Except as hereinafter provided, the tax assessor shall be entitled to charge and collect the same fees that are provided for by law. For the performance of duties relative to the recording of the transfer of the ownership of motor vehicles as prescribed in this code, the tax assessor shall charge and collect a fee of one dollar ($1). All such fees shall be the property of the county and shall be paid to the general fund of the county. Refunds for licenses issued by mistake or fact of law shall be made under the conditions and in the manner prescribed by this code.