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.
249 comments
I’m purchasing a car for my daughter who is 17 and has a valid Florida drivers license and covered under our insurance policy as a driver for any of our vehicles.. I understand the title can be in her name but can she register the car for new tags as well in her name?
Florida, unlike other states (NY for example), require that whomever is named on the title is also named on the registration. So, if the vehicle is titled to her name, then the registration will also need to be in her name. If you are both on the title, then you must both be on the registration. If your question about having her name on the title/registration stems from an insurer’s requirement, keep in mind that a car can be insured and operated to one person while owned/titled/registered by a different person, although you may find restrictions and major cost differences in that situation.
We have an RV with a current lien on it and want to sell it. The company with the Lien is an online Bank. If we pay it off will the online Bank (BMO). contact you or do we need to contact you and how can we get the title so we can transfer ownership to another. We are now in Virginia.
Every lender has a different process for what to do with a title once a lien is paid off. Confirm with your lender if they will automatically send you the title or, if the title is held electronically, would it remain so for you then to request to have the title printed and mailed to you. Once you have the title, you can sign over to the seller. While not required, you and the seller should both sign a Bill of Sale and each get a copy. Best of luck.
We have a close family friend that has passed. He left the majority of his estate to us including his vehicle. It currently has an electronic title (loan paid off) in his name alone. We have the bank document that stated the loan was paid off and the title is electronic. His cousin has been appointed the personal representative for the estate and she lives in OH. I was supposed to be the personal representative but could not be appointed as such because we live out of state and are not blood related. We live in TX and would like to bring the vehicle back to TX with us. How can we get a paper copy of the title and will we be able to get a temporary tag so we can legally drive it back to TX to register/title it here? Also, I am going to add it to my insurance, but it’s also in TX. Will I need to make the insurance specifically for FL in order to get a temp tag?
The cousin that was named the personal representative can request the electronic title be printed and mailed to him. He will need to provide a copy of his ID and the documents naming him personal representative. Once he has the title, he would sign as the seller and hand the title to you to sign as the buyer. In Florida, you can request temporary tags and they will accept the TX insurance. Call your insurer to have the vehicle added to your TX policy.
I am looking to buy a travel trailer in Florida but the present owners title says Title of ownership, parking only. Can i retitle this in my name so I can move it from place to place
We are not familiar with the designation “Title of ownership, parking only” on a title but you may find more information in this FL DMV document about titles for recreational vehicles, like travel trailers. That said, since all/most travel trailers are more than 2,000 pounds, you should expect to receive a standard Florida title. While limited in the information provided, you can check the VIN on this FL DMV page to confirm that the title you are receiving from the seller is the most recent based on a matching title number and issue date. Lastly, outside of pursing legal methods when attempting to title and register a vehicle you purchased, there is no replacement for the official title, so we recommend doing your research and making sure you are being provided an official title document before transacting or completing the purchase. Best of luck.
Only id it’s in the same way, my friend!
Several months ago I gave my car to a family member as a gift. I gave him the paper title and filed a Bill of Sale and he agreed to register the car in his name. Unfortunately he never did that and he is refusing to do it now. Our relationship has broken down and I want nothing further to do with the car in any way. If my family member refuses to register the car in his name how can I legally remove my name from so that I am no longer liable for anything related to the car?
You need to “surrender” (dispose) your existing license plate to the DMV. This can be done in person or electronically by calling your local Tax Collector’s office with the tag #.
My mom gifted me a vehicle and I have an appointment to register in my name. I have the title. Where is the affidavit that needs to be complete showing the vehicle was gifted at no cost?
In Florida you don’t need a form, all you need to do is write GIFT as the sales price. Form 82002, if transferring a FL license plate to a family member that lives in the same household.
Can my title be transferred to a family member and me still be able to register the vehicle to drive it and insure it?
You can transfer the registration and tags to her if both your driver licenses have the same Florida address. If not, she will have to obtain new Florida tags and you can keep the tags currently on the vehicle to transfer them to another vehicle in the future. If her name is already on the insurance card, you can use the same policy. Your daughter can place an order to transfer the title and registration online by visiting eTags.com/app/fl.
I purchased a vehicle thru private party who just obtained title in his name on 8/19. He unfortunately had the incorrect mileage put on the title in error. After it was printed, he put a line thru it and provided the correct mileage. The DMV states they are unable to do anything with the title until they are able to see the image uploaded by the state which could be 30+ days wait, then we can bring in an OD statement and a Bill of Sale to process title. This seems extreme when the seller acknowledged he estimated the mileage and then hand-wrote the correct mileage, and is willing to complete an affidavit of error. How can we get this handled quicker so that we can register and drive the paid for vehicle?
yes it’s the only way to get a title correction within a title transfer transaction. It may be easier for the seller himself to go an agency and obtain a duplicate title with odometer correction.
hello!!!
I bought a Mercedes 2002 from a person, but he did not provide me with a title, and only in my hands I have a bill of sale with all the data. Unfortunately, I can’t find my seller and now I don’t have the opportunity to make a title in my name. It’s been half a year and I can’t use the car and only pay for parking. what should I do?
This question requires legal advice and maybe getting a bonded title.
I live in Florida and want to buy a used car for my brother in New Jersey. What is the procedure once I purchase the car. I plan on driving it up to New Jersey. Thank you Mark
When you purchase the vehicle, make sure to have the seller fill out his information on the title. Leave the buyer information blank. You’ll have to get the title to your brother where he will register the vehicle in New Jersey and send you the license plate. Once received, you can pop the license plate on the car and drive it up north!
Hello I recently purchased a new boat vessel from a dealership. The dealership already registered the boat & trailer under my name. But the dealer doesn’t want to give me my paperwork because he is trying to blackmail me into paying for repairs to the boat trailer which wasn’t in the agreement. The tag agency told me I couldn’t request copies of the registration or the new tags for the trailer because I had to get it from the dealer. I called the lender & told them what was happening & I’m waiting on a response from management.
Is there any other way to get my paperwork & trailer tag?
Hi Javier,
As long as the dealership completed the tag and title work, you can certainly request a replacement of the tag. If the dealership hasn’t completed the tag work, you’ll need to work with them to get it completed. I hope this provides some clarity.
Hello! So I’m acquiring a new vehicle and I’m going to transfer the title to my name , I already have a vehicle and I have some unpaid tolls on it would having those unpaid tolls affect getting the new title for the other vehicle?
Having tolls on and existing plate will not hinder transferring them to the new vehicle. However he will not be able to register/renew the vehicle until those tolls have been paid. You can register online with eTags and we can help with providing info on tolls.
Hello I’m planning to move to Florida later this year. My husband has an 84 station wagon that has no title because NH does not require one for 97 or older. Would he need to get a title in Florida?
According to the DMV manual, NH titles all vehicles with a model of 2000 and never ,therefore, only the registration is required to transfer. And a Florida title will be issued.
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:
If my husband has a vehicle with a lien and out of state tags can he transfer me (his spouse) as registered owner with insurance ins my name and him legal owner without insurance since he doesn’t drive it?
Hey there! I don’t have enough details to fully answer this question but typically if there’s a lien you likely cannot change ownership without going through your finance company. You’ll need to be vetted and approved for a loan first. Also, the insurance could probably be in your name with him listed as a driver in the household. All of this is speculation but I hope this helps!
Find a junk yard that will take the old clunker, sans title, and be done with it!
If you know the address where the vehicle is, contact a “Repo” company in that local and have them pick up the car. They will want you to show proof that you are the legal owner. Be prepared to pay $400 or so for their services.
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