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Printable Reference

State Auto Law & Fee Sheet

Pick any U.S. state to see its 2026 vehicle sales tax, average insurance cost, DMV/registration fees, minimum liability requirements, no-fault status, and inspection rules on one page. When the figures look right, click Print Sheet to save or print a Letter-size reference for your records. All figures come from 2026 state tables and are estimates for educational use.

California — Auto Law & Fee Sheet

Vehicle tax, insurance & DMV reference · 2026 estimates · Print and keep with your records

State code: CANo-fault: NoInspection: Required
State Sales Tax
7.25%
Avg. Annual Insurance
$2,150
Registration Fee
$246
DMV / Registration Fees
Title transfer$15
License plate fee$45
Registration (base)$86
EV tax credit (state)Varies*
Insurance Requirements
No-fault stateNo
Inspection requiredYes
Bodily injury (min)$15,000 per person / $30,000 per accident
Property damage (min)$5,000
Uninsured motorist$15,000/$30,000

California has the highest state sales tax base rate in the nation at 7.25%. Local districts can add up to 2.5% more, bringing total sales tax to 9.75% in some areas. California’s state EV rebate programs have changed repeatedly and several wound down in 2025-2026; the federal EV tax credit ended September 30, 2025. Verify any current state or utility incentive with the California Energy Commission before relying on it. California requires smog inspections biennially for vehicles older than 6 years.

* The federal clean-vehicle tax credit expired September 30, 2025 (OBBBA, PL 119-21); only state or utility rebates may apply for 2026 — verify current incentives with the state energy office before relying on them. Figures are estimates for educational use and are not legal, tax, or financial advice; confirm current rates with the state DMV / revenue agency and your insurer. Source: VehCalc (vehcalc.com), 2026 state tables.

VehCalc provides this sheet for informational and record-keeping purposes only. It is not legal, tax, or financial advice. The federal clean-vehicle tax credit expired September 30, 2025 (OBBBA, PL 119-21); only state or utility rebates may apply for 2026. Confirm current rates and requirements with the state DMV or revenue agency and your insurer before relying on them.

Updated August 2026 · Estimates are informational only; verify all figures with primary sources.

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