Becoming a motor vehicle, mobile home, or recreational vehicle dealer in Florida entails a lot of paperwork and documentation, and once you've received your license, the paper trail doesn't end there. Luckily, Florida makes most of the required paperwork available online for quick download.

You will need the free Adobe Reader to download and read PDF files. Some of the forms can be filled out online and printed.

Top Application Forms and Documentation

To become licensed, you'll need to fill out an initial application, HSMV 86056, which is valid for motor vehicle, mobile home, and recreational vehicle dealer licenses.

Each application also requires a surety bond in various dollar amounts. Use the appropriate form for the dealer license you want:

• Motor vehicle

• Mobile home

• Recreational vehicle

For motor vehicle dealers, an Irrevocable Letter of Credit is acceptable in place of a surety bond. Mobile home dealers can also use a letter of credit, but the form is different from the one for motor vehicle dealers.

Motor vehicle dealers must also provide proof of garage liability.

Top Adjustments or Changes to Existing Licenses

To add a location to an existing license, to report a name or address change, or to report any other pertinent change of information on your license, simply download the original application, HSMV 86056, and fill out the appropriate sections.

Each year, you'll need to renew your license using HSMV 86720.

Top Dealership Procedures

All dealers are required to keep records of sales and important details about each vehicle. While these forms are not mandatory, they are suggested by the Division of Motor Vehicles to help you keep track of certain information. If you choose not to use these forms, you will still need to record the same type of information:

• Vehicle Purchase Record

• Vehicle Sales Record

• Temporary Tag Record

When you need to apply for a title without registration, use HSMV 82040.

To verify VIN or odometer readings on a used car that will be titled in Florida for the first time, use HSMV 82042. In cases where secure power of attorney is needed to verify the odometer reading, you can use DHSMV 82995. This form is only a sample, however; you'll need to obtain the actual form from your regional DMV office.

To transfer the registration on a trade-in vehicle use form HSMV 83033.

Keep track of lien applications and satisfaction with these forms:

• Application for Notice of Lien/Reassignment of Lien or Notice to First Lienholder of Subsequent Lien

• Lien Satisfaction

Forms relating to duplicate titles:

• Application for Duplicate or Lost in Transit/Reassignment for a Motor Vehicle or Vessel Title Certificate

• Motor Vehicle Dealer Title Reassignment Supplement (sample only)

License plate fees can be calculated using the License Plate Rate Chart. Apply for temporary plates with HSMV 83090.

One of your best resources for dealership in general will be the 80-page Florida Motor Vehicle, Mobile Home, and Recreational Vehicle Dealers' Handbook, available at no charge in PDF format. This booklet will help you to know your rights and responsibilities as a dealer, and can clarify any questions you may have.

For other frequently used DMV forms, refer to our Forms and Publications section.

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