicles or Vehicles Never Registered in California
Here are the penalties for new vehicles or vehicles that have never been registered in California.
| If payment is late: | Penalty |
|---|---|
| If payment is late:One year or less | Penalty– 40% of the vehicle license fee due for that year. – 40% of the weight fee due for that year (if any). |
| If payment is late:More than one year – two years | Penalty– 80% of the vehicle license fee due for that year. – 80% of the weight fee due for that year (if any). |
| If payment is late:More than two years | Penalty– 160% of the vehicle license fee due for that year. – 160% of the weight fee due for that year (if any). |
Permanent Trailer Identification (PTI) Fees
| Fee Type | Fee Amount |
|---|---|
| Fee TypeOriginal/conversion (VC §5014) | Fee Amount$20 |
| Fee TypeReplacement ID card (VC §5014) | Fee Amount$7 |
| Fee TypeReplacement title (if paper title issued) (VC §9265) | Fee Amount$27 |
| Fee TypeElectronic lien and title (ELT) record (VC §9254) | Fee Amount$27 |
| Fee TypePaper title (VC §9254) | Fee Amount$27 |
| Fee TypeService (every five years) (CVC §5014.1) | Fee Amount$10 |
| Fee TypeReplacement plate (VC §5014.1) | Fee Amount$7 |
| Fee TypeTransfer (VC §5014) | Fee Amount$7 |
Permit Fees
| Fee Type | Fee Amount |
|---|---|
| Fee TypeCalifornia Fuel Tax Trip Permit (BOE 123) | Fee Amount$30 |
| Fee TypeForeign Resident In-transit Permit (VC §6700.1, CRTC §6366.2) | Fee Amount$60 |
| Fee TypeUnladen Weight Permit (REG 4030) | Fee Amount$30 |
| Fee TypeMotorcycle Transportation Permit (REG 712) (VC §38232) | Fee Amount$27 |
| Fee TypeNonresident Commercial Vehicle Trip Permit (REG 41) | Fee Amount$45 |
| Fee TypeNonresident Daily Commuter Permit (REG 150) (VC §§6700.25, 6700.3) | Fee Amount$27 |
| Fee TypeOne Trip Permit (REG 402) (VC §9258) | Fee Amount$27 |
| Fee TypeTemporary Operating Permit | Fee Amount$50 |
Registration Fees (VC §9250.1)
| Fee Type | Fee Amount |
|---|---|
| Fee TypeOriginal registration/renewal | Fee Amount$74* |
* Includes the Alternative Fuel/Technology Fee ($3)
Road Improvement Fee (RIF) (VC §9250.6)
The RIF is assessed on all model year 2020 and later zero emission vehicles (ZEV). RIF fees affect vehicle registration renewals unless exempted.
Note RIF is not assessed on the initial registration of a newly purchased ZEV from a licensed vehicle dealer.
| Fee Type | Fee Amount |
|---|---|
| Fee TypeOriginal registration/renewal | Fee Amount$118 |
Transportation Improvement Fee (TIF)
TIF fees are used to repair roads, bridges, etc. and provide road maintenance. TIF fees affect original vehicle registration (VR), transfers, and renewals.
| Vehicle Value | VR Fee Increase |
|---|---|
| Vehicle Value0-$4,999 | VR Fee Increase$32 |
| Vehicle Value$5,000-$24,999 | VR Fee Increase$65 |
| Vehicle Value$25,000-$34,999 | VR Fee Increase$129 |
| Vehicle Value$35,000-$59,999 | VR Fee Increase$194 |
| Vehicle Value$60,000 and higher | VR Fee Increase$227 |
Vehicle License Fee (VLF) – 0.65% of purchase price/value of vehicle
For most vehicles, you will need to pay a vehicle license fee instead of the fee being included in your property tax. You can deduct this fee from your income tax. Vehicle license fees are based on the purchase price or value of your vehicle and the fees go to fund cities/counties.
Vehicle license fees decrease for your vehicle’s first 11 renewal years, or until the vehicle is transferred (whichever happens first).
The following groups do not have to pay a vehicle license fee:
- Disabled veterans with a 100% service-related disability rating.
- Non-resident military personnel stationed in California (and their non-resident spouses).
- California Native American tribes and tribal members.
- Federally-recognized Native American tribes.
- Specialized transportation vehicles.
- Historical vehicles/horseless carriage.
Note The VLF for historical vehicles or horseless carriages is $2.
Vessel Fees (VC §§9851, 9852.7, 9853, 9853.5, 9855, 9860–9863, HNC §675)
*Includes fees for original vessel, renewal, alternative fuel/technology, and Quagga Mussels, if applicable.
The following are exempt from the Quagga Mussel fee:
- Vessels used only in marine waters.
- Annual exempt youth group (type license [TL] V6).
- Annual exempt government (TL V7).
- CF numbers issued to dealers (TL V3).
- CF numbers issued to manufacturers (TL V4).
| Vessel | |
|---|---|
| Original | Vessel |
| – Sold in even year | Vessel$29 |
| – Sold in odd year | Vessel$49 |
| Penalty | Vessel |
| – Sold in even year | Vessel$10 |
| – Sold in odd year | Vessel$25 |
| Renewal | Vessel |
| Biennial renewal (due in odd years) | Vessel$20 |
| Penalty | Vessel$10 |
| Transfer (except between dealers) | Vessel$15 |
| Penalty | Vessel$8 |
| Replacement (title or registration) | Vessel$15 |
| Repossession | Vessel$15 |
The Quagga Fee is collected separately from registration fees. Quagga stickers can be purchased online.
Special License Plate Fees
You can purchase special interest license plates to use on your California registered vehicles. You might have to pay a yearly renewal fee on special interest plates, which you can pay when you renew your registration.
Special license plate fees help fund environmental and special programs.
Disabled Person/Veteran (DP/DV) Placard Fees
DP Parking Placards
- Permanent DP Parking Placards: Free
- Temporary: $6
Note Temporary placards are issued to permanent placard owners for free.
DV Parking Placards
- DV parking placards: Free
- Replacement: $20
Note Window decals for vehicles with a wheelchair lift or carrier are free.
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Insurance Requirements
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