Registering a Newly Purchased Vehicle in Florida

The process for registering a new or used vehicle purchased in Florida depends on whether you:

• Purchased the vehicle from a licensed dealer or private seller, and whether or not you possess Florida license plates.

OR

• Justmoved to Florida and took your out-of-state vehicle with you.

Florida Vehicle Registration: Vehicle Purchased From a Dealership

When you purchase a new or used vehicle at a dealership, the dealer is required to apply for a new tag and title within 30 days of sale.

In some cases, the dealer may:

• Charge a processing fee. The dealer is required to disclose this separately from the purchase contract.

AND/OR

• Require the buyer to sign a cash-on-delivery form at the time of purchase. This means that once you receive your registration and title (if there is no lien), you’ll be required to pay the dealer back for the title and registration fee.

Florida Vehicle Registration: Vehicle Purchased from a Private Party

To register a vehicle purchased from a private seller, the FLHSMV recommends both parties visit one of the FLHSMV offices for Motor Vehicle services when finalizing the sale.

Buyers must be ready to provide:

• Proof of identity.
• Proof of Florida insurance (for initial registration).
• The paper title certificate with the Transfer of Title by Seller section completed and signed by the seller.
  • If the title is held electronically, the seller must accompany the buyer to the office and provide a completed HSMV 82994 form OR82092 form (for vehicles that are exempt from odometer requirements).

  For out-of-state buyers, the buyer must complete the titling process in the other state. In the meantime, the buyer may purchase a temporary Florida title for the vehicle that is valid for 30 days.

  Initial Vehicle Registration in Florida

  In Florida, license plates stay with the seller, and not the purchaser of a vehicle. You may need to apply for an initial registration:

  • If you do NOT currently possess a license plate for a vehicle you owned and was registered to you in Florida to transfer to the new vehicle.

  OR

  • The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles does NOT have record of a Florida license plate registered to you to transfer to the new vehicle.

  If you need to apply for initial registration, do so when you complete the title transfer of your new vehicle.

  • Proof of identity and Florida insurance.
  • A completed Application for Certificate of Title With/Without Registration (HSMV 82040) form.
  • Payment for the $225 initial registration fee.

  *Additional documentation may be required in unique situations. Contact the FLHSMV for details.

  New Florida Resident Titling/Registration

  When you move to Florida, you must register your out-of-state vehicle with the FLHSMV. If your vehicle has a lien, contact the lienholder and request they transfer the title to Florida. If they refuse, request a refusal document in writing on letterhead.

  To register a vehicle with a lien in Florida, visit your local office and present:

  • Your lienholder’s title transfer denial letter (if applicable).
  • A completed Application for Certificate of Title With/Without Registration (HSMV 82040) form.
  • Payment for the applicable fees.

  If your vehicle does NOT have a lien, visit your local FLHSMV office and provide:

  • The original out-of-state title.
  • Proof of Florida insurance.
  • A completed:
    • Application for Certificate of Title With/Without Registration (HSMV 82040) form, or
    • Vehicle Identification Number and Odometer Verification (HSMV 82042) form.

    Other Vehicle Registration in Florida

    Other vehicles may require a different registration process in Florida. Visit the FLHSMV website for information on titling and registering a:

    • Low-speed vehicle.
    • Golf cart.
    • All-terrain vehicle.
    • Moped or motorized bicycle.

    Florida Vehicle Registration and Title Fees

    • Initial registration: $225.
    • Title transfer*: $75.25
    • Original title for a used vehicle*: $85.25
    • Original title for a new vehicle*: $77.25
    • Lien recording fee: $2.

    Registration fees vary and are calculated based on your:

    • Registration use.
    • License plate type.
    • Vehicle class.
    • Base vehicle tax.

    *This is the fee for an electronic title. To print a paper title, you will be charged an additional $2.50 handling fee.