Title Transfers

A title is a certificate of ownership of a vehicle, and in Florida, most motor vehicles need to be titled. You'll need to apply for a title when you buy a new or used vehicle, when you move into the state and bring your vehicle with you, or when ownership of a specific vehicle changes for any other reason.

Titles are not required on trailers weighing less than 1,999 pounds, motorized bikes, or mopeds.

You do not need a driver's license to hold a title.

Applying for a Title

• Provide proof of ownership (a bill of sale, for instance).

• Provide proof of insurance coverage in Florida.

• Complete the title application form.

• Provide lien documents, if the vehicle is financed.

• Provide notarized verification of the vehicle VIN (if it was previously registered in another state).

• Pay applicable fees (see below), including sales tax on the vehicle, title fees, and registration.

All applications for titles and registration in the State of Florida should be submitted in person or by mail to your local county tax collector or license plate agency. Allow five business days for processing.

Fees

Title fees are required when you register your vehicle for the first time, or when transferring a certificate of title between owners:

• New vehicles: $31.25

• Vehicles with prior Florida registration: $29.25

• Vehicles with prior registration in another state or country: $33.25

• Add a lien only: $28.25

• Expedited service (where available): $7

Sales Tax

If a vehicle is brought into Florida from another state, you'll need to pay full 6% sales tax on its purchase price if you bought the car less than six months before bringing it into the state. However, you can receive a credit for any similar tax you may have paid on the vehicle in the previous state. If you paid more than what Florida would charge you, no additional tax is necessary. If you paid less, then you would be responsible to make up the difference only.

Verifying the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

If you're registering or applying for a title on a vehicle that was previously registered in another state or country, you'll need to provide proof of the vehicle's VIN to ensure it's the same vehicle described in the existing paperwork. Use the Vehicle Identification Number and Odometer Verification form and make sure to have an authorized individual do the actual verifying for you:

• Dealer licensed in Florida

• Florida notary public

• Law enforcement office in any state

• DMV or tax collector employee in Florida

Duplicate Title Application

If your vehicle title has been lost or destroyed, you'll need to apply for a duplicate. Fill out the application for a duplicate title, and submit it in person or by mail to your local county tax collector. You'll need to include a check or money order for all applicable fees, which may vary by county, and proof of lien satisfaction (if applicable).

If you happen to find your original title after you've received a duplicate, you should destroy it or give it to the county tax collector for cancellation. Once you've received the duplicate, the original is no longer valid.

Transferring a Title to Another Owner

If you sell your car to someone else, you'll need to fill in the appropriate information on the existing title (in the section titled "Transfer of Title by Seller"), including name and address of the buyer, odometer reading, purchase price, and date sold. Both you and the buyer should sign the form where indicated. The buyer will then take this title to the tax collector's office when he or she registers the vehicle.

Giving a Car as a Gift

If you give your car to someone else as a gift, you'll still need to transfer the title to the recipient. Both parties must sign the title; then check the box entitled "Gift." The recipient will then take the title to the tax collector's office when he or she registers the vehicle.

Transferring a Title in the Event of a Death

In the event of a death, the executor of the deceased's estate should go to the tax collector's office with the title and the death certificate. The tax collector's office will then transfer the title into the executor's name.

Adding or Deleting a Person from a Title

There are two ways to add or delete a person from a title:

• If the phrasing on the title uses "or" between two holders (John Doe or Jane Doe), then either person may go to the tax collector's office to add or delete a party on the title.

• If the phrasing on the title uses "and" between two holders (John Doe and Jane Doe), then both parties must sign in order to add or delete a person from the title. After both parties have signed, bring the title to the tax collector's office for a new title.

Changing Your Name on a Title

To change your name on a title, go to the tax collector's office with proper legal documentation (usually a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) and forms of identification. Remember to bring the actual title.