California Car Sales Tax Calculator
Sales tax on a dealer purchase or use tax on a private sale, at the rate where you register the car. In California, your trade-in does not reduce it.
California charges sales tax (or use tax on a private sale) on a car's full selling price, at the combined rate for the address where you register it: 7.25% statewide plus local district taxes. Unlike many states, a trade-in does not reduce the taxable price, and manufacturer rebates don't either. Dealer documentation fees are capped at $85 and are taxable.
Enter the price after any dealer discount, and pick your city or type your combined sales tax rate.
Car Sales Tax Calculator
Sales / Use Tax
First-year DMV fees (est.)
Out-the-door price
Due after trade-in & rebate
How this is calculated
The rate. California's statewide rate is 7.25%, and most areas add district taxes. For a vehicle, the rate is based on the address where you register it, not where the dealer is. Buy in a low-tax city and register in a higher-tax one, and you pay the higher rate.
What is taxed (CDTFA rules):
- Full selling price. A trade-in allowance is not subtracted. On a $30,000 car with a $5,000 trade-in, tax is on $30,000.
- Manufacturer rebates stay taxable. A rebate from the manufacturer that you sign over to the dealer is part of the taxable price. A discount the dealer gives on its own is not.
- Documentation fees are taxable. The dealer's document processing charge is capped by Vehicle Code 4456.5 at $85 (DMV business partners) or $70 (other dealers).
- Not taxed: DMV registration and license fees, the state smog certificate fee, and optional service contracts listed separately.
Private-party purchases. You pay use tax at the same rate directly to the DMV when you transfer the title. Buying from family members can be exempt.
DMV fees. The estimate adds the first-year vehicle license fee (0.65% of value), the base registration fee and the CHP fee. Your county, air district and vehicle type can add more; see the registration fee estimator.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is sales tax on a car in California?
The combined sales tax rate where you register the car: 7.25% statewide plus local district taxes, so from 7.25% to over 10% depending on the city. It applies to the full selling price, including the dealer documentation fee.
Does a trade-in reduce sales tax in California?
No. California is one of the few states that taxes the full price of the vehicle you buy without subtracting your trade-in. The trade-in lowers what you pay, but not the tax.
Do I pay sales tax on a private party car sale in California?
Yes, as use tax, at the same rate as sales tax where you register the car. You pay it to the DMV when you transfer the title. Some transfers, such as between certain family members, are exempt.
What is the maximum dealer doc fee in California?
Vehicle Code 4456.5 caps the document processing charge at $85 for dealers that are DMV private industry partners and $70 for other dealers. The fee is taxable.
Is sales tax based on where I buy the car or where I live?
Where you register it. The CDTFA uses the address where the vehicle will be registered to set the district tax rate, so buying in a lower-tax city does not lower your rate.
This tool provides an educational estimate only and is not tax advice. Rates change quarterly, some sales are exempt, and DMV fees depend on the vehicle and county. Confirm the figures on your purchase contract and DMV notice.