California Dealer Fee Report
How transparent are car dealers in California? We analyzed 6,227 verified OTD quotes from 1392 dealers to reveal what buyers actually pay in doc fees, add-ons, and markup.
As of July 2026, the average doc fee at 1392 rated California dealers is $98, $302 below the national average, based on 6,227 verified out-the-door quotes collected by CarEdge.
Data updated Jul 7, 2026 · How we score dealers
The Golden State
California's dealer grade: C
76/100 average transparency score
52nd highest doc fees in the U.S.
Key Findings
- California has the 52nd-highest average doc fee of the 53 states we track, at $98.
- 685 of 1392 rated California dealers earned an A for transparency; 301 earned a D or F.
- Elk Grove Toyota in Elk Grove is the state's most transparent dealer at 100/100 from 3 verified quotes.
- Verified doc fees in California range from $0 to $1,995 — Land Rover charges the most.
- The most common dealer add-on in California is theft protection, appearing on 42% of itemized quotes at an average of $1,114.
California Dealer Grade Distribution
Top 10 Most Transparent Dealers in California
The most transparent dealers in California, from verified pricing data (3+ quotes each).
Elk Grove Toyota
Elk Grove, CA
No mandatory add-ons · 3 verified quotes
See the quotesElk Grove Subaru
Elk Grove, CA
No mandatory add-ons · 7 verified quotes
See the quotesWinn Volkswagen Woodland Hills
Los Angeles, CA
No mandatory add-ons · 3 verified quotes
See the quotesWest Coast Auto Sales
Montclair, CAMontclair, CA
Weir Canyon Honda
Yorba Linda, CAYorba Linda, CA
Porsche Santa Clarita
Santa Clarita, CASanta Clarita, CA
Porsche Ontario
Ontario, CAOntario, CA
Dublin Honda
Dublin, CADublin, CA
Northridge Toyota
Los Angeles, CALos Angeles, CA
Perry Ford Of Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CASanta Barbara, CA
Look up any dealer’s transparency grade
Search any dealer in California or nationwide by name, brand, city, or zip.
Highest Doc Fees in California
These California dealers charge the most in documentation fees. The state average is $98.
| # | Dealer | Doc Fee | Quotes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Land Rover | $795 | 7 |
| 2 | Audi Rancho Mirage | $779 | 3 |
| 3 | Genesis Of Richmond | $749 | 6 |
| 4 | Prestige Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram | $599 | 12 |
| 5 | Honda North Icl | $501 | 18 |
| 6 | Palm Springs Kia | $499 | 3 |
| 7 | Folsom Buick GMC | $452 | 4 |
| 8 | All Star Ford | $425 | 4 |
| 9 | Honda Of North Hollywood | $388 | 3 |
| 10 | Mossy Nissan | $382 | 4 |
Lowest-Rated Dealers in California
These California dealers have the lowest transparency scores based on fees, add-ons, and markup.
| Dealer | Grade | Doc Fee | Quotes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dalton Hyundai National City | F 43.1/100 | $0 | 7 |
| California Motor Trade | F 43.7/100 | $85 | 3 |
| Culver City Chevrolet | F 44.8/100 | $0 | 9 |
| Audi Rancho Mirage | F 46.1/100 | $779 | 3 |
| Culver City Toyota | F 51.9/100 | $85 | 17 |
| Lexus Of El Cajon | F 53/100 | $85 | 4 |
| Land Rover Monterey | F 55/100 | $85 | 3 |
| Hanlees Fairfield | F 55.9/100 | $85 | 7 |
| Autohon | F 56.5/100 | $0 | 3 |
| Huntington Beach Hyundai | F 56.5/100 | $85 | 24 |
Most Common Add-ons in California
The most frequently seen dealer add-ons in California, based on itemized OTD quotes.
Dealers by Brand in California
Which brands have the most transparent dealers in California?
Toyota
126 dealers · Avg score: 80/100
Ford
100 dealers · Avg score: 76/100
Honda
93 dealers · Avg score: 73/100
Chevrolet
73 dealers · Avg score: 74/100
Ram
72 dealers · Avg score: 70/100
Hyundai
62 dealers · Avg score: 73/100
Kia
60 dealers · Avg score: 76/100
Dodge
58 dealers · Avg score: 70/100
Jeep
58 dealers · Avg score: 70/100
Chrysler
53 dealers · Avg score: 70/100
BMW
50 dealers · Avg score: 83/100
GMC
48 dealers · Avg score: 68/100
Mazda
47 dealers · Avg score: 82/100
Nissan
44 dealers · Avg score: 69/100
Volkswagen
42 dealers · Avg score: 69/100
Ready to buy a car in California? Bring the real numbers.
CarEdge Pro unlocks real dealer invoice data, target prices, and out-the-door estimates on every listing in California — so you walk into a dealership already knowing what you should pay.
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Use our dealer search to find and compare dealers in California by location. See transparency scores, doc fees, and real pricing data before you visit.
How California compares to its neighbors
Average doc fees next door. Crossing a state line can change what the dealer charges.
California Dealer Fee FAQ
What is the average dealer doc fee in California?
As of July 2026, the average documentation fee in California is $98, based on 6,227 verified out-the-door quotes from 1392 dealers collected by CarEdge. That is $302 below the $400 national average.
Which California dealers charge the highest doc fees?
Land Rover charges the highest verified doc fee in California at $795. Doc fees across the state range from $0 to $1,995.
Who is the most transparent car dealer in California?
Elk Grove Toyota in Elk Grove is the highest-rated dealer in California with a transparency score of 100/100 (Grade A) from 3 verified quotes.
Are dealer doc fees negotiable in California?
Doc fees themselves are often presented as non-negotiable, but the out-the-door price always is: if a California dealer charges a high doc fee, ask for an equivalent discount on the vehicle price. 685 of 1392 rated California dealers earned an A for transparent, low-fee pricing.