California DMV Title Transfer Fee Calculator
Estimate the fees you'll pay to the California DMV when transferring a vehicle title after a private party sale. This calculator includes the standard transfer fee, Vehicle License Fee (VLF), and Use Tax based on your purchase price and county.
Alameda (10.25%)
Los Angeles (9.50%)
Orange (7.75%)
Riverside (7.75%)
Sacramento (8.75%)
San Bernardino (7.75%)
San Diego (7.75%)
San Francisco (8.625%)
Santa Clara (9.00%)
Ventura (7.25%)
Other / Statewide Minimum (7.25%)
Understanding California DMV Title Transfer Fees
When you purchase a vehicle from a private party in California, you're responsible for transferring the title into your name with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). This process involves several fees that can add up, making it important to understand and budget for them.
Key Fees Explained:
- Transfer Fee: This is a fixed fee charged by the DMV for processing the change of ownership. As of the last update, this fee is typically $15.00.
- Vehicle License Fee (VLF): The VLF is an annual fee that is part of your vehicle's registration. When a title is transferred, the DMV will often collect a portion of the VLF based on the vehicle's declared value (usually the purchase price) for the remainder of the current registration period, or for a full year if registration is due. This calculator estimates the VLF based on 0.65% of the purchase price.
- Use Tax: If you purchase a vehicle from a private party, you are generally required to pay California Use Tax to the DMV. This tax is calculated based on the vehicle's purchase price and the sales tax rate of the county where the buyer resides. This is equivalent to sales tax you'd pay if buying from a dealer.
Other Potential Costs (Not Included in This Calculator):
- Smog Check: Most vehicles require a smog certification before a title can be transferred. The cost of the smog inspection itself is paid to the smog station, not the DMV.
- Registration Renewal Fees: If the vehicle's registration is due for renewal at the time of transfer, you will also be required to pay the annual registration fees (which include the VLF, registration fee, and any district fees) in addition to the transfer-specific fees.
- Late Penalties: If you do not complete the title transfer within 10 days of the sale date, the DMV may assess late penalties for both the transfer and any unpaid registration fees.
How to Use the Calculator:
Simply enter the agreed-upon purchase price of the vehicle and select the county where you, the buyer, reside. The calculator will then provide an estimate of the core DMV fees you can expect to pay for the title transfer.
Example Calculation:
Let's say you purchase a vehicle for $10,000 and live in Los Angeles County (current sales tax rate 9.50%).
- Transfer Fee: $15.00
- Vehicle License Fee (VLF): $10,000 * 0.0065 = $65.00
- Use Tax: $10,000 * 0.0950 = $950.00
- Total Estimated Fees: $15.00 + $65.00 + $950.00 = $1030.00
Please note that these are estimates. Actual fees may vary based on specific vehicle details, current DMV regulations, and any additional circumstances.