Car Registration? (Sacramento: lease, insurance, DMV)

[OregonAndy]

I've heard it's quite expensive to register a car in California, is there truth to that?
My wife and I may be moving from Portland to Sacramento this summer/fall, and are trying to figure all the cost differences before we make the plunge.
In Oregon, car registration costs next to nothing.

[wifmmmy]

Originally Posted by OregonAndy

I've heard it's quite expensive to register a car in California, is there truth to that?
My wife and I may be moving from Portland to Sacramento this summer/fall, and are trying to figure all the cost differences before we make the plunge.
In Oregon, car registration costs next to nothing.

depends on what vehicle your having registered. it might also determine on location as well. just as insurance varies but i can give you some examples. my two cars an '89 ford thunderbird is $60. the '97 dodge grandcaravan is $103. my brother in law has a 2004 dodge ram had to pay a few hundred dollars for registration in L.A. but in washington state payed $80. maybe other posters can give you examples as well. good luck

[ferretkona]

I have older cars right now, a 74 and 67 they cost $53. I have a 98 van that cost $77. A new truck will cost major bucks, commercial plates double the fees. Different counties have different fees, they do not differ much.

[Mel2882]

Each year my car is about $125 (but to get it registered after I bought it from someone it was like...$900 or so). It is an '03 Corolla.

[OCCASparky]

Don't forget the smog requirements (if they decide you need smog). I was paying $350-400 for my 2004 Ford.

[5stones]

It's based on the value of your car. older car cheaper newer car more expensive. It has to pass the EPA smog tests as well. Don't know what the current laws are it's been 10 years since I lived in CA. But I believe that your first time registration is more expensive than the renewal.

BUT....DO this AS SOON as you move into the state!!! If you wait they charge you from when you established residence! I made the mistake of waiting because I had just renewed mine in WA before moving down!! on 4 year old car it cost around $500.00 in pentalites and late fees!!!

[OregonAndy]

Thanks for the heads-up!
I have an 06 Acura, and my wife has an 04 Nissan Xterra, looks like it might cost us some coin.

[wifmmmy]

Originally Posted by OregonAndy

Thanks for the heads-up!
I have an 06 Acura, and my wife has an 04 Nissan Xterra, looks like it might cost us some coin.

oh absolutely!!! with newer cars expect to pay a few hundred dollars. i think the nissan xterra is an suv. if so than you might pay even more for that. Good luck and do it as soon as you get to california.

[dennismpat]

My car is a 95 Mazda Protege (still runs great and is paid for! ). My yearly registration renewal is around $64.00. I could remember when I first got it brand new that the registration fee was considerably more, like closer to $350.00.

[aliali]

Here you go, this will do it for your. Also, call them and they wil llet you know.
If the car is leased then you will be fine for the part.
https://mv.dmv.ca.gov/FeeCalculatorWeb/index.jsp