California Registration Fee Table 2026
Fee-by-fee California DMV schedule library with explanations, exceptions, and sources.
- Registration schedule
- TIF bands
- VLF percentages
- EV RIF
California registration fee schedules
This page owns published fee schedules and reference tables—not fee math tutorials. For explanations and worked examples, use the Registration Fee Calculator. For paperwork and deadlines, use the Registration Guide.
Effective reference date: July 14, 2026 (rate pack CA-2026.07). Always confirm payable amounts on your Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) notice or DMV Registration Fees.
1. Fixed / published passenger amounts
Official schedule · passenger-oriented
| Fee | Amount | Source note |
|---|---|---|
| Registration (incl. Alternative Fuel/Technology $3) | $76 | DMV / Vehicle Code §9250.1 family |
| California Highway Patrol (CHP) fee — passenger | $34 | DMV fee table (CVRA/commercial rows differ) |
| Vehicle License Fee (VLF) rate | 0.65% | Cal. Rev. & Tax. Code §10752 |
| Road Improvement Fee (RIF) | $121 | VC §9250.6 / DMV — eligibility on EV RIF |
| Smog abatement (when charged) | $20 | DMV |
| Title / transfer (example DMV lines) | $15–$28 | DMV miscellaneous — transaction-dependent |
| Reflectorized plate | $1 | DMV |
| County / district | Varies | No single statewide amount |
Need the math? Continue to the Registration Fee Calculator.
2. Transportation Improvement Fee (TIF) bands
Official schedule · DMV-published bands
| Vehicle value | TIF |
|---|---|
| $0 – $4,999 | $33 |
| $5,000 – $24,999 | $66 |
| $25,000 – $34,999 | $132 |
| $35,000 – $59,999 | $198 |
| $60,000+ | $231 |
Applies on original registration, transfers, and renewals for covered vehicles (DMV). Worked examples: Registration Fee Calculator.
3. Vehicle License Fee (VLF) depreciation percentages
Official formula · RTC §10753.2
| Year | % | Year | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 100% | 7 | 40% |
| 2 | 90% | 8 | 30% |
| 3 | 80% | 9 | 25% |
| 4 | 70% | 10 | 20% |
| 5 | 60% | 11+ | 15% |
| 6 | 50% |
VLF ≈ depreciated value × 0.65%. Transfer resets and valuation caveats are explained on the Registration Fee Calculator—this table is the statutory percentage schedule only.
4. Late renewal penalty bands (reference)
Official schedule pointer · verify current DMV flats
| Days late (typical renewal path) | VLF/weight % component (DMV) |
|---|---|
| 1–10 | ~10% of VLF (and weight fee if any) + flat late fees |
| 11–20 | ~20% + flats |
| 21–30 | ~60% + flats |
| 31–60 | ~80% + flats |
| 61+ | ~160% + flats |
DMV states there is no grace period. Flat dollar late amounts and original-registration late paths differ—confirm on the DMV Fees page. Worked late examples: Registration Fee Calculator. Process/holds: Registration Guide.
5. Historical / change notes
| Item | Note |
|---|---|
| VLF rate 0.65% | Current statutory rate used in rate pack CA-2026.07 (RTC §10752). |
| TIF bands | SB 1–era transportation fee; bands as published by DMV for this pack. |
| RIF $121 | Subject to Consumer Price Index–style adjustment under VC §9250.6—re-check DMV when renewing in future years. |
| Registration $76 / CHP $34 | Passenger published amounts in CA-2026.07; commercial rows can differ. |
6. Printable planning checklist
□ Registration $76 □ CHP $34 (passenger) □ VLF = value × §10753.2 % × 0.65% □ TIF from value band □ County/district from your notice (varies) □ RIF $121 only if eligible ZEV renewal (see EV RIF page) □ Title/smog/plate lines if your transaction needs them □ Purchase sales/use tax is separate (Sales Tax page) Confirm payable total with DMV before payment.
Scope: Passenger-oriented California registration schedules. Commercial, fleet, apportioned (IRP), and some motorcycle registrations can use different rows—see DMV commercial/motorcycle resources.
Footnotes: RoadTaxGuru rate pack CA-2026.07 · Companion formula rtg-ca-reg-v1.1.0 · Reviewed July 14, 2026 · Not an official DMV bill.
Registration Calculator · EV RIF · Guide · Sales Tax · California hub
Estimate with the calculator
Schedules explained—now model your vehicle value and year.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Last updated: (from this page’s WordPress modified date)
This page is maintained by the RoadTaxGuru editorial team and reviewed periodically to reflect the latest publicly available vehicle taxation information.
Official Information Sources
Disclaimer: Figures and explanations on this page are for general informational and planning purposes only. They are estimates, not an official assessment, invoice, or legal/tax advice. The competent transport or tax authority (and your dealer, insurer, or financier where relevant) has the final say on amounts due.