When it comes to vehicle titles in Florida, people need to get more answers about this relevant procedure.
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The purpose of a vehicle title is to provide a legal form that establishes a person or a business as the legal owner of a vehicle.
If you live in the state of Florida, here is a list of 20 vehicle title frequently asked questions (FAQs) every local must know before getting their new title.
#1 What’s vehicle title?
A vehicle title, or certificate of title, is a legal document that provides proof of ownership of a vehicle in Florida. It has current and accurate information about the vehicle.
Florida requires most vehicles to obtain a certificate of title excluding: mopeds, motorized bicycles, and trailers weighing less than 2000 pounds.
#2 When do people apply for a title?
In Florida, residents must apply for auto registration and title when:
- Bringing a motor vehicle into the state.
- Buying a new vehicle
- Transferring vehicle ownership
SEE ALSO:Â Car Buying Advice: 6 Best-Kept Tips For Every Buyer
#3 What are the steps to follow for registration and title?
To title and register your vehicle you need to fulfill the following requirements:
- Whether you obtain a paper or electronic title, the seller must fill in the vehicle transfer section. Fill in the Application for Certificate of Title.
- Present a proof of your auto insurance.
- Submit a completed Florida Insurance Affidavit.
- Payment for title transfer fees.
#4 Where can I apply for registration and title?
Both, buyer and seller, must go to the nearest tax collector’s office or license plate agencies to get a FLHSMV title transfer.
It’s a helpful way of getting a vehicle title without hassles. People located outside of the state can mail the form and fees to their local county office as well.
#5 What are the titles fees in Florida?
Here is a list of fees for vehicle title transfer in Florida:
- Electronic Title (already registered in FL) – $75.25
- Paper Title (already registered in FL) – $77.75
- Lien on vehicles – $2 per lien
- Out-of-state title transfer fee (electronic title) – $85.25
- Out-of-state title transfer fee (paper title) – $87.75
- New to FL vehicle fee – $225
- Paper title mail and/or print fee – $2.50
- Same Day Service (if offered at your local county tax office) – $10
#6 What is an adequate proof of auto insurance in Florida?
Any original or copy of the following documents serve as a proof of auto insurance:
- Florida auto insurance card
- Florida insurance policy
- Certificate of insurance
- Binder
- A completed original affidavit signed by the insured driver
SEE ALSO:Â Florida Auto Insurance Requirements for Vehicle Owners
#7 What is a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)?
A VIN is a 17-character number that car manufacturers assign to every vehicle.
When a person applies for a title on a vehicle that was registered and titled in another state, the DMV looks at the VIN to verify that the vehicle is the same one as the one stated on the proof of ownership.
#8 Which vehicles are exempted from VIN verifications?
If you own any of the following vehicles, you are exempted from VIN verifications:
- New vehicles licensed in Florida
- Mobile homes
- Trailers that weigh under 2,000 pounds
- Travel trailers
- Camp trailers
- Truck campers
- Fifth wheel recreation trailers
#9 What do I need to do to get a duplicate certificate of title?
The steps to get a title replacement are stated below:
Fill out an Application for Duplicate Title form.
Proof of identity
Lien satisfaction for lien free title, if applicable
Pay Florida title transfer fees (Question #5)
Vessel title fees – $6
SEE ALSO:Â Florida Title Transfers: Vehicles, Motorcycles, Boats, & Trailers
#10 Where do people mail their title application form?
The title application form must be submitted to your nearest tax collector’s office to process your petition.
#11 What if I found my Florida vehicle title after getting a replacement?
If you find the car title that you had lost after getting a new Florida title replacement, contact your local DMV to keep record and follow their guidance.
It doesn’t matter if your old title has lost validation, it’s always advisable to report it to the Florida DMV.
#12 What’s an odometer reading disclosure?
An odometer reading disclosure is an instrument used for measuring the distance travelled by a vehicle:
- It is used to certify the exact odometer reading at the time of sale.
- Tracking indicator that determines whether mileage is increasing or exceeding its mechanical limits.
- Prevents mileage tampering and sustain the actual sale value of any vehicle on sale.
#13 Where should I enter my odometer mileage reading?
You’ll need to enter the mileage on the Certificate of Title. You will see a section that covers odometer reading.
#14 Can a minor obtain a title for a vehicle?
Absolutely. A minor can own a motorized vehicle and there’s no legal age limit that could overturn it. The list below outlines the authorized people to sign the application for certificate of title for the minor (under 18 years old):
- The minor
- The minor’s natural guardian
- The minor’s appointed guardian
SEE ALSO: Florida Registration Renewal Doesn’t Have to be a Painful Experience
#15 How do I properly sign over my vehicle title to another person?
Go to the Transfer of Title By Seller section, and complete the following:
- Name and address of the buyer
- Odometer Reading information
- Selling price
- Date of sale
Buyers and sellers both need to sign and hand print their name on the buyer/seller section.
#16 Is it legal to gift your vehicle to a family member?
People are authorized to gift their vehicle to a family member or any other non-family member with similar procedures to buying and selling.
Just make sure you complete one of the following documents to give proof that you gave or received the vehicle at no cost:
- Bill of Sale
- Affidavit
#17 Do all parties need to sign when there’s a joint ownership?
When a first-time transfer goes to a joint ownership, even if the joint ownership is specified by “and” or “or”, Florida requires the signatures of all parties on the application for a title.
#18 How do I get a vehicle title if my deceased spouse is listed on the title?
Since July 1, 2017, people could choose to receive a free title replacement when a deceased spouse is listed on a vehicle. Surviving spouses must fill in an application for surviving spouse title transfer form.
The completed form must be submitted to a motor vehicle service center with additional documents including: copy of death certificate, proof of identity, and marriage certificate if the name of the spouse is not detailed on the death certificate.
Fees may apply depending on your delivery preferences.
SEE ALSO:Â Florida PIP Insurance Requirements: What Is PIP Insurance?
#19 What’s an electronic lien title?
An electronic lien title (ELT) is a program that runs across various US states, including the state of Florida, allowing local DMVs to electronically exchange lien and title information with lienholders without using paper titles.
#20 How do I remove a lien holder from a Florida title?
Once you’ve completed your car payments, your lienholder will electronically notify the Florida DMV that you are free of payments.
Since Florida handles vehicle titles electronically, you could keep your electronic title or request a paper title through your local DHSMV office.
216 comments
I have a car that is titled in my name and I allowed my boyfriend to use the car for transportation! He took off to another county when we split up and he refused to give my car back! The police say that I can’t press charges for theft because I allowed him to use it! He does not have the title! I do and it’s in my name! I have since unregistered the tag and cancelled the insurance so the car is not legal to drive anymore hoping he would get pulled over and I can get my car back! In the state of Florida can someone who doesn’t have a title or registration because I have both and the vin matches my name when pulled up on dmv records! Can someone junk a car if the vin number doesn’t match the person who is trying to junk the car with no title or registration?
This article may help:
I bought a vehicle but since I don’t drive, I put the title in my friends name. I paid everything title transfer tags etc. My friend drives me to my doctor appointments and to buy grocories etc. Since then I have been worried. Can I have my name added to the title even tho I don’t have a drivers license ? I don’t want her to be able to sell it or anything out from under me , as I have just found out she is a drug user and now I am nervous
Hey there, you can but there are factors to consider and this eTags article will help you understand the topic a bit better
You can also maybe just add a name to the title, that may be another way to go: This article can help on the topic
Hi i bought a 1953 Sparton Travel Trailer. Last place it knowingly came from is Alabama. THERE IS NO RECORD OF REGISTRATION ON FILE WITH THE SERIAL NUMBER. It has no weight, NO TITLE, NO REGISTRATION. We have no idea when or where it was last registered. How can we get the weight without getting pulled over and get a ticket for no tag. How can we obtain a registration or title??? We have a bill of sale and names of the last 2 owners. Neither owners ever registered it. Please help we just want to get a tag and in our names so we can start restoring it and traveling legally with the travel trailer.
Without a registration or title for the trailer, you will need to contact the DMV directly or visit a tag office to confirm what will be required to title and register the vehicle. The DMV/tag office may be able to search the history of the VIN and confirm what will be required. You can find a tag office in your county on this page or contact the DMV at (850) 617-2000.
I wanted to gift a vehicle so I gave the title over with the condition it worked still and title transfer be done but the car became inoperable, so I told the person no they could not have it unless they signed it and took it to do a title transfer…I can’t keep paying insurance on a car I don’t want but they refuse to do title transfer or give my signed title back…can I sell it to junk yard??
If you own the vehicle, and your name is on the title, you can choose to work with a junkyard.
I have a title that was signed by the sell can I just use that do get a Florida title I am moving there from Nevada and that’s were the title is from
if the title was signed over to you, then you can transfer the out-of-state title to FL and register in FL by visiting eTags online
I paid off my car in September, do I need to do anything to obtain the title? I have heard nothing from the state and only received a letter from the bank lender stating the car was paid off. Thank you.
You need to go to DMV and request the title or place an order on our etags website for print title. The state won’t automatically send it. The bank releases the title to the state and it’s the customer’s responsibility to obtain the title from the state if and when they need/want it.
If me and my son are joint owners of a car can he sell the car without me without my signature
Hello there, that depends on what the title says. Is it joint ownership with an “and” or and “or”. And, you would have to both sign over the title, with an or, only one person can do so.
We are selling a car, and our old (Florida) address is on the paper title. Does this matter?
No it doesnt
I sold a 150cc scooter in Florida and forgot to put odometer reading in the title. Are there any troubles with that?
The new owner will have an opportunity to update mileage when he/she titles and registers.
I sold a car but the person never put the title in her name. Does that mean the car still belongs to me?
Yes, you’re responsible for anything that happens involving the car such as accident, parking tickets, toll payments and so on. A title represents ownership, the title must be signed over to the new buyer. You can transfer ownership online here
I currently have an issue I need to transfer a title from my fathers name to my name but he has a lien on his dmv record from a junkyard and Im not sure as to if he has to pay the lien first or if he can transfer the title over to me so I can then insure the car after?
The lien must be paid off before a transfer of ownership can be done. Once the lien has been satisfied, you can submit an order to transfer the title in your name by visiting etags online
To begin the reviewing process, we require an image of the original title, your driver’s license, the lien satisfaction letter and proof of insurance if you would want to also register the vehicle with a license plate.
I need to transfer a title from the owner of the business into the business name. Please advise
You can complete a change of ownership from the owner of the business to the business name by visiting etags online to begin the reviewing process, we require an image of the title, the business owner’s driver license and proof of Florida liability insurance in the business name.
My husband has dementia and no longer drives. We currently own two vehicles, both jointly titled with an “or.” I ‘m trading in both of these vehicles for a new one which I’m planning to title in my name only. I think that the insurance on the new vehicle would again be in my name only. Are you aware of any problems with this plan such as problems with use or sale of vehicle if I predecease my husband?
if both your names are on the title, you have ownership and can proceed. Visit eTags for a new title transfer and registration
I purchased a vehicle for a friend. The vehicle is currently titled in my name. I am working on a vehicle payment agreement for repayment. Upon repayment the vehicle will then be titled in his name.
Do I have to keep insurance on this vehicle? Or can my friend get insurance on the vehicle since there is a payment agreement?
Yes, you will need to keep insurance on this vehicle because the title is still in your name. Once the title is transferred, you can discontinue the insurance coverage and the new owner will need to insure the vehicle.
Can I have a vehicle and it’s tag registered in my name if I am 16 in Florida? The dealership I bought from told me no. Online it said I could.
In FL, a minor cannot technically own any property in his/her own name, you have to be at least 18 years old. Anything “owned” by the minor is actually the property of the legal guardian until the individual reaches 18 years old.
A close friend who recently passed was the sole owner of the family vehicle. I’m trying to assist her husband who is disabled and does not drive nor have a DL, keep the vehicle by registering and insuring it in his 15yr daughter’s name (she has a learner’s permit). This is their only means of transportation. Is this possible in Florida?
Our condolences for your loss and that of your friend’s family. A learner’s permit will not be accepted to register the vehicle but your friend’s surviving husband can register the car in his name using his passport booklet. He would need to provide a copy of the death certificate, his passport booklet, and Florida insurance in order to transfer the title to his name and register the car with Florida plates/registration. To avoid a DMV visit, your friend’s husband can place an order for a transfer of title with application for registration by visiting this page. He will be asked to mail in the existing Florida title that is still in your deceased friend’s name. If he does not have the title, he would need to go to the DMV to complete the transfer or he can order a duplicate title on this page which will then need to be mailed in to complete the transfer.
I have a lien on a car I bought from Indiana and I’m trying to register it in Florida, the Indiana dealer cannot provide an electronic dealer licence number to the Florida DMV because they do not use the electronic system, how do I get my tag? I provided the title all paperwork but the dealer do not have that number for the dmv
You can submit an order to complete a title transfer and vehicle registration by visiting
https://www.etags.com/app/fl/title/transfer?utm_source=blog_question To begin the reviewing process, we require and image of the original title, your driver license or passport and proof of Florida insurance.
I bought a car in June in Florida. Long story short we were on a road trip and I had to get back to Maryland to have it inspected. I live in Maryland. Does the dealership need the inspection to get the Florida title tranferred to Maryland?
they’ll probably need the inspection if was done over 60 days ago or not at all, but best to check with your dealership on how the operate.
How do I ADD a name to a FL title. I have the title in hand but it is VERY confusing. I have contacted FL DMV and got 3 different answers. we are currently out of state so we can’t go to DMV personally. one sent me a paper to fill out along with the title. It says application for cert of title without registration. I have it all. Please tell me where on the title I need to fill it out. we are not husband and wife. It is an uncle and I am the only other living relative. we want JOINT owners as he is elderly and I need to drive him… thank you in advance….
Hey there, i had an agent look at this question and we can better assist you once you complete a title transfer with etags online. no need for in -person visits. Start here and a title specialist can help. https://www.etags.com/app/fl/title/transfer?utm_source=blog_question
Hi, I recently moved to FL from NJ and registered a travel trailer, boat and a boat trailer in FL. They all had a lien on them when I registered them but since then, I have paid off the lien and got lien release letters and NJ titles from the respective banks. Do we need to transfer the titles, if I want to sell trailers or the boat at some point or I can just sign over the NJ title if ever sell?
Thank you in advance!
When you’re ready to sell the vehicle, you can just sign over the NJ title to the buyer. You must also provide the buyer with the original lien release letter as proof that the lien has been satisfied.
Hello!
I recently purchased my husbands car. Not gifted. When we go to change the title over will I need to pay sales tax? I know some states exempt purchases between immediate family members. We currently are residents of FL.