California Vehicle Registration

Quick answer

Registration is handled directly by the state DMV, with no county-level involvement. Fees include a value-based Vehicle License Fee (VLF) and a value-tiered Transportation Improvement Fee (TIF).

Agency

California Department of Motor Vehicles

Transportation Improvement Fee (TIF)

$25 to $175 depending on vehicle value

Online option

In person only

Find a verified place to vehicle registration

DMV San Francisco Field Office

1377 Fell St, San Francisco 94117

800-777-0133

DMV San Diego Field Office

3960 Normal St, San Diego 92103

800-777-0133

DMV Sacramento Field Office

4700 Broadway, Sacramento 95820

800-777-0133

DMV Los Angeles Field Office

3615 S Hope Street, Los Angeles 90007

800-777-0133

Before you start

Application for Title or Registration (REG 343)
Proof of ownership
Smog certification where required

Cost

Transportation Improvement Fee (TIF)

range

$25 to $175 depending on vehicle value

Value tiers: $0-4,999 = $25, $5,000-24,999 = $50, $25,000-34,999 = $100, $35,000-59,999 = $150, $60,000+ = $175

How it works

Complete the required application
Submit to a DMV office or by mail
Pay the VLF, TIF, and other applicable fees

Online option

Not available online

This requires an in-person visit; see the in-person section below.

In person

First-time and nonresident registrations are handled through a DMV office.

Common situations

I need to know what registration costsCalifornia Registration Fees My registration is expiringCalifornia Registration Renewal I recently moved here or bought a car out of stateRegister an Out-of-State Vehicle in California

Official source: California Department of Motor Vehicles

Verified August 18, 2026, source: California Department of Motor Vehicles