California Car Registration?

[XOMichelle]

My parents are "selling" me a car, and I am registering it in California under my name (previously registered in Wisconsin). Can someone tell me how registration fees work?

They were going to sell it to me for a dollar, but when I called the DMV, the lady said that they would base the registration fee off of the Kelly Blue Book value, and I did not need a bill of sale. Then, I talked to a co-worker, and she said that I should have a bill of sale, and they will base my registration fee off of that price.
I called my Dad, and he agreed to a selling price of $3,500 (half the value of the car). Will that reduce my registration fee?

[adpialumcsuc]

The registration is usually based on the blue book valueor the weight and use of vehicle. We recently bought a huge old fire truck and even though the blue book is really low they charge it based on the wear to the roads. It is the sales tax that is big for what the bill of sale is for. If you say that you paid $3500 for it you have to pay tax on the $3500. If you say you paid a dollor than you pay tax on a dollor. Keep in mind that your parents can gift a car to you which means that you don't pay the tax you just pay the transfer and retitle fees. I had my parents do this once I paid off my car that was loaned under them. Just remember to get it SMOGGED first.

[XOMichelle]

Thanks!!!

ETA: After all these shennanigans, my Dad changed the 3,500 on the title to $35.00, and I think everything will be just fine!

[Glitter650]

Registration is based on the age of the car I believe... there's a box to check if it was a gift when changing ownership... the fees are way to much money anyway you look at it. IMO... Of course the governator tried to get it back down for us... but I haven't seen it yet...

[XOMichelle]

Governator... lol!

My car is kind of old- 1993. So I'm hoping it won't be more than $200! As it is, I'm using the majority of my tax refund to get car insurance.

[bsp-mich24]

MIchelle,

Last year the reg fee on the 1993 Accord was $61.00 & yes they will make you get the car smogged -- hondas tend to hold their value.

Per the local newspaper 1/04 93 accord w/ auto trans, a/c, fully loaded ranged from $2200 to $2800. Hope this helps you.

Side note: CA gave refunds to those they charged out-of-state fees to (about 2 yrs ago). I would go with transfer of title - I did that back in 1984 w/ my mom's honda (DMV did have a problem with that back then).