California rules, verified against the statutes

Out-the-door price in California

How California works

California does not reduce the taxable price for trade-ins — you pay sales tax on the full price even with a trade.
Manufacturer rebates are taxed in CA (tax is computed before the rebate is applied). A dealer discount, by contrast, DOES lower your taxable price — that distinction is worth real money.
The doc fee is capped by law ($85 e-filing dealers / $70 otherwise) and is part of the taxable base.
Buying used? Enter the plate expiration month: if the registration is expired or expires within 120 days of purchase, renewal fees ride along with the deal — otherwise they're not due at sale.
Used car without current California plates (out-of-state car)? Full first registration is due and a smog test is required regardless of the car's age.
Used vehicles four or fewer model years old skip the $50 smog test — just an $8 exemption fee. Five or older: $50 test + $8.25 certificate.

Rules last verified Jul 9, 2026. Our methodology.

Try it for your ZIP

Vehicle price

The negotiated (or advertised) selling price, before fees and tax.

Your ZIP code

Tax and registration follow where YOU register — not the dealership.

Condition

New Used CPO

Fuel

EV/PHEV surcharges apply in many states.

More options — trade-in, rebates, doc fee, add-ons

Trade-in value

Reduces your taxable amount only in states that allow it.

Trade-in loan payoff

Display-only in the equity math — doesn't affect tax.

Manufacturer rebate

Taxed in some states, a tax-free discount in others.

Dealer discount

Off-invoice discount from the dealer — different from a rebate for tax.

Dealer doc fee (if quoted)

Leave blank to use your state's cap or the typical amount.

Dealer add-ons total

Nitrogen, VIN etch, protection packages… labeled negotiable in the output.

F&I products total (VSC, GAP…)

Excluded from tax in some states when itemized separately.

Model year

MSRP / vehicle value

Needed in states with value-based registration (AZ VLT, NV GST).

Financing the purchase I have a plate to transfer (matters in Florida — skips the $225 initial registration)

Truck / commercial (California weight fees)

Vehicle type

Pickups always use the unladen-weight schedule (VC §9400) — never CVRA.

Curb (unladen) weight, lbs

On the door-jamb sticker. Blank = typical half-ton bracket ($80).

Axles

Declared GVW/CGW, lbs

As declared on the REG 4008. CVRA vehicles skip the TIF.

Used vehicle details (California)

Plate expiration (month)

Expired or expiring within 120 days of purchase → renewal fees ride along with the deal. Blank = assume they're due (safe estimate).

No current California plates (out-of-state car — full first registration + smog test due)

My price already includes…

Some dealers now fold fees into the advertised price (FTC pressure; California's total-price law). Check what yours covers so nothing gets counted twice.

Doc fee Emissions / smog testing charge (used vehicles)