Updated on July 16, 2021
Did you know that in Florida, all license plates have to be replaced every 10 years? Plates also have to be returned since they belong to the state, if the decal (sticker) is expired and car insurance isn’t maintained. If you don’t surrender a license plate when insurance is cancelled, you can have your driver’s license suspended.

If you need to turn in your Florida license plate, head to your tax collector’s office. Make sure you get a receipt showing that you surrendered your plate. If you paid an initial registration on that plate, that receipt from your tax collector’s will be proof for future credit on your next vehicle tags. This will be your exemption from paying an initial registration fee again. Continue reading for more vehicle tags info in the Sunshine State.

Florida Vehicle Registration Renewal Guide

How To Renew a Car Registration In FL

To renew your registration in Florida there are certain auto insurance requirements that must be met first. The minimum requirement is that you at least carry a liability policy. This type of policy covers the costs of the other vehicle(s) and drivers/motorists in the event of an accident.

It is highly recommended that you hold a policy with coverages that will cover your repair costs and medical bills as well, but this is not required to renew your registration.

There are several ways you can renew directly with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLDHSMV).

Florida Online Vehicle Registration Renewal

You can’t use the online option unless your auto insurance information is updated with the FLDHSMV. If your records are up-to-date, you can our online vehicle registration renewal service and renew up to 90 days before your birthday.

Your birthday is when your vehicle registration expires in the state of Florida; however, if it’s a company-owned vehicle the expiration date would be the date the vehicle was initially registered.

When using eTags online vehicle registration renewal tool, you will need to:

• Enter your vehicle information.
• Enter your date of birth (or the date of registration if company-owned vehicle).
• Enter the last 4 digits of your social security number.
• Pay your renewal fee and the online tag renewal convenience fee.

Renewing Your FL Registration In Person

In 2015, the FLHSMV closed down it’s DMV field offices. This means you’ll have to visit your local county tax collector’s office in order to renew your FL registration in person.

Here are things to remember to bring with you should you choose to visit an FL DMV office to renew your car tag in person:

• Your renewal reminder or current registration card.
• Your FL driver’s license.
• Your proof of auto insurance.
• Payment method (it may be a good idea to call your county tax collector’s office to verify which forms of payment they accept).

Florida Registration Renewal By Mail

In Florida, the only way to renew by mail is if your registration renewal reminder indicates that you can do so. This option may not be available to all Florida drivers or in all Florida counties.

How To Replace A Lost Vehicle Registration In Florida

Have you been searching for how to replace a vehicle registration in Florida? Welcome to the place with all the answers to your questions. Read on and get the low down for costs, locations, and procedures to get you back on the road with all your documentation in place.

The first thing you need to know is your driver’s license and registration are issued by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. If you can’t find an answer on the website, give their customer service center a call at 850-617-2000 or check out their answer portal which offers quick replies to most queries.

Replacement And Duplicate Florida Registration

If you are simply missing your paper registration document, you can easily replace it by visiting eTags.com.

What To Do If Your License Plates Or Validation Decal Is Stolen

Maybe you noticed that your front license plate was missing when you came out to the car in the morning. The first thing to do is call your local police department and file a report.

Next, download the required form and fill it out. Take the police report, completed form, and the rear plate to your local FDHSMV office and a new set of plates will be issued to you for free! Imagine that, a state agency that doesn’t ask for extra money.

Can You Replace Damaged Florida License Plates?

Whether your license plates are just getting old or were damaged in an accident, you do want to get a replacement vehicle registration. It is required that law enforcement can read your plates under normal conditions at a distance of 50 feet or you can be ticketed for faulty equipment.

Bring your old plates to a local FDHSMV office, pay a duplicate plate fee, and receive shiny new ones.

Locations To Get A Replacement Vehicle Registration In Florida

Florida has many locations across the state able to issue a replacement car registration. Find one that is convenient for you on their website.

Most offices are open 8:30 AM to 5 PM but those in more rural areas may be have restricted hours. Check online or call ahead to make sure you aren’t wasting your time.

How Much Does It Cost For A Replacement Car Registration In Florida?

It only costs $2.50 to receive a duplicate paper Florida replacement registration or validation decal. If you are replacing old or damaged licensed plates, there is a $28 fee. You are required to replace your plates every 10 years to maintain the reflective coating.

Want a Specialty Plate? You Can Do That

Maybe you simply want to replace your current plates with a personalized or specialty plate. You can do that at any time. First, check online to see if your preferred combination of letters and numbers is available online.

If it is, visit your local FDHSMV office and apply for the specialty plate. There is an additional $15 fee per year to renew the plates along with the $28 new plate fee when they are initially issued.

Now you have all the tools you need to get your Florida registration or license plates replaced. If you have more questions, check out the FDHSMV website or give their customer service center a call at (850) 617-2000 Monday through Friday 7:45 AM to 5:00 PM.

Common Questions About FL Registration Renewal

Are there any questions about renewing or replacing your Florida vehicle registration that we didn’t cover?

We are constantly updating our content and welcome your feedback. Leave us a comment and let us know any other questions you might have regarding how to renew, replace or request a duplicate registration or plate sticker in the state of Florida.

Also be sure to check out our article highlighting 8 common questions about DMV tag renewal in Florida.