There are many types of California DMV registration fees that you might have to pay when it is time to go in and renew your registration. Some of these DMV registration fees might include a vehicle licensing fee, a permanent trailer identification fee, and a use tax. Other DMV registration fees might apply to you depending on the area that you live in and the type of vehicle that you use. Here is some more information on some of the different types of California DMV Registration Fees that you might run in to when it is time to renew your registration.
Vehicle License Fee
The vehicle license fee is one of the most commonly given fees. It is supposed to replace what would be considered a property tax on your vehicle. The way that it is calculated out is based on how much you purchased the vehicle and it will decrease every time that you renew it for the first 11 years that you own the vehicle. Of course, the cost of the vehicle license fee will be higher if you bought the car brand new off the lot compared to if you bought an older car from a friend for a lot cheaper. The revenue from this fee is split amongst the different counties and can be used by the cities and counties in their budget.
Permanent Trailer Identification
This fee is for all trailers except for trailer coaches and park trailers, which have other taxes of their own. You will not have to pay for this fee every time that you renew your registration, it is only assessed on your trailer every five years that you own it.
Commercial Vehicle Registration Act Fee
If your truck is more than 10,001 pounds, it will be charged an extra fee known as the commercial vehicle registration act fee. If your truck weighs less than 10,001 pounds it will be assessed a fee based on how much the truck weighs empty.
Cargo Theft Interdiction Fee
This is another fee that you might have to pay if your vehicle is over 10,001 pounds, though if you are a pickup, tow truck, or any type of vehicle that is used just to transport people for hire you will not have to pay this fee at all. This fee is to help pay the Highway Patrol if they need to help you recover any stolen cargo.
Use Tax
This tax is different in each county that you go to and it is usually somewhere near the sales tax in that county. In California, the use tax is due within 12 months after moving into the state. If you have already paid a use tax in another state, you might be able to get credit towards the use tax in California when you move there.
