20 Frequently Asked Questions About Florida Vehicle Titles

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.