Complete Your Title Transfer with eTags
When it comes to vehicle titles in Florida, people need to get more answers about this relevant procedure.
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: 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: 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: 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: 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.
101 comments
My husband passed away, he had two vehicles in his name alone, one is free and clear the other has a outstanding loan. He had a will which I am named 100% beneficiary. What do I need to do to get the vehicles transferred into my name?
You can get the title transfer for the car that is clean. You would have to provide her ID, her husband’s death certificate, and the will. As for the other vehicle, you would have to contact the loan company so that you could pay off the remaining balance and have the title- still in her late husband’s name-, mailed to you. After that, you could do a title transfer the same way.
I am selling a vehicle to someone. The vehicle is paid off. They are going to pay in installments to me. Do I need to fill out an application for notice of lien? I don’t give them the title until it is paid off?
We wouldn’t encourage you to give the title to the new owner, unless it’s been paid off completely. So yes, it’s a good idea to put a lien on it
I recently moved from Nevada, and had my car registered and re-titled in Florida. My Class B camper was put up for sale and placed in storage. It has taken longer to sell than expected and, so far, I have not registered or transferred this vehicle’s Title to Florida. Am I breaking any Florida law so long as I do not operate the my camper outside of the storage lot? Does it make any difference if the Nevada registration has expired?
You are not breaking the law if the camper is not on the road, however, he will want to be sure to advise the storage facility. Some facilities will not store unregistered vehicles.
I purchased a truck with only a copy of Florida title, and cannot reach the previous owner,I’m in N.J. and would like some guidance please.
We’re not sure we uhnderstand, please clarify entire question.
My husband passed away in January, 2020. I sold his car as surviving spouse to someone that resides out of state. We completed a bill of sale, and once the lien release was received, ordered a copy of the title online. I received the title, signed the back and sent it to the new owner. Now I have received the registration renewal notice for the license plate. Where and what do I do now to cancel the registration as well as his drivers license?
You’ll have to surrender the plate to a tax collectors office or the DMV. You can also notify the DMV about the death and they will cancel everything in the state system.
I own a home in MS where I claim homestead. I will be renting an apartment in FL where I will be working during the week and returning to MS most weekends. If I buy a new car, can I title it in FL or does it need to be titled in MS where I claim homestead?
You can title it in Florida since you will be residing here as well. All you need is to make sure you have Florida insurance. You can use etags and do it all online title + registration at http://www.etags.com/app/fl?utm_source=blog%20question
I purchased a 1962 Volkswagen. The person I bought it from had the title, but never transferred it into his name. I noticed later that the original seller signed the ‘Purchaser’ line instead of the ‘Seller’ line. Trying to locate the original seller, but he hasn’t lived at the address on the title for years.
The person from whom the new owner bought the 1962 Volkswagen must transfer the title in their name first before signing it over to the new owner.
My car has my dad and me both on the loan . He lives in Indiana and I moved to Florida . Can I still change the plates to Florida without him being here ?
If you and your Dad place an order on etags.com/app/fl/title/transfer, you’ll both be able to complete the application forms online and submit the required paperwork by mail to us. If done in person, you will both have to be there or you can obtain a notarized Power of Attorney allowing you to sign all the required documents on his behalf.
I have a boat that I am selling this week , however the title has my previous married name on it. What do I need to do, if anything, to make the title legal for transfer?
If updated your name with the DMV but didn’t get an updated title, you’ll just need to provide the buyer a signed affidavit stating that you are one in the same person with the reason the names differ.
Hello, I have purchased a Florida car in Massachusetts. The owner promised the title but now refused to give it. The Q1 form has been filled and signed and a copy of the last registration has been given. What are my options to register the car since the owner no longer wants to give the title.
The original title is required in order to do a title transfer. The previous owner has to sign the title to the new owner, and he or she will have to upload an image of it, them mail it. If you do not have it, then the transfer cannot be completed. At least not through eTags.
I purchased a car from a small dealership and it is paid off however they never sent me the title, DMV has no record of it and the dealership has since closed down so no way to contact anyone there to see about the title. Where do I go from here ?
You will need to send a CERTIFIED letter to the address for the company that has the lien… asking them to remove the lien on the title . Wait for it to come back to you. DO NOT OPEN THE LETTER, just bring it in to the local DMV or tax collectors office. you should be able to remove the lien and print the title then.
hi i just bought a car from a private seller she signed the title correctly but put her address buyers address at the top of transfer section what do i need to do ?
The previous owner would need to complete and sign a Miscellaneous Affidavit. Go to http://www.etags.com/app/fl?utm_source=fromblogquestion
service: Transfer Title/Registration.
I sold this car to a friend, she signed the title and bill of sale. On the following morning she gave up on the deal. Now I have a car that needs to be sold and a signed title by her. What should I do? Do I need a title replacement? how can I fix that so i can sell the car in the proper way?
Hey there, a title replacement will be required before that vehicle can be sold again. You can go to etags.com/app/fl and select Service Type: Lost Title or Replacement Title.
So my dad sold his truck to someone and they never transferred the truck into their name. He went to renew his license on his birthday and they told him he had a lien on them from a towing company. Come to find out the person he sold it to got arrested and the truck was towed. We went to the actual tow company and they won’t give us any kind of info. What do we do now?
Well considering the vehicle is still in your dad’s name, he can provide some proof (maybe a bill of sale) that he sold the vehicle to and individual and was never titled and may be able to gain possession…. In some cases, owners will choose to sell vehicle to towing as settlement but that may not be something you’d want to do.
My son bought a used motorcycle. The man he bought it from put my sons name and address in the transfer of title by seller section. My son moved and doesnt want the bike. Can the title be transferred to me so I can register it or resell it? My son never registered it as it is a project bike. Thanks for any help!
Your son must transfer the title in his name first, then sign it over to the parent.
I refinanced my truck. The new lender wants a title showing them as the NEW lien holder. How do I get this done? I looked on line at form HSMV 82139 and I think it requires the new lien holder to sign section 3. The new bank says I have to sign! Help please…
Take the title to the DMV along with the refinancing documents where you can request that a lien in the banks name be added. You will likely be required to convert the title from a paper title to an electronic title that will allow for faster filing of the lien. The DMV representative can provide further instruction of what you will be able to provide the bank to confirm the filing of the lien and secure the loan. Best of luck.
What if on Florida vehicle title there are 2 names divided by only a comma, is that considered an (and) or (or)
Typically as mentioned, it’s an AND and an OR. There isn’t a lot of info on that, but it probably will be assumed as an AND. Try contacting the FL DMV for confirmation.
Hello there! i brought my car in florida and after few months i moved in colorado, now is all paid off. I received my electronic certificate of title of my car from florida. My concern, is how can i change my registered owner address to my current address? the mailing address is correct , but my registered address was not updated. could you give me idea how may i change this? any link you could give me to do it step by step? and also what next i need to do upon holding the certificate of title? thank you. i do appreciate your response.
you can update the address on your Florida registration at: gorenew.com by ordering a Duplicate (paper portion only, no decal).
Recently purchased a 2009 motorcycle which was titled in Florida. (Purchased with no title) The original owner that the title is under now lives out of state and cannot locate or contact. How do i obtain title.
The previous owner is the only person that can obtain a duplicate title.
can a vehicle be titled in the name of the owners trust ? For example, the revocable living trust of jane Doe?
Yes it can be done. eTags will need the trust papers and the trustee to apply for the title transfer at etags.com/pp/fl
I bought an old car(1972) in Alabama 6 years ago. It was licensed and titled there. I bought in for the purpose of refurbishing it. I have lost the bill of sale and I don’t know how to contact the person I bought it from. How do I go about getting it titled in my name in Florida?
You’ll have to contact the Alabama DMV to explain your situation. They may be able to title it for you since it was first titled in that state.
Many states don’t require vehicle owners to obtain titles for their cars if over 20 years old. Is this true in Duval county?
According to our research, over 20 yrs would be considered a classic car. In FL, you’d need a title but no inspection. However depending on the exact age of the vehicle, in FL it may have a different designation. You’ll find more info on this blog, scroll down for FL info. You can also call our customer support to talk to an agent about your specific situation 1-888-633-5332
https://www.etags.com/blog/title-registration-classic-cars-vs-antiques-vs-vintage/
Our van has a Florida title and current tag through 2020. My husband went to AZ for business and expected to stay several months–long enough to think he would need to get an AZ title and plates. 6 weeks later, he is instead returning to Florida. Can we just put the FL tags back on the van as they are still “good” and is the title still active? Or do we need to go through the whole ordeal again?
If your husband has already transferred the title and registration to AZ, then you would need to do a FL Title Transfer & Registration. You can submit an order online at etags.com/app/fl and Select Moving To Florida as the Service Type.
I have a title for a boat that was going to be sold and the transfer section is filled out but it was never transferred. Is that title still good for the original owner if I want to sell it now?
No, the title is no longer good unless it us going to be sold to the person or company whose name is filled out in the Buyer/Purchaser section. To sell the boat to a different person or company, you will need to order a duplicate Florida title. Visit eTags.com/app/fl and choose the Lost/Replacement Title option to get a duplicate title without needing to go to the DMV.
I’m selling a car privately. I will be the lienholder. When and how does title transfer? How does the buyer get insurance?
You can have the Purchaser (new owner) use our services to transfer the title with etags. You, The Seller, would need to complete Form 82139 as the lienholder and give it to the new owner. Go to https://www.etags.com/app/fl?utm_source=blog&utm_term=%7Bkeyword%7D
select service type “Transfer Title/Registration” and the new owner would need to upload their driver license, the original title, Form 82139 and a Bill of Sale
A relative liened a vehicle to my mother and he has since died. The e-title shows as liened to her. The estate is not interested in the vehicle or paying off the lien. Can she go to the DMV and fill out the 82040 form with a death certificate and transfer the title into her name?
This is a specific situation…I believe surviving spouse or next of kin will have to sign a lien satisfaction and provide a death certificate. But it be best to call and ask DMV for more info.
Bought a new vehicle 6 months ago and financed through mfg. Paid loan off after 6 months and now mfg said I have to obtain title through FL motor vehicle dept. Is this necessary and what is cost ?
We can print the title for you by placing the order on our website at etags.com/app/fl
The DMV fee should be $10.00 The eTags service fee is $49.95.
Please select Lost or Replacement title as the service
I still own 12K on my vehicle that has a Florida lienholder (bank), I have since moved to Michigan and am trying to trade in my truck for a new vehicle, who has the title?
The FL lienholder (bank) has the title
I live in Florida and bought a truck at an auction in Oklahoma. The truck in in Oklahoma and i want to title it in Florida is this poosible without the truck being here
Yes you can title it in FL, but you would need proof of residency for Fl. You can title it thru etags.com/app/fl and select moving to FL service
I recently bought a car from a family friend. She signed over the paper title and when I went to register the vehicle at the dmv they informed me my license had been suspended. The car was intended for my girlfriend who is moving to Florida in two weeks. Am I able to sign the title over to her when she gets here so she can register it?
Since the title is already signed over from the family friend to you (that is, your name is written in on the title and you signed it confirming you’re taking ownership of the vehicle), you must complete the transfer of title and be issued a new title with your name on it. You can do this with eTags by choosing the Transfer Title/Registration option at etags.com/app/fl
You would only complete the title transfer, not the registration application since you have a suspension on your license. Once you have the Florida title issued in your name, you can sign it over to your girlfriend and she can then complete a title transfer and do the registration at the same time all in her name.
She could also do this with eTags (Transfer Title/Registration option). Until you clear the suspension on your license, you cannot complete and transaction involving issuing or transferring of a license plate /registration including renewal of a vehicle you may already have registered in your name.
I just purchased a car but the milleage is wrong in the title,because when the seller bought It from the previous owner of the car he put 80 000 miles which is more than the actual odometer reading is 74 101. Could you help me with that?
A title correction will have to be processed by the tag agency. You’ll have to provide a odometer disclosure statement form signed by the seller (form 82993)
What is PROOF of model year of vehicle? The model year is incorrect on my Florida title. My vehicle is a 1952 MG TD on the title it states 1955. DMV requiring proof of model year. Not much to go on with older vehicles, may have a good title maybe even a good engine number not many have a VIN.
You have to go to tag agency , and have them look at images from when it was initially registered. Typically, we are able to see Manufacture Statement of Origin submitted and it’ll show legit model year.You can also contact manufacture, provide vin # and see if they can provide a copy of manufacture statement of origin
What do I need to do if I am buying a 1956 Truck and the seller only has a Bill of Sale. How do I get a title. The seller is in another county so I will have him fill out the bill of sale and Ill trailer it home 200 miles. Then what??
If you have the bill of sale notarized, a FL agency should accept it to transfer ownership and register it.
I bought a pickup in Az and it is still there to be picked up. Fl DMV refused to accept the vin number inspection done by Az DMV so I was refused request for Fl title. Is that really legal on part of Fl DMV?
VIN Verification that is done by an out-of-state dealer must be completed on their letterhead. You can visit etags.com/app/fl and select Move To Florida as the service for your title.
I have a SUV I was supposed to change the titles in my name she signed the titles in the wrong spot. I was told she had to sign an affidavit and have it notarized. I can no longer get in contact with this person to do that now I’m stuck with a vehicle I can’t use because of a signature. What can I do to move this along please help?
Unfortunately, the previous owner must sign an affidavit to correct the mistake on the title before the SUV can be titled and registered in your name. you can then do the Transfer Title/Registration at http://www.etags.com/app/fl?utm_source=blog%20question
Can I add my spouses name to a title application for a new vehicle even if she is not on the loan?
If you still have a loan, typically that means ownership still belongs to lienholder not you, so for any changes you’d have to go through them.That may be a bank or a financial institution of some sort.
If you co sign fora car loan are you require to be on the title? If so how do you remove your name from the title? Know full well you are stil liable for the debt.
If you’re on the loan, you name has to be on the title. In order to remove yourself from it, you need to refinance the vehicle so it’s only . on that person’s name.
my nephew left a florida tagged car at his grandmother.s house in Alabama and i think he gave her a title. not sure. she is now deceased and the car is there at her house but could not find the title. cannot reach him now as he has moved . he does not answer the phone . cannot do anything with the car without a title. i found registration paper but no title. what can i do to get a title and register the car in Alabama so we can sell it. or gift it to another family member.
If the vehicle is under the deceased’s name, then you can get a new title with with certificate or death and probate documentation.
I presently own a vehicle jointly with a close friend. It was financed by a bank which granted us a joint loan which is not yet fully repaid. My friend’s name appears first on the title, so I do not receive notices etc. and because I pay all renewal fees etc. I would like to receive these notices. How can I get my name to appear first on the title?
You would have to contact the financial institution that gave you the loan in order to place your name first on the title.
My partner developed dementia, although we have been together for 14 years, his family need complete control. I own my car but we decided years ago to put his name on the title for insurance purposes. I am concerned they will try to sell my car by forging my signature to obtain a new title. They are unscrupulous people I am 71 a cancer survivor but this is very worrying. What can I do to protect myself?
If the title is joined by an ‘and’, they won’t be able to sell it without you involved. If it’s an ‘or’ they’ll be able to sell it. We recommend you transfer the title in your name.
i bought a car in february this year. i need to renew the tag. i have lived in Broward County for over 30 years. i received a renewal notice from Palm Beach County. when i look closely, i see the registration has my entire address correct, with the exception that is has NY for the state and not FL. Now i see that when i renewed my drivers license online, it also has the NY on it. i have never even been to NY. How do i fix something that i don’t even know how it happened?
Try going to gorenew.com for a change address for your driver’s license and registration.
Hi I am new to Florida, my vehicle was paid off November 2018 and I’m waiting for the title which is from Indiana – what do I need to do to move it to Florida?
Hello, you would need the original title, FL vehicle insurance and ID to transfer the vehicle and register in FL.You can go to etags.com/app/fl
I own A 2010 Toyota Corolla car and A GMC TRUCK 1999 and want my son to have them,and it wasn’t put in the will.What do I have to do and how much will it cost him yo get titles in his name? With a death cert. thanks 10-08-19
If you only have a death certificate, the cars will go to the spouse. If the spouse isn’t alive, then the title with go to children mentioned in death certificate.
I’m buying a 1977 Chevy and the owner said that I don’t need a title because it’s over 20 years old he lives in Alabama and I live in Florida do I need a title or will a Bill of sale work?
The state of Florida requires you to have a title.
What about older vehicles that may not have a title. I may buy a 1971 vehicle but all he has is a bill of sale
Hey there, you would need to go in person to your local DMV.
I have moved to Florida, and need to register my car in Florida and get Florida plates. I have an out of state lien holder that holds the title. Do I need to do anything special or get something from my lien holder to get my Florida plates?
Please complete the form 82040 which is the application for certificate title with/without registration and get a vin verification in section 8 of that form. Then bring then form into your local DMV with proof of lien or place an order at etags.com/app/fl and we’ll be able to assist you.
We moved from Oregon to Florida and got new license plates here. Now neither of us can find the titles to our cars. Did the tax assessor keep them? We can’t remember.
If you check the VIN# on the Florida state system, https://services.flhsmv.gov/MVCheckWeb/ResultView.aspx
you may see an electronic title. If you need to re-print it, go to etags.com/app/fl
I’m in the middle of purchasing a vehicle that was last registered in Florida. The owner lost the title in the middle of her move to MA and we need one to register it in NH which is where I live. We are trying to find out what is the fee for an expedited duplicate title and the time frame but no where can I get the info and I called but I’ve been given other amts for the title. Can you please help me.
A duplicate title with eTags will cost you $149.95 for our service and handing fees + DMV fee of $85.75
Go to etags.com/app/fl
I purchased a car and the seller made an error on the odometer reading. If I get the affidavit notarized stating the error can I get a same day, or electronic title vs waiting on the mail?
Hello Jason. We could help you register/title your vehicle according to your needs. We offer an online portal that will help you process your FL registration within minutes.
In your case, you’ll need to submit an Affidavit signed by the seller to carry on with the registration process. If you don’t have an affidavit, we could provide you one but it has to be signed by the seller.
Once you submit the signed affidavit, you’ll need to to let us know whether you want an electronic title or paper. Otherwise you’ll get a registration document by default on the mail.
For more questions about car registrations in FL or our services, please feel free to contact our Customer Support or call us at 1-888-633-5332. We are glad to assist you.
I sold my truck two weeks ago. The buyer still has not transferred the title out of my name. my insurance company said I should keep it covered until it is transferred. what should I do now?
Hello Marvin. From the information you have provided you should report the transaction to your local DMV agency. You may be able to fill out a “Release of Liability” form in order to communicate that you are no longer responsible for the vehicle you’ve just sold. Good luck!