California Vehicle Tax & Registration by County (2026)
California's registration fees are statewide, but the vehicle use tax you pay on a purchase swings from the 7.25% floor to about 10.75%depending on your county and city — it's charged at your registration address. Find your county's rate below.
Combined tax rates verified July 2026 from CDTFA (includes the April 2026 changes). Cities within a county can be higher than the countywide base shown.
| County | Countywide rate | Up to (cities) | Smog |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kern | 7.25% | 11.25% | Required |
| San Joaquin | 7.25% | 10.25% | Required |
| Ventura | 7.25% | 9.25% | Required |
| Orange | 7.75% | 9.25% | Required |
| Riverside | 7.75% | 9.25% | Some ZIPs |
| Sacramento | 7.75% | 8.75% | Required |
| San Bernardino | 7.75% | 9% | Some ZIPs |
| San Diego | 7.75% | 8.75% | Some ZIPs |
| Santa Barbara | 7.75% | 9.25% | Required |
| Tulare | 7.75% | 9.25% | Required |
| Stanislaus | 7.875% | 9.125% | Required |
| Fresno | 7.975% | 8.475% | Required |
| Solano | 8.375% | 9.25% | Required |
| Sonoma | 8.5% | 10.5% | Required |
| San Francisco | 8.625% | — | Required |
| Contra Costa | 8.75% | 9.75% | Required |
| San Mateo | 9.375% | 9.875% | Required |
| Los Angeles | 9.75% | 11.25% | Required |
| Santa Clara | 9.75% | 10.5% | Required |
| Alameda | 10.25% | 10.75% | Required |
Frequently asked questions
Does California car sales tax vary by county?
Yes. The base registration ($46 + $32 CHP + VLF) is statewide, but the vehicle use tax varies a lot — from the 7.25% state floor to about 10.75% — depending on your county and city. It's charged at the address where you register the vehicle.
Which California county has the highest car tax?
Alameda County has the highest countywide base at 10.25% (up to 10.75% in cities like Oakland). Los Angeles and Santa Clara counties are 9.75%, with some cities higher.
Which California county has the lowest car tax?
Counties at the 7.25% state floor in their unincorporated areas include Kern, Ventura, and San Joaquin — though cities within them add district taxes that push rates higher.