California Dealer Fee Report
How transparent are car dealers in California? We analyzed 9,421 verified OTD quotes from 2192 dealers to reveal what buyers actually pay in doc fees, add-ons, and markup.
As of August 2026, the average doc fee at 1432 rated California dealers is $110, $290 below the national average, based on 9,421 verified out-the-door quotes collected by CarEdge.
Data updated Aug 16, 2026 · How we score dealers
The Golden State
California's dealer grade: C
75/100 average transparency score
51st highest doc fees in the U.S.
Key Findings
- California has the 51st-highest average doc fee of the 51 states we track, at $110.
- 1201 of 2192 rated California dealers earned an A for transparency; 491 earned a D or F.
- Cb Chevrolet in San Luis Obispo is the state's most transparent dealer at 100/100 from 4 verified quotes.
- Verified doc fees in California range from $4 to $1,298 — Autoboutique charges the most.
- The most common dealer add-on in California is theft protection, appearing on 38% of itemized quotes at an average of $1,119.
California Dealer Grade Distribution
Top 10 Most Transparent Dealers in California
The most transparent dealers in California, from verified pricing data (3+ quotes each).
Cb Chevrolet
San Luis Obispo, CA
$25 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 4 verified quotes
See the quotesCentury West BMW
Los Angeles, CA
$25 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 4 verified quotes
See the quotesPorsche Stevens Creek
Santa Clara, CA
$25 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 3 verified quotes
See the quotesPorsche Santa Clarita
Santa Clarita, CASanta Clarita, CA
Porsche Ontario
Ontario, CAOntario, CA
Platinum Motors
San Bruno, CASan Bruno, CA
Penske Buick GMC
Cerritos, CACerritos, CA
Yama Auto Brokers Inc.
Fremont, CAFremont, CA
North County GMC
Escondido, CAEscondido, CA
North Bay Ford
Santa Cruz, CASanta Cruz, 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 $110.
| # | Dealer | Doc Fee | Quotes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Autoboutique | $1,298 | 12 |
| 2 | Cardinale Auto Group | $999 | 4 |
| 3 | Genesis Of Richmond | $749 | 6 |
| 4 | Salinas Honda | $725 | 12 |
| 5 | Prestige Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram | $599 | 12 |
| 6 | Orel Hershiser Chevrolet | $572 | 5 |
| 7 | Land Rover | $550 | 7 |
| 8 | Acura Of Fremont | $536 | 5 |
| 9 | Toyota Of Glendale | $530 | 17 |
| 10 | Palm Springs Kia | $499 | 3 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Premier Chevrolet Of Carlsbad | F 35/100 | $0 | 6 |
| Autoboutique | F 38/100 | $1,298 | 12 |
| California Motor Trade | F 44/100 | $85 | 4 |
| Karwow | F 46/100 | $70 | 3 |
| Covina Hills Chevrolet | F 46/100 | $85 | 4 |
| Cardinaleway Hyundai Glendora | F 50/100 | $57 | 3 |
| Westlake Hyundai | F 53/100 | $85 | 5 |
| Lexus Of El Cajon | F 53/100 | $85 | 4 |
| BMW San Luis Obispo | F 54/100 | $85 | 4 |
| Cardinale Auto Group | F 54/100 | $999 | 4 |
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
139 dealers · Avg score: 82/100
Ford
123 dealers · Avg score: 79/100
Honda
116 dealers · Avg score: 75/100
Ram
107 dealers · Avg score: 73/100
Jeep
99 dealers · Avg score: 71/100
Dodge
96 dealers · Avg score: 71/100
Chevrolet
93 dealers · Avg score: 78/100
Chrysler
89 dealers · Avg score: 74/100
Hyundai
78 dealers · Avg score: 76/100
Kia
68 dealers · Avg score: 79/100
GMC
64 dealers · Avg score: 73/100
Nissan
64 dealers · Avg score: 73/100
Subaru
56 dealers · Avg score: 80/100
BMW
53 dealers · Avg score: 82/100
Mazda
52 dealers · Avg score: 84/100
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 August 2026, the average documentation fee in California is $110, based on 9,421 verified out-the-door quotes from 1432 dealers collected by CarEdge. That is $290 below the $400 national average.
Which California dealers charge the highest doc fees?
Autoboutique charges the highest verified doc fee in California at $1,298. Doc fees across the state range from $4 to $1,298.
Who is the most transparent car dealer in California?
Cb Chevrolet in San Luis Obispo is the highest-rated dealer in California with a transparency score of 100/100 (Grade A) from 4 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. 1201 of 2192 rated California dealers earned an A for transparent, low-fee pricing.