Registration FAQs

We've compiled some questions on topics that might not have been fully covered in previous sections, below.

What's the reasoning behind the mandatory license plate replacement every five years?

Florida law states that license plates must be replaced every five years because the plates are "reflectorized" for better visibility. The manufacturer of that reflectorized sheeting, 3M, recommends replacement when the material begins to lose some of its effectiveness, which is approximately every five years.

Why do I need to pay an "initial registration fee" of $100? I bought my car used.

The initial registration fee applies to both new and used vehicles that haven't been registered previously in Florida. However, if a vehicle is replacing a previously registered vehicle in the same class, then an initial registration fee won't be charged.

So if you get rid of an old car and buy another one, new or used, your registration application for the second car won't require an initial registration fee. The bottom line is, for most private vehicle owners, you'll only need to pay that fee once.

Will suspension or revocation of my license affect my car registration?

Yes. If your driver license is suspended or revoked, you will not be able to register your car until the license matter has been cleared. This applies even to co-owners of the vehicle, whether they are actually the primary driver or not.

If I sell my car, can I give my license plate to someone else to use?

No. You should either transfer your license plate to your replacement vehicle or, if there is no immediate replacement, bring the license plate into your local county tax collector's office or license plate agency for cancellation.

Do I need to have proof of insurance to register my vehicle?

Yes. All vehicles must be insured according to Florida's requirements or they will not be registered in the state. This applies to out-of-state applicants, too.

I didn't get my renewal notice in the mail this year. What happened?

Renewal notices are provided from the tax collector's office as a courtesy, and some counties might elect not to send them. You're still responsible for renewing your registration in a timely manner, however; simply check your certificate of registration for the expiration date.

I heard something about an electronic title. What is that?

An electronic title is something that lienholders may opt to use instead of paper titles. This makes transfers and reports of lien satisfaction much easier and quicker for many customers. Find out more on the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Web site.

What do I do if I don't get my registration?

Call your county tax collector's office within 180 days to get a new registration mailed for free. However, if your registration is not in Florida's Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicle's (DHSMV) database system, then you will have to reapply.

How do I get a duplicate title?

Complete Form HSMV 82101. You should also bring payment for the title. Fees are $29.25 for motor vehicles. For an additional $7, you can choose to have the process expedited.

How do I get replacement license plate decals?

Your local county tax collector office will be able to issue a replacement for you, though there might be a fee. If you need new decals because yours were lost in the mail, then they will be free.

Someone stole my license plates. What should I do?

You'll need to cancel the plates and get a new registration and plates. Do this by appearing at your local county tax collector's office with a written affidavit that contains the license plate number, along with the following wording: "The license plate is lost/destroyed/stolen. If found, the license plate will not be affixed to any motor vehicle."

How do I get a duplicate registration?

For $3, any county tax collector office will duplicate a vehicle registration for you.

Can I get a special registration for a vehicle that is non-operational?

No. Florida doesn't offer any type of special registration for vehicles that are non-operable.

I'm doing my taxes, and another tax deduction would really help me out. Is there any way to claim my vehicle registration fee as a deduction?

Yes. The scoop is that the IRS counts a vehicle registration fee that's based on your vehicle's value as a personal property tax, which is deductible. This is true even if your state calls the fee a "registration fee" or a "vehicle use fee." Check out page 146 of the IRS's Publication 17 for more details.

But before you start entering your registration fees on line 7 of the 1040A form, double check to make sure your state calculates the car registration fee based on the car's value. For example, if your state charges you 1% of the car's value each year as a vehicle fee, and you pay $100 based on your car's value ($10,000), then you can deduct $100. If your state charges you for 1% of the car's value, plus a bunch of other miscellaneous fees, then you can still only deduct the $100. The fees might be itemized on your vehicle registration card or registration renewal form.

Other states ignore the car's value and charge only based on the vehicle weight; in those cases, you can't take the deduction.

If you aren't sure about whether the state charges this fee or you can't find the fee, contact your local county tax collector's office. If you have questions about taking the deduction, call a tax professional or the IRS.

For specific information about registering or titling a motor vehicle or vessel, see the following pages on this site:

• Car Registration

• Title Transfers

• Boat Registration

• RV & Motorhome Registration

• Custom-Built Car Registration