How to Complete Your Car Registration in Florida: A Step-by-Step Guide

Completing your Florida car registration may seem difficult if you’ve never done it before or it’s just been a while. Fortunately, you'll see it’s a straightforward process once you get a quick overview of the requirements and steps involved.

Below, we’ll walk you through the registration process, so you have everything you need to sail through it hassle-free.

Understand Title Requirements

Before beginning the Florida car registration process, you must understand Florida’s title requirements. As you may know, the title is a document proving ownership of a vehicle. Before registering a vehicle in your name, you must ensure the title is in your name or that you can transfer it into your name.

The dealer likely handled the title transfer and registration if you purchased the vehicle from a car dealership. If you bought it from a private seller, you must ensure the seller properly completes the seller portion at the bottom of the title. In this area, the seller and co-seller, if applicable, must:

• Sign and print their names on the respective “Sign here” lines
• Enter the selling dealer’s license number (if applicable)
• Print your name on the “Seller must enter purchaser’s name” line
• Print your address on the “Address” line
• Write the selling price on the “Seller must enter selling price” line
• Write the date of the sale on the “Seller must enter date sold” line
• Write the odometer reading and check the box indicating if it’s a five- or six-digit odometer
• Check the box indicating whether the odometer reading is the actual mileage beyond the mechanical limits

As the buyer, you must:

• Sign on the applicable “Sign Here” line and print on the line below it

Gather Necessary Documents

You’ll now gather the documents required to complete the car registration in Florida. Getting the documents together ahead of time and ensuring they’re all accurate will streamline the process. Let’s review what you’ll need.

Proof of Ownership

Confirm you have a completed title in hand. If you purchased it from a private party, you generally won’t have to worry about the selling dealer or auction information.

Proof of Insurance

Florida requires proof of insurance, such as an insurance card or policy documents, to register a vehicle and get a license plate. Florida’s state minimum for insurance coverage is:

• $10,000 in personal injury protection (PIP)
• $10,000 in property damage liability (PDL)

Complete the Application for Registration

With the documents and insurance in order, you can complete the Application for Certificate of Title (HSMV form 82040). You can find this form online or at your local tax collector's office. Fill it out carefully and double-check everything is accurate to avoid issues in processing.

Understand Registration Fees

The registration fees in Florida vary based on a wide range of factors, such as the vehicle’s weight, age, use, and more. You may also incur a $225 initial registration fee if you don’t have a license plate or record of an unused license plate registered in your name to transfer to the new vehicle.

Register an Out-of-State Vehicle

If you are using a vehicle from another state, you’ll undergo a slightly different Florida car registration process.

You’ll first need all the necessary documents mentioned above and the out-of-state title in your name or signed over to you. Additionally, the vehicle must undergo a vehicle identification number (VIN) verification process.

Only a handful of people can complete the VIN verification process, including:

• A law enforcement officer
• A military police officer
• A licensed Florida car dealer
• A county tax collector employee
• A Division of Motorist Services compliance examiner
• A notary public

Specialty Plates: How to Apply

Florida offers over 100 specialty license plates spanning various interests, causes, and affiliations. You can request a specialty plate during registration, which costs an additional $15 to $25 annually.

Renewing Your Registration

Car registration renewal in Florida​ is a simple process you’ll complete annually or once every two years. You can renew your registration online, through a mobile app, or in person.

Online Renewal Process

Florida offers various services online, including the ability to check a driver’s license and registration renewal and replacement.

To renew a registration, log onto the MyDMV Portal and follow the renewal steps. You can pay all fees online and receive your registration and registration sticker in the mail. While you await your registration, print the email confirmation as your temporary registration certificate.

Mobile App

The MyFloridaApp is another convenient way to complete your Florida car registration renewal​. Download the app from your preferred app store and select the “Registration Renewals” option. From there, follow all the prompts, pay via credit card or ACH, and wait for your new registration to arrive in the mail.

In-Person Renewal

You can also visit a local tax collector’s office to renew your registration in person. Visiting the service center in person allows you to ask questions and receive assistance if needed. It’s also beneficial if you need your new registration on the same day. However, make sure to bring all the necessary documents and payment to avoid having to leave and come back.

Registering your car in Florida? Don’t forget to check your insurance!

While completing your Florida car registration, you should also make sure you get the best possible car insurance rates. You can compare car insurance in Florida for free online at EverQuote. You can shop multiple insurance policies and find the best fit for you.

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