How do I determine California DMV registration & tax for a vehicle I plan on buying privately ?

The tax in CA. is 7.75% TRY, as hard as you can, to get them to accept your $,but write you a Bill of Sale for. say $8,000. You will only pay !/2 the tax, and the DMV doesn't trace that kinda stuff. Better yet, have 'em adopt you , and say it was a inter-family gift. NO tax on that. There is a $35 dollar Title transfer fee in CA. Happy tax-evading! My answer deserves the 10 points, there was no mention of smog, and the DMV doesn't charge you for that. Don't go through a dealer. Less $ for you! And my answer was WAY more obnoxious.

Call the DMV. They can tell you to the penny. The tax will be whatever the state and local sales tax rates are, probably around 7% - 8%. The rest of the fees will be minor by comparison.