How To Transfer A Car Title in Florida
Are you trying to figure out how to transfer a car title in Florida? If you answered yes, then you came to the right place. In Florida, whether you are the buyer or seller, or donor or gifter of a vehicle, a car title transfer is mandatory. If you purchase your vehicle through a dealership, they cover all the title transfer bases for you. Otherwise, the responsibility falls to the person buying, selling, donating, gifting, or receiving the gifted vehicle.
That said, transferring a car title in Florida is not a demanding process. However, there are various options and requirements. This article will walk you through what is required and the process for every category listed above.
Transferring a Paper Title When Selling Privately
If you have secured another vehicle and transferred the license plates, you are required to purchase a demonstration-only temporary tag at a motor vehicle service center. This tag enables prospective buyers to test drive your car. Temporary tags are valid for 30 days and only issued with proof of insurance.
If the test drive goes well and a deal is made, you’ll need to transfer the title to the buyer. If you’ve lost the title and it was on paper, you must apply for a duplicate title before selling the vehicle.
To do this, complete form HSMV 82101. Then submit this document and pay any fees associated with the duplicate title at a motor vehicle service center.
This is key when following the steps of how to transfer a car title in Florida. Also key to the process is filing a notice of sale.
The seller must provide the buyer:
- Original bill of sale (have it notarized)
- VIN
- A completed Transfer of Title by Seller section on the front of the title certificate. This section includes:
- Legal name and address of the buyer
- Selling price
- Date sold
- Official odometer reading at the time of purchase
In order to ensure the vehicle’s title transfers correctly, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) recommends sellers complete the transaction in a motor vehicle service center.
You must file a bill of sale with the FLHSMV whether you opt to go in person or not to guarantee the state knows the vehicle is no longer in your name and no longer your responsibility.
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Transferring a Paper Title When Buying Privately
If you a purchasing a car from a seller, there are multiple steps and items needed to transfer the title correctly. You will need:
- The vehicle’s title after the seller completes the transfer section
- Original bill of sale (have it notarized)
- Lien satisfaction copies if there are liens on the title
- An Application for Certificate of Title With/Without Registration - HSMV 82040
- Proof of insurance
- A completed Florida Insurance Affidavit - HSMV 83330
- $75.25 for an electronic title or $77.75 for a paper title
- $2 per lien on vehicle
- Payment for other fees and taxes
Ask the seller to accompany you to a motor vehicle service center to complete the transfer of the title successfully. You can also do this at the office of a Florida tax collector.
Transferring an Electronic Title
If the seller holds an electronic title, the title can transfer electronically if agreed to by the buyer. This occurs when both parties visit a Florida tax collector office and fill out and sign a Reassignment Document for an Electronic Certificate of Title – HSMV 82092.
Transferring a Title for Vehicles Registered in Other States
For vehicles registered in other states, a number of steps must be taken to transfer the title.
- Register for an official Florida title
- Complete paperwork for your vehicle’s registration
- Obtain a Florida License plate
- Complete the Florida Insurance Affidavit - HSMV 83330
- Complete and verify the Vehicle Identification Number and Odometer Verification - HSMV 82042
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Transferring a Title When Donating a Car
When donating a car in Florida, the state requires the donor to complete a Notice of Sale after the car is picked up and take or mail the notice to a local tax collector office. Plates also need to be dropped off or sent to a tax collector office.
By completing and delivering a Notice of Sale, the owner releases themselves from future liability for the vehicle. This is crucial when following the steps for how to transfer a car title in Florida.
Transferring a Title When Gifting a Car
To gift a car in Florida, you first need to transfer the vehicle to the giftee through a vehicle title transfer the same way you would in an actual sale. You also must complete a bill of sale form.
In Florida, if a family member is on the receiving end of your gift, you will be exempt from taxes if you complete an affidavit or bill of sale.
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Notice of Sale
It bears repeating that a seller needs to protect themselves from future liabilities by transferring the title and completing and filing a Notice of Sale.
While the steps on how to transfer a car title in Florida are few and easy to follow, states often change or add to these procedures. That said, it is always a good idea to call ahead or visit the FLHSMV website for any updates or changes.
This is especially important during the COVID-19 pandemic when guidelines, protocol, and hours (and availability) of operation are still quite fluid.
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Transferring the title of a vehicle is an important final step to completing a sale, purchase, donation, or gift of a vehicle. By following the steps laid out in this article, you’ll successfully complete your title transfer in no time.
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