California Auto Loan Calculator
Calculate your car payment in California with accurate CA state tax rates, local taxes, and DMV fees. Get precise monthly payment estimates for your auto loan in the Golden State.
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Auto Loan Information for California Residents
🏛️ California Tax Structure
Base State Rate: 7.25%
Local Taxes: 0.1% - 3.5%
Total Range: 7.25% - 10.75%
California has one of the highest combined sales tax rates in the US. Local taxes vary significantly by city and county.
🚗 DMV Fees & Registration
- Registration Fee: ~$200-$300
- Title Fee: $15
- License Plates: $19
- Smog Certificate: ~$50
- VLF (Vehicle License Fee): 0.65% of value
Additional fees may apply for specialty plates or expedited processing.
💰 Financing Tips for CA
- Shop around with credit unions - CA has many competitive CUs
- Consider timing for end-of-model-year deals
- Factor in higher insurance costs in metro areas
- Electric vehicle incentives may affect total cost
- Some dealers offer to pay sales tax - compare carefully
📍 Major City Tax Rates
California Auto Loan FAQ
California's base sales tax rate is 7.25%, but local taxes can add 0.1% to 3.5%, making the total range 7.25% to 10.75%. Los Angeles is 9.25%, San Francisco is 9.75%, and San Diego is 8.625%. The tax applies to the vehicle price minus any trade-in value.
Typical DMV fees include registration (~$200-300), title fee ($15), license plates ($19), and Vehicle License Fee (0.65% of vehicle value). For a $30,000 car, expect around $400-500 in total DMV fees, plus smog certification (~$50) for used cars.
Generally no. When you register an out-of-state vehicle in California, you'll typically pay CA use tax at the same rate as sales tax. However, you can get credit for taxes paid to the other state, which might provide savings if that state has lower rates.
As of 2024, competitive rates in California range from 4-8% for new cars and 5-10% for used cars, depending on credit score and term length. Credit unions like Navy Federal, PenFed, and local CA credit unions often offer the best rates. Shop around and get pre-approved before visiting dealers.
Yes! California offers rebates up to $7,000 through the CVRP program for eligible electric vehicles. There's also a federal tax credit up to $7,500. These incentives can significantly reduce your effective vehicle price and monthly payment.