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California DMV Fees (2026)
What it costs to get a license, renew, upgrade to a REAL ID, or register a vehicle.
Driver license & ID
| Original driver license (Class C) | $45 |
| Driver license renewal (Class C) | $45 |
| Original or renewal ID card | $39 |
| REAL ID (driver license or ID) | No extra cost — same as standard |
| Duplicate / replacement license | $40 |
| Behind-the-wheel drive test retake | $8 |
Motorcycle & commercial
| Original motorcycle license (Class M) | $45 |
| Original commercial license (Class A/B) | $90 |
| Commercial renewal | $45 |
Vehicle registration
| Base registration fee | ~$65 |
| California Highway Patrol (CHP) fee | ~$32 |
| Vehicle License Fee (VLF) | 0.65% of vehicle value |
| Transfer of title | ~$15 |
| Total registration | Varies by vehicle value & county |
Note: Fees are approximate and change periodically. Confirm current amounts on the official California DMV licensing fees page before you pay.
Fees — FAQ
How much does it cost to renew a California driver’s license?▾
The standard Class C renewal fee is about $45. Upgrading to a REAL ID at renewal costs nothing extra — you just need to apply in person with the required documents.
Does a REAL ID cost more than a regular license?▾
No. A REAL ID driver license or ID card costs the same as the standard version. The difference is the documents you must bring (proof of identity, SSN, and two proofs of California residency).
Why is my vehicle registration so much more than the base fee?▾
Registration stacks several charges: the base fee, the CHP fee, the Vehicle License Fee (a percentage of your car’s value), plus county and district fees. Newer or more valuable cars pay a higher VLF.