What is the difference between a vehicle registration fee and a vehicle license fee?
A vehicle registration fee is flat fee calculated based on: the type of vehicle, the owner’s county of residence, fees associated with special interest license plates, unpaid parking violation fees and/or toll evasion bail. The vehicle license fee is a variable fee that is calculated based on the current value of the vehicle. The vehicle license fee was established by the State Legislature in 1935 in lieu of a property tax on vehicles. Both fees are paid annually as required by the California Department of Motor Vehicles in order to legally operate a vehicle on California roads.
