On October 1, 2003, the California Vehicle License fee is set to be
increased by a factor of three.  I need to figure out if I should
return my leased vehicle early to avoid paying this fee.  My question
is, is there a mechanism to get a refund of a portion of the vehicle
license fee (or pay the fee for less than a full year) if the vehicle
is only used for (in my case) for two months of the its registration
period prior to it being returned to the dealer at the end of the
lease.  A good answer will tell me either NO, or it will say YES and
tell me the mechanism or form to use to accomplish this goal.

Hello mindsponge-ga,

I’m afraid the answer to your question is “NO” as shown on the pages
from the California Department of Motor Vehicles. (See page citations
below.)

1)“A refund is not due if you paid the registration fees and then sold
the vehicle before the expiration date. Any adjustment of the fees is
an issue to be addressed between the buyer and seller when
establishing the selling price of the vehicle.”

2) “A refund will not be issued in the following situations: For
registration fees: … Covering a portion of the year. “

As stated in the DMV pages, your only recourse on getting an
adjustment on the fees you paid is to negotiate with the dealer when
you return the leased vehicle. Good luck.

czh


http://www.dmv.ca.gov/vr/vr_info.htm
Department of Motor Vehicles
Vehicle Registration and Title Information
***** Scroll down to almost the end of the page

Qualifications for a refund on registration fees paid.
California registration fees are due and payable upon receipt of the
registration renewal billing notice, which is mailed out approximately
67 days before the expiration date. The expiration date is not a due
date. It is the last day to renew without penalty.
If a vehicle is taken out of California before the beginning of the
renewed registration period, you may be entitled to a refund. To apply
for a refund, complete an Application for Refund form (ADM 399). You
may mail the completed application with the unused sticker and
registration card to the address on the form. …

A refund is not due if you paid the registration fees and then sold
the vehicle before the expiration date. Any adjustment of the fees is
an issue to be addressed between the buyer and seller when
establishing the selling price of the vehicle.

http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/brochures/fast_facts/ffvr15.htm
When do I qualify for a refund? 
You may request a refund of fees and/or penalties that are excessive,
erroneously assessed, or not legally due as provided under Vehicle
Code §42231. The following circumstances may qualify you for a refund
(for online refunds click here):
Renewal fees were paid after the vehicle was sold. 
Vehicle was wrecked, junked, salvaged, or stolen before the first day
of the renewed registration period.
Nonresident military personnel who paid vehicle license fee in error.
The registered owner must complete and sign a Statement of Facts (REG
256).
Vehicle left California before the first day of the renewed
registration period.
Vehicle owner decides before the first day of the renewed registration
period that the vehicle will not be operated and wants to file a
Planned Non-Operation.

When refunds will not be issued? 
A refund will not be issued in the following situations: 
For registration fees: 
When they are paid prior to the sale of the vehicle. 
When the vehicle was operated during the registration period for which
renewal fees were paid.
Covering a portion of the year. 

http://www.dmv.ca.gov/vlf/vlf_qa.htm
Questions and Answers— End of the License Fee Reduction


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California Vehicle License fee

Dear sch-ga:

Great answer, albeit not the one I wanted to hear.  Thanks.

Mindsponge-ga

Thanks Mindsponge for the tip and five stars. I'm sorry the answer
wasn't what you were hoping for.

czh