Florida DMV Title Transfer Guide

Are you buying or selling a car in the state of Florida? Chances are you may have a question or two regarding the ins and outs of the process. It’s important to have access to accurate information on how to transfer a title and register a vehicle in the Sunshine State. This FAQ provides the information and links you need to get the job done quickly and without making multiple trips to a Florida DMV or tag agency.

In the state of Florida, all vehicle titles are issued by the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV), otherwise known as Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). In order to transfer a car title, you have the option to visit one of the DMV offices located throughout the state. or you can rely on our  simple title transfer service and avoid the hassle of planning, driving, and waiting.

What Is A Vehicle Title?

A title is a document that declares ownership of a car, truck, motorhome, or trailer. When the car is sold, the title must be transferred (signed over) to either the new owner(s) or to the dealership or lien holder.

The title describes the vehicle by:

• • Make and Year
  • Weight and Odometer
  • Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

When transferring a car title in Florida, you must always submit the original document or an official duplicate to the DHSMV.  No photocopies, scans, or alterations will be accepted.

How Do I Transfer a Title When Buying A Car in Florida?

If you are buying a car from a private seller, please ensure that you receive an original (or an official duplicate) title that has the necessary information filled in and contains no corrections or alterations.

One way to confirm that the title is valid, is to go with the seller to your local DHSMV office to complete the transfer. If this is not possible and if the title is already a Florida title, you can visit this DHSMV page to check that the date the title was issued and the title number match.

When you are ready to visit a DMV office or use eTags online, make sure to bring the following documents with you to seamlessly facilitate the title transfer process:

• • Original title, completed and signed by the seller
  • Completed Application for Title
  • Your driver’s license or state ID
    • The FL DMV also accepts a valid passport book, with English translation when applicable.
  • Proof of current insurance

You may also need the following documents if the situation applies to you:

• • Completed VIN Verification form IF title is issued by another state

• • Completed Notice of Sale or Bill of Sale
    • The title issued by another state and there is no area of the purchase/sale price
    • The vehicle was purchased at an out-of-state dealership
    • The lease is being bought out from the lien holder
  • Approved loan documentation
    • The vehicle has a lien and the lien is not satisfied
    • The title is not immediately available because it is in possession of the lien holder.

How Do I Fill Out a FL Title and Transfer Forms?

On every Florida title, there is a “Seller ” section and  “Buyer” section. All existing owners (sellers) listed on the original title must sign and print their name in the Seller section if the names are separated by the word “and“, a slash (/) or, with no symbol or word. However, if two owners are separated by the word “or”, only one of the existing owners needs to complete and sign the seller section.

All new owners (buyers) who want to be listed on the new title must sign and print their name in the Purchaser section. In addition to existing and new owner signatures, other information that needs to be completed on the title includes the sale price and the odometer reading.

If you still need assistance with the how-to, it may be best to fill in this paperwork at the DHSMV in front of a clerk to ensure everything is complete and accurate.  Doing so allows the buyer to receive a new title immediately, and the seller to be protected from an incomplete sale.

Where Can I Find the Closest FL DMV Location?

Here is a comprehensive list of all DHSMV branches  located in every county  in Florida. Because each county has different tax rates, you are required to visit an office in your county of residence or where you are declaring that the vehicle is being “garaged“.

Many DMV offices or branches require that you make an appointment beforehand and even more only serve residents of their county. It may seem convenient to set an appointment at an office in a neighboring county, but you may find that you are turned away if your drivers license shows you reside in a different county. To avoid this potential problem, either call ahead to the office you plan to make an appointment at, go to a private tag agency, or use eTag’s title transfer and registration service to start your transfer online.

How Soon Should a Title Transfer Occur After Buying a Car?

A title should be transferred immediately after purchasing a vehicle. Failure to do so can result in title and registration penalty, although not often more than $20, above the title and registration fees and taxes that will be due.

How Much Does A Title Transfer Cost In Florida?

The cost for a new title is typically between $75.00 and $115.00. The exact fees depend on whether the title is from FL or out-of-state, as well as if the transfer occurs 30 days or more after the date of sale. You will also be required to pay 6% to 7% in sales tax based on the purchase or sales price of the vehicle. Tax rates may vary from county to county. If the vehicle is a gift, sales tax does not need to be paid.

Registration fees are separate and in addition to title fees and taxes. There is a “plate fee” of about $225 which can be avoided if you have a valid Florida plate to transfer. FL license plates can be transferred between individuals who share the same residential address on their FL license or ID. Further, the annual or biennial registration fees that range from as low as $26 for motorcycles to hundreds of dollars for heavier vehicles like commercial trucks. You may also choose to add a personalized or vanity plate with custom letters and numbers and/or a specialty plate with a background of an organization you support, for an additional fee of course.

Can I Gift A Car To A Family Member?

Wondering how to gift a vehicle in the state of Florida?  The procedure is similar to a regular car title transfer, only with gifts, you would simply fill the sale price section on the title to reflect $0 or write in the word “gift“. You will be required to provide an affidavit attesting that the vehicle is a gift which in turn removes the requirement to pay sales tax.

Can I Sell a Car to A Minor in the State of FL? What Are the Requirements?

You may sell a car to a person under the age of 18 years, and the process is the same as selling to an adult. As with all sales, the minor must have an ID to transfer the title and, to register the vehicle with FL plates, insurance is required.

Florida DMV Hours And Contact Information

If you have any questions regarding how-to of buy or sell a vehicle, or how to transfer a car title in the state of Florida, you can contact the DHSMV at 850-617-2000 during normal business hours.

You can also refer to the DMV’s Contact Us page for a wide range of self-services and departments ready to help you with all your DHSMV needs. If you are an eTags customer, login into your eTags’ account to access fast and dedicated support via phone, text, and email.

If there is anything else about transferring a vehicle title that we didn’t cover, please let us know!  We love to help and are constantly updating our content to better assist you with all your vehicle title and registration needs.  We welcome and encourage feedback, so feel free leave us a comment or any other questions you might have.