Bought a car or truck in a private sale?

Bought a car from someone? Just got a truck? In Florida, you have 30 days to transfer the title into your name or you may be subject to late fees and other penalties.

Required Items to Transfer a Florida Title:

• The original Florida title: Both the buyer and seller must properly complete the “Transfer of Title by Seller” section on the title. It must include printed names and signatures of buyer(s) and seller(s), odometer reading and date read (unless exempt), selling price, and date of sale.

Proof of current Florida insurance: The card, policy, certificate, or binder must state the insurance is in Florida and must list the specific information for the vehicle you are titling. Insurance cannot be expired or post-dated.

• Proper method of payment: Title transactions in our office can be paid for with cash, check, certified funds or debit card. Credit cards and “starter” checks are not accepted.
• Identification: All purchasers* must be present and must bring with them a valid US driver license / ID card. If you don't have a US driver license / ID card, we can also accept a US or foreign passport, or Canadian driver license / ID card. If an owner cannot be present, consider using a Power of Attorney form to complete the transaction; you must have a copy of the absent applicant's state-issued driver license / identification card or passport. You will also be required to pay sales tax, if applicable.

Moving to Florida?

If you're moving from another state and have motor vehicles that you want to put Florida plates on, first you'll have to get the title(s) transferred and issued here.

Required Items to Transfer an Out of State Title:

• The original title: Both the buyer and seller must properly complete the "Transfer of Title by Seller" section on the title. It must include printed names and signatures of buyer(s) and seller(s), odometer reading and date read (unless exempt), selling price, and date of sale. NOTE: Cross-outs, white-out, alterations, or erasures may void the title.
• Proof of current Florida insurance: The card, policy, certificate, or binder must state the insurance is in Florida and must list the specific information for the vehicle you are titling. Insurance cannot be expired, post-dated, or from any other U.S. state or territory.
• Proper method of payment: Title transactions in our office can be paid for with cash, check, certified funds or debit card. Credit cards and "starter" checks are not accepted.
• Identification: All purchasers* must be present and must bring with them a valid US driver license / ID card. If you don't have a US driver license / ID card, we can also accept a US or foreign passport, or Canadian driver license / ID card. If an owner cannot be present, consider using a Power of Attorney form to complete the transaction; you must have a copy of the absent applicant's state-issued driver license / identification card or passport.
• VIN Verification: The VIN number must be verified on all vehicles coming from another state to Florida. To save time, consider printing off theVIN Verification Form and having it completed before coming to our office. Florida notaries and law enforcement officers may certify this form. If it's not completed in advance, our office can verify the VIN as a courtesy (you must bring the vehicle to the office) when you come in for the transfer, weather permitting.
• Sales Tax: If you have owned the vehicle for less than 6 months, proof of sales tax paid must be submitted with your transfer paperwork. A dealer invoice or title/registration, which specifically lists sales tax paid, are the most common ways to prove this.

* Businesses are required to submit documentation showing they are a valid business. Out of state businesses must submit a valid IRS tax return or occupational license to prove validity. Florida businesses can submit a printout from SunBiz. If the individual acting on behalf of the business is not listed as an officer, director, or registered agent on SunBiz, or if it is from out of state, the individual in our office for the transfer must also submit, on letterhead, a letter that authorizes them to act on behalf of the business.

Lost your title?

If you've lost or misplaced your title, we can issue you a duplicate in any of our offices. Just make sure you have a current odometer reading for the vehicle! Note that duplicate fees by mail or in person are typically between $70 and $90.

Duplicate titles are mailed from the Division of Motor Vehicles in Tallahassee within 7-10 business days from the date processed.If you need your duplicate title sooner, apply in person and pay an additional $10 for our fast title service, and walk out with your title that same day.

• Duplicate Title Packet

Electronic Titles

Electronic titles, or "E-Titles" are titles that exist only in the Division of Motor Vehicles' computer system. They are commonly referred to as a "paperless" title. If your vehicle had a lien on it and the lienholder was recorded electronically, you may be able to print it online at the State's website. For more information, and to see if you are eligible, please visit their Electronically Maintained Titles page.

• Print your Electronic Title (e-title)

NEW! Are you selling a motor vehicle, boat, or mobile home?

Effective July 1, 2009, it is now required for an owner or co-owner who has transferred or sold a motor vehicle to notify the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) within 30 days after the sale or transfer to satisfy the requirement for limitation of liability. This can be done with a Notice of Sale or by detaching and completing the top 3rd of the Florida title, above the perforation, and mailing to the DHSMV at the address listed on the form.

Once you sell your vehicle, if you are not transferring the license plate to another vehicle, you must surrender (turn in) the plate at a Tax Collector's office. When insurance is cancelled on a vehicle, the insurance company notifies the State of Florida. If you don't surrender the plate from the vehicle you sold (And is no longer insured by you), your driver license may be suspended. Bring the plate to an office – you can still transfer the registration later on and save up to $225!

Other Links

• FDLE Stolen Vehicle Search
• FDLE Stolen Vehicle Parts Search
• Is there a recall for your vehicle?
• Is your vehicle a lemon?  Request a history report.
• Online Motor Vehicle Check