Owning a car, truck, motorcycle, or any motorized vehicle is pretty awesome. It spells freedom, convenience, and a whole bunch of other happy feelings. As a motorized vehicle owner, you are responsible not only for its safe operation, but also for its legal operation. The state of Florida requires that motorized vehicles be registered with the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles and we are going to show you how to do it: quick, easy, and (hopefully) stress-free.The following type of vehicles must be registered with the State in order to be legally operated:
Use eTags© to Quickly Complete Your DMV Service. Renewals, Title Transfers and More, All Online!
- Passenger vehicles – cars like coupes, sedans, and SUVs
- Commercial vehicles – like large business vans, trucks, and fleets
- Motorcycles – those two-wheeled thingies
- RVs – motor-homes and recreational vehicles whether mobile or not
- Boats – any motorized boat or any boat over 16 feet in length
What is a Vehicle Registration
A Florida vehicle registration is a tax imposed by the state allowing legal operation on public roadways. It consists of three things: your license plate, registration sticker, and registration card or certificate. Your registration sticker and card, known as the car tags, must be renewed every 1 or 2 years while your license plate must be renewed every 7 to 10 years. When it is time to renew your license plate, you will be required to do so at the same time you renew tags (registration sticker and card).
When registering a vehicle for the first time, you will need to provide proof of ownership (title) and insurance (except for motorcycles and boats) as well as pay the registration fees which vary based on several different factors like the vehicle type, its weight, intended use, and more.
Vehicles Purchased from a Dealership
When you purchase a vehicle from an authorized dealership, they will file the registration for your new vehicle on your behalf in addition to handling the title paperwork. By law, this is their responsibility to complete within 30 days of the purchase. You may be issued a temporary license plate in which case you will receive your plate and tags in the mail or they may issue you you’re official plate and tags before you drive off the lot. Whether or not you receive your official plate and tags right away is dependent on whether the dealer is licensed to print the sticker and card in their facility.
Vehicles Purchased from a Private Party
Florida residents that purchase a motor vehicle from a person or other private party will have to complete the Florida vehicle registration process, including the title transfer, themselves. In order to register your vehicle, you must complete the title transfer process before registering it or complete both processes at the same time at the tax collector’s office. While you can renew your car tags online, the initial registration and titling of the vehicle must be done in person. In order to transfer the title of a newly purchased vehicle and register it at the same time, you will need to:
- Have the paper title signed by you and the seller or have the seller come with you to the tax collector’s office to obtain a copy of the title to complete the transfer.
- Complete the application for certificate of title form and select to register it at the same time.
- Provide proof of insurance for your vehicle
- Pay the title transfer fees and the $225 initial registration fee
- Optional: obtaining a bill of sale, lien satisfaction document, and having the seller accompany you to the tax collector’s office is highly recommended.
If you completed the title transfer previously and just need to register the vehicle, you will need only to present proof of ownership (title), proof of insurance, and pay the registration fees.
Registering an Out of State Vehicle
Once you have established residency in the wonderful Sunshine State, you will be required to complete the Florida vehicle registration process within 10 days. The state considers your residency as established when you become employed, register your children in a school, or rent or buy an apartment or home. In order to register your vehicle in the state, you will need to:
- Surrender your out of state license and obtain a Florida driver’s license
- Obtain basic liability insurance from a provider licensed to provide coverage in Florida
- Have both a VIN inspection and odometer reading performed on your vehicle.
- Visit your local tax collect with your Florida driver’s license, vehicle’s title, proof of insurance, a completed application for title transfer, a completed VIN & odometer verification form, and payment for your registration and title transfer fees.
Temporary Registrations
If you’ve purchased a motor vehicle in Florida and you reside in another state, you might qualify for a temporary license plate. You will not need Florida vehicle tags (sticker and card) in this situation. Go to the nearest tax collector’s office and provide proof of insurance, whether it is Florida issued or issued by your home state, and proof of out of state residency such as your driver’s license. You will be required to pay sales taxes in the amount required by your home state. While most states will provide you a credit once you go to title and register your vehicle in your home state, currently, Arkansas, Mississippi, and West Virginia do not. For these 3 states, you will be required to pay the sales tax again there.
We hope you found this information helpful. If you need more in depth information about the titling and registration processes in Florida, please visit the FLHSMV website.
66 comments
I’m purchasing a used RV from a private seller in Florida. Owner will keep the plate. Can I drive it back to my home, also in Florida, without a tag or temporary tag, then get a new tag in thirty days.
Thank you for your question!
I would certainly advise against driving the vehicle with no tag. You’re likely to get pulled over. If you coordinate the sale, you can place an order for title transfer and registration on our website. Once you have the physical title, we can process the request for you and send you your license plate to bring to pick up the RV. Pop it on your RV and head home! Here’s the link to place an order! If you do place an order, go ahead and shoot me an email at sara@etags.com to let me know. This way I can get the process expedited for you and get your plate to you as soon as possible. I hope this helps!
I am purchasing an RV in Florida and want to drive it home in Florida also (75mi). The private seller will keep the plate. Do I have 30 days to drive it without any plate or temporary plate before I go to an office to register and get a new plate, etc.
Thank you for your question!
I would certainly advise against driving the vehicle with no tag. You’re likely to get pulled over. If you coordinate the sale, you can place an order for title transfer and registration on our website. Once you have the physical title, we can process the request for you and send you your license plate to bring to pick up the RV. Pop it on your RV and head home! Here’s the link to place an order! If you do place an order, go ahead and shoot me an email at sara@etags.com to let me know. This way I can get the process expedited for you and get your plate to you as soon as possible. I hope this helps!
Registration is in 2 names tolls are stopping the transfer of the tag 2nd person is trying to just buy a new tag now that they can’t transfer tag due to tolls. Is this possible
it is possible for the 2nd person to purchase a new plate. The license plate cannot be transferred until the toll violation is satisfied.
I purchased a car (used) from a dealer and the Temp tag has expired (30 days). I asked the dealer what is the hold up on sending the proper documentation to the DMV so I can register the vehicle and their response is they are still working on it. What are my options to get this vehicle registered and /or get the dealer to provide proper documents?
Usually a dealership will only issue a temp plate if they intend to register. If you have not completed the title transfer portion, we cannot assist you anyway. If you believe the dealership is taking too long or is behaving unprofessionally, you may want to take your paperwork into their nearest DMV office.
We are buying a home in FL. We are living in an airbnb at the moment. We have no permanent address. We have PO Box in both PA and FL. Our PA registration on our car has come due. I am assuming I pay for the registration in PA since I cannot get a FL license or registration without having valid residency in FL. Am I correct?
Since you don’t have a permanent address or fl car insurance, it’s best to renew your PA tags so you don’t drive with expired registration. Once your documentation is all in order, you can register in FL.
I just purchased a condo in Naples Fl. My main residence is in Pennsylvania. I will be going back and forth from Pennsylvania to Florida. I have a vehicle that I own and would like to keep it at my Florida condo. How can I get Florida tags for my Pennsylvania car to be able to leave it parked at my condo and. Use the car while I am in Florida. I have a Pennsylvania drivers license and currently Pennsylvania license tags on the car. I intend to fly back and forth and use my car when I am in town. I do not have a Florida drivers license.
To get Florida tags, you must submit an order to transfer the title and register your vehicle by visiting https://www.etags.com/app/fl#utm_source=blog_question. To begin the process, we will require an image of the original title, your Pennsylvania driver’s license and proof of Florida liability insurance.
We registered our car with the local tax office DMV at irlo bronson. We did not receive a plate sticker for either of our cars. Why?
Hi there, eTags is a private company we are not the DMV. If you registered with the tax collector’s office, contact them directly for more details.
I am in Florida. I just purchased a used vehicle from a private seller and transferred the tags to the new vehicle. I still have my old vehicle and have it for sale privately. I want temporary tags for the old vehicle but the DMV website shows no appointments available for that service. I can’t find anywhere to do this online. Any suggestions on how this should be handled?
Hello there, eTags doens’t provide temporary tags but you can Google search “temporary registration FL” and include your city or county to see which tag centers provide the service close to you. Here are the DMV regulations https://www.flhsmv.gov/motor-vehicles-tags-titles/license-plates-registration/
I have a car currently with expired Maryland tags that I bought at dealership. I relocated to Texas and haven’t used the car since 2018. The tags expired since in the end of 2019. I now want to relocate to Florida and register my car to be able to use it. Would I need to get temporary tags from Florida or what state?
You can place a Florida title and registration order with us to get Florida plates and we will mail the plate to Texas. Then you can drive the car in fl when you’re ready https://www.etags.com/app/fl?utm_source=blogquestion
We are a military family with permanent residence in FL. While stationed in Virginia, we recently purchased a truck and received VA tags. We have old FL tags from our previous vehicle. How do we go about transferring them to the new truck? Thanks
Hello there, pls take a look at the answer from one of our agents: Hard to know what “old” means, but assuming the Florida plates are transferable (never surrendered), eTags should be able to transfer to the new truck BUT the customer would be forfeiting any value (fees paid) for the Virginia plates, so if they want to proceed, they may want to wait until 1 or 2 months prior to the expiration of the VA registration/plates.
You could go to https://www.etags.com/app/fl?utm_source=blogquestion
I had 2 cars (both leased) in FL in my and my wife’s name. I have returned my one car because the lease ended. Now i have car registration and license plate for that car with me. I have no intention to buy any other car at this time. What should i do with this registration which will expire on 12/21/2020?
The license plate must be returned in person or via mail at your local motor vehicle service center, especially if the decal on the plate is unexpired and insurance is not maintained. Failure to surrender a valid license plate when your insurance is cancelled or expires will result in the suspension of your driver license.
I just received a replacement tag in the mail because my current tag is 10 years old. Do I keep my old tag or do I need to send it in? I’m only seeing information about turning the tag in if you no longer have insurance on the car. I still have the car and insurance is current on the car. The new tag is on the car.. so not sure what to do with the old tag..
While not required, eTags recommends the customer either drop the old plate off at the nearest DMV office who will grind it up or dispose of it yourself after cutting the plate in half to prevent future illegal use.
I have to do a new registration of my vehicle and title transfer, however, my name as well as a friends name is on the title. My friend no longer lives in the state of Florida and can not go to the DMV with me to register the car…how do I go about this?
f both names are joint by OR you can sign as the Seller and Purchaser to remove one of the names. If the names are joint by AND then both signatures are needed on the title as Sellers. Even thought your are removing one name it is still considered a title transfer. eTags does provide the service of title title & tag transfer at http://www.etags.com/app/fl?utm_source=blog%20question
I went to renew my registration and t was told that my registration had a hold on it. I sold my car and apparently owner never transferred it to his name and when he was in an accident a tow truck company took it to their shop where it stayed. It was never picked up so they went by vin to the last person who owned the car which was me. I do have a bill of sale but I did not send that into the tag office not knowing that what I needed to do.
I am getting ready to purchase a new car. Can I just get a new tag and a new registration legally.
Will this affect me adversely if I do it this way?
If you have the bill of sale, that will suffice as proof that you are no longer the owner of the vehicle. Take or send it to the DMV but keep a copy. Perhaps the towing company might also accept a copy of the bill of sale to remove the hold. You can indeed just get a new plate but, the hold may eventually result in a license suspension if not taken care of which would affect your ability to apply for a new plate and your overall driving privileges. If you purchase a car from a private seller, you can place an order to transfer the title and apply for a new registration by visiting eTags.com/app/fl. While not required, we recommenced getting a bill of sale signed by owner just as you did for the vehicle you sold. Best of luck.
I would like to register a motorcycle that I purchases but I don’t have a FL drivers license. I have a valid FL identification card though. Can I register the motorcycle with a plate and tag in my name even thought I don’t have a drivers license? I am over 21 years of age. I own the motorcycle as well, my name is in the title.
The FL DMV requires a driver license to register motorcycles and vehicles. No Exceptions.
Just moved to FL, I am looking to register my car but I don’t have current tags from my previous state (the car has been sitting in a garage for two years), do I need get current tags in order to register in FL?
If the vehicle is paid off, you do not need current tags from the previous state. You just need a valid ID, the original title and proof of insurance. You can go to http://www.etags.com/app/fl?utm_source=blog%20question and select Moving To Florida as the Service Type. If the vehicle has a lien, then current tags are required.
Going to Kentucky to buy a used motor home. How can I get a temporary Florida tag to drive it home to Jacksonville?
eTags doesn’t offer temporary tags, but this article from FL DMV should help. https://www.flhsmv.gov/motor-vehicles-tags-titles/license-plates-registration/
I moved to FL April 24th. It’s now June 14th and I haven’t been able to do my driver’s license and registration change from Texas to Florida. The car has a lein with Exeter as I’m making payments to own it. If I go in now (clearly over the 10 days grace period) what am I looking at as far as fees?
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles published this COVID-19 update page for information regarding extensions and waivers.https://www.flhsmv.gov/covid-19/
For more information on specific fees, contact your local office to inquire and make and appointment.https://www.flhsmv.gov/locations/
Yes I purchased a car at a dealership in Florida and they assigned it a 30 day temporary tag. I live in Georgia and have received the registration for my car. What do I need to do with the temp. Tag? Destroy it etc?
Temp tags typically expire in 30 days. In any case, you can tear the paper and trash it to dispose of it.
My registration is up for renewal, but I want to purchase a personalized/specialty plate. If I renew my registration first, then purchase the personalized/specialty plate afterward (say 2 weeks later), will I need to pay another registration fee or will that newly renewed registration be transferred to my new license plate?
The registration fee will be transferred but additional fees will be inquired with the new plate. Please note, eTags doesn’t handle specialty/personalized plates.
I sold my car about three years ago and turned the tag into the dmv. I am now looking to purchase another car, would I need to pay the initial registration fee again or would that still be valid from before?
You’ll be starting over and have to pay the initial registration fee ($225.00) in addition to the annual DMV fee
Hello I am currently a florida resident and I have a vehicle registered here. I am getting another vehicle but the vehicle has NY plates how can I go about registering that vehicle here as well?
You can go to etags.com/app/fl and select “Moving to Florida” service from drop down menu
I have a leased Sedan that I am returning to the dealer in 3 months, and I have no plans of renewing or obtaining another vehicle after that. Is there a way to renew my vehicle registration for a shorter period? I need to renew in May and do not want to renew for a full year when I am only keeping the vehicle for 3 more months.
Thanks!
You’ll need to go to the DMV and request a 6 month renewal.
I will be moving to Florida from Mississippi on Jun 8th, my Mississippi tag expires on May 30th. Will I have any problem registering in Florida with an expired Tag. I really hate to pay $400 in MS for 8 days, Thank you
There shouldn’t be an issue with registering an expired tag
I traded in my car to get my wife a new leased car. She transferred her tag to the new leased car. Can I transfer my tag off of my old car to her old car (which I now drive) even though the car that was traded in was in my name but the car I am now driving is in her name.
no you can’t, you’d have to add your name on the title.
I was overseas for contract job and my car was used by family who’s racked up some large tolls, they’re working on paying it off but in mean time it has registration hold, am I able to get new registration/plates in order to use the car now that I’m back?
Yes, you can obtain a new license plate.
I am a florida resident currently in nevada, I will not be back to florida for another 3 month, Im in nevada for work. My car was recently totaled and I am going to buy a vehicle in Nevada asap but register it florida. Is this possible without flying back to florida to register the vehicle? Is it possible to have the car registered in Florida by the Nevada dealership? What is the process? I have my old florida license plate with me in nevada, is it possible to transfer that plate to my new vehicle by mail? Thank you
It would be better for you first register in Nevada, wince you’ll be using the vehicle in nevada. When you move to FL, you’ll do the title transfer + registration in Florida. Also, if we understand the question correctly, you mention you’re buying from dealership which means it’s probably financed so the title for now stays in dealership’s hands. They may not allow you to do a registration that’s out of state.
I purchased a vehicle in Nevada and am transferring to FL but my temp registration has expired. The dealership filled out my title application incorrectly so the dmv is returning all documents to them. How can I get another temporary registration and what is the fee?
Hello Diana. You will need to request a temporary registration with your local DMV agency in Nevada. You will need to have solid reasons why you need a temporary registration after having requested one already.
my sons current vehicle is registered to me. he just turned 18 and was asking to put his car in his name. can i transfer the tag to him or does he need a new one and what is the fee. he has never had a tag or registration in his name before.
Hello Carolyn. Your son can title the vehicle and be the new owner. Yet you will have to arrange an in-person visit to the DMV to fulfill this procedure. Traditionally, FL residents who need to title a vehicle must provide the following items:
– The title with the transfer section completed by the seller.
= The Application for Certificate of Title With/Without Registration (Form HSMV 82040).
– Proof of valid car insurance.
– Payment for title transfer fees:
Did you know that eTags can help you fill out these forms through our Turbo Title service? Our online service helps you fill out the required forms and print them at a highly convenient cost. You will no longer need to be confused about the documents you need to fill out once you use our service.
If you have any questions about our services or title transfers, please feel free to contact our Customer Support or call us at 1-800-633-5332. We are glad to assist you on this procedure.
I purchased a vessel out of state, but have since moved to FL. I now need to register it here in FL., but realize the dealership I purchased from never turned in the documents to the DMV. I have the vessel’s certificate of origin, but now I have no clue how to go about getting it registered here in FL.
Hello Shannan! In this case, you’ll need to contact your local DMV to find out what information they have on your vessels so you understand what you need to do next since it’s a vessel that you purchased from another state.
I own a truck which is registered in Florida, to me, but has not been drive able. I recently purchased another car and transferred the truck tag to that car, thinking the truck was not fixable. The truck is now repaired and I need to re-tag it. What is the process?
Hey Laura. You will likely need to re-register your vehicle. To be sure, we recommend contacting your local DMV.
Bought a car from dealer in Ga, but I am a Florida resident. Can I keep my tag and plate on new car? How do I change info on existing tag?
Hi Claudia, if you already own a Florida plate and tag that is currently associated with another vehicle in your name, you can transfer it to the vehicle you purchased in GA as long as this new vehicle is in your name. The transfer needs to be done in person, so will need to go to your local tax collectors office. Make sure to have the title of the new vehicle, the license plate (with decal and the registration card if they are not expired). You will need to pay a small fee to complete the transfer and you will be handed a form to fill out while you are there. Hope that helps
Hello
I was a teacher in Florida for 3 years and I purchased my car in FL and registered it there. I recently went overseas on a two year teaching contract. I have a Florida residence that I will return to. While I have been overseas, I had to renew my plates online. I could not change my address so I depended on the mail forwarding my new sticker and card to my new address. However, it never made it there. Now, my son and his new baby are borrowing my car while I am gone. How do I get the sticker and card replaced?
You can go to https://www.etags.com/app/fl?utm_source=blog&utm_term=%7Bkeyword%7D
and select Replace Tag or Registration