In Florida, vehicle registration is a mandatory legal requirement for all vehicles operating on state public roads. A complete vehicle registration in FL consists of a metal plate with a unique number, a registration certificate, and a registration decal.
The metal plate must be attached to the vehicle in the designated area, while the registration certificate must be carried by the operator or kept in the car at all times. The registration decal is affixed to the license plate as proof of registration. This complete set of documents proves that the motor vehicle registration taxes and fees have been paid.
In this state, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) manages vehicle registrations, and understanding state-specific regulations for vehicle registration is crucial to avoid penalties and comply with local laws.
Whether purchasing a new vehicle, transferring an out-of-state registration, or renewing an existing registration, following the legal requirements and instructions provided by FLHSMV is critical to navigating the process seamlessly.
How To Register a Car in Florida?
When registering a new car in Florida, residents must follow a straightforward process that involves visiting a local DHSMV service center.
The initial registration must be done in person and requires the submission of specific documents. These include proof of identity for all owners, proof of Florida insurance, and a completed HSMV Form 82040.
Additionally, individuals must pay the initial vehicle registration fee, as well as title fees, plate fees, and taxes.
Note that the registration process and specific documentation may vary depending on certain situations, such as whether the vehicle is from out-of-state, whether the individual is a new resident, a non-resident, or a military member, or if the vehicle has been purchased from a car dealership or a private individual.
Vehicle Registration for New Residents in Florida
New residents or those establishing a residency in Florida must promptly register their vehicles to comply with state law. Within ten days of starting any of the following activities, residents must register their cars with the FLHSMV or local service center:
- Working in Florida
- Having a lease or rental agreement in Florida
- Enrolling children in a Florida education program
During registration, new residents must also obtain Florida insurance, title their vehicle in Florida, and acquire new license plates. While titling without registration is possible, driving without complete registration is illegal under Florida's verbal rights.
Florida New Resident Sales Tax
When new residents in Florida register their vehicles, they may be required to pay sales, use, and local discretionary taxes, depending on certain factors. The length of time the owner has had the vehicle and the choice of license plate will determine whether these taxes need to be paid.
For vehicles owned for six months or less, owners must pay a 6% sales or use tax, along with any local discretionary taxes that apply in their area. Florida's sales tax is prorated based on any taxes already paid in another state. For instance, if the owner has already paid 4% tax in another state, they would only need to pay the remaining 2% in Florida.
On the other hand, if the vehicle has been owned for over six months and was purchased in a different state, new residents are not required to pay sales, use, or discretionary taxes in Florida. However, the title and initial registration fee from the previous state must confirm that the owner has possessed the vehicle for more than six months.
Registration of an Out-of-State Vehicle in Florida
Several steps must be followed when registering an out-of-state vehicle in Florida. First, the owner must obtain a Florida driver's license and purchase auto insurance from Florida. A vehicle identification number (VIN) inspection and odometer reading must also be completed.
After completing these initial steps, the owner should visit the Florida county tax collector's office. At the office, they must present their Florida driver's license. If there are multiple owners, all owners must provide proof of identity.
Other required documents include proof of Florida insurance and the out-of-state title. If a lienholder holds the title, the tax collector's office can assist in contacting the lienholder and arranging for the new title to be sent to them.
The VIN must be verified using the HSMV Form 82042. This verification can be done at the county tax collector's office or by authorized individuals such as police officers, FLHSMV examiners/inspectors, Florida car dealers, previous state car dealers, Florida Notary Public, or certain military officers.
The owner must also submit a completed HSMV Form 82040, which all owners must sign. Proof of identity is required for all owners, even if they are not physically present.
During the registration process, the owner can register the vehicle for one or two years. Finally, all registration and tax fees must be paid to complete the registration process.
Registration of Vehicles Purchased from a Dealership in Florida
Customers can benefit from the convenience authorized dealers provide when purchasing a vehicle from a dealership in Florida. These dealers can issue temporary license plates and take care of the titling process, including charging the initial registration fee at purchase.
Regarding the registration of the vehicles, customers should inquire about services such as Electronic Temporary Registration and the Electronic Filing System, which can further streamline the registration process.
To ensure a smooth transition, dealerships must transfer the vehicle's title and registration within 30 days of the purchase. If this is not done within the specified timeframe, contact the FLHSMV or the local DHSMV service center for guidance on the next steps.
Registration of Vehicles Purchased from a Private Party in Florida
When purchasing a vehicle from a private party in Florida, the registration process requires the buyer to complete several forms independently and submit them to the county collector's office.
Additionally, a Bill of Sale must be filled out and signed by both the buyer and the seller to document the purchase. While the seller is responsible for submitting the Bill of Sale to the tax collector's office, the buyer should keep a copy for their records.
To proceed with the vehicle's registration, the buyer should ensure that the previous owner properly fills out the title. It is crucial to verify that the VIN matches the VIN on the title. If the vehicle does not have a Florida title, a VIN inspection must be obtained.
For vehicles under ten years old, an odometer and mileage document should be completed. The buyer must then bring the completed title and all necessary documents to the county tax collector's office. Proof of Florida insurance is also required.
Suppose the vehicle needs to be titled in Florida because it was previously titled in another state. In that case, the buyer should complete HMSV Form 82040 to apply for a Certificate of Title and provide the VIN and odometer information.
After preparing all the required documentation, various fees must be paid, including the titling fee, registration fee, 6% FL sales/use tax, county fees, and any applicable temporary license plate fee.
Vehicle Registration for Non-Residents in Florida
Can non-residents register a car in Florida? In Florida, non-residents who have purchased a vehicle in the state may be eligible to obtain a temporary license plate and car registration tag from the local county tax collector's office.
This temporary registration will enable them to legally drive the vehicle back to their home state before registering it there. However, non-residents must pay Florida sales tax and provide proof of insurance before obtaining the temporary tag.
Vehicle Registration for Military Members in Florida
The vehicle registration process for military members in Florida varies depending on whether they are Florida residents stationed in-state, Florida residents stationed out-of-state or overseas, or residents of another state stationed in Florida.
Florida Residents Stationed In-State
Florida service members stationed within the state must register their vehicles following the same procedure as other Florida residents. However, they are exempt from paying the initial registration fee. To claim this exemption, they must complete and submit an HSMV Form 82002 along with the required documents.
Florida Residents Stationed Out-Of-State
Those Florida residents stationed in another state can still register their vehicles in Florida by completing and submitting the necessary forms, along with the applicable registration fees, to the county tax collector's office in their county of residence. The required forms primarily include the following:
- Original vehicle title or the HSMV Form 82040
- HSMV Form 82002
- HSMV Form 83330 (Florida Insurance Affidavit)
Other required forms and documentation, such as the Military Insurance Exemption Information and Exemption from Florida Sales Tax for U.S. military service members, can be found on the FLHSMV Military Forms Packet.
Those members of the military who want to authorize someone else to handle their Florida vehicle registration can do so by filing an HSMV Form 82053.
Residents of Another State Stationed in Florida
Lastly, residents of another state stationed in Florida are not required to register their vehicle in this state. Still, they must maintain their current registration in their home state and carry proper insurance. If they choose to register their cars in Florida, they can follow the standard registration steps and submit HSMV Form 82002 to be exempt from the initial registration fee.
For assistance with form completion or any inquiries, individuals can contact the DHSMV Customer Service Center representatives at (850) 617-2000.
After completing the vehicle registration process in Florida, individuals will receive their license plates and Florida vehicle registration stickers. The registration sticker should be affixed to the square in the upper right-hand corner of the license plate. The registrant will also have the option to select either standard issue plates or special/personalized license plates.
How To Obtain Vanity License Plates in Florida?
To obtain vanity license plates in Florida, individuals can visit a motor vehicle service center in person. The process requires completing an Application for Personalized License Plate form and paying an additional $15 annual fee for each personalized plate.
Before heading to the tax collector's office, use the Personalized License Plate Inquiry service to check the availability of the desired plate configuration. Simply enter the proposed personalized plate configuration in one of the provided boxes to verify its availability.
Up to seven characters are allowed on license plates with a center design, including an optional additional space or hyphen. On the other hand, left-design plates can have up to five characters.
How Much Does Vehicle Registration Cost in Florida?
The registration cost in Florida varies depending on registration use, license plate type, vehicle type, and class code. However, the initial registration fee is $225, while the original or replacement license plate costs $28.
For the registration fees for different Florida vehicle types, see the breakdown below. Note that the costs mentioned represent the base vehicle tax only, and additional statutory fees may apply.
Motorcycles and Related Vehicles
- Motorcycles: $10
- Moped: $5
- Antique motorcycle: $7.50
- Autocycle: $10
Automobiles
- Antique automobile: $7.50
- Automobiles with net weight up to 2,499 pounds: $14.50
- Automobiles with 2,500 - 3,499 pounds: $22.50
- Automobiles with 3,500 or more pounds: $32.50
Trucks
- Trucks with up to 1,999 pounds: $14.50
- Trucks with 2,000 - 3,000 pounds: $22.50
- Trucks with 3,001 - 5,000 pounds: $32.50
- Goat Truck: $7.50
- Antique Truck: $7.50
Heavy Trucks (Categorized by Weight Ranges)
- 5,001 - 5,999 pounds: $60.75
- 6,000 - 7,999 pounds: $87.75
- 8,000 - 9,999 pounds: $103
- 10,000 - 14,999 pounds: $118
- 15,000 - 19,999 pounds: $177
- 20,000 - 26,000 pounds: $251
- 26,001 - 34,999 pounds: $324
- 35,000 - 43,999 pounds: $405
- 44,000 - 54,999 pounds: $773
- 55,000 - 61,999 pounds: $916
- 62,000 - 71,999 pounds: $1,080
- 72,000 or more pounds: $1,322
For other types of vehicles not mentioned above, additional fees, and accurate assessment of registration fees for a specific car, contact a local DHSMV service center or the FLHSMV.
How To Renew Vehicle Registration in Florida?
Vehicle owners must renew their registrations upon expiration to ensure compliance with Florida road regulations. Renewal options include one to two-year periods, and individuals can initiate the renewal process up to three months before the expiration date.
For personal registrations, the expiration is set at midnight on the owner's birth date, while businesses follow different guidelines.
Starting July 1, 2022, individuals facing registration stops due to toll violations must address these before being eligible for registration renewal or license plate replacement.
Methods for Renewing Vehicle Registration in Florida
In Florida, there are three convenient methods available to renew vehicle registrations: in-person visits to motor vehicle service centers, using the mobile app, or utilizing an online portal.
Renew in Office
One of the ways individuals in Florida can renew their vehicle registrations is by visiting a DHSMV service center. Check the directory provided on the FLHSMV website for the contact details of each local service center.
Individuals who opt to renew their registration in person can receive their registration on the same day, provided they fulfill all necessary paperwork and payment requirements.
Renew via Mobile App
Another way to renew vehicle registration is through a mobile app called MyFlorida, which the FLHSMV provides. This app, downloadable for free on the App Store and Google Play, allows individuals to renew up to five vehicles/vessels simultaneously.
The app enables one or two-year registration renewals for motor vehicles and vessels. Additionally, individuals can obtain a duplicate registration if their original registration is lost. The app also provides specific clearance information regarding any stops preventing registration.
To complete the renewal process, provide the license plate or VIN/hull identification number for the vehicle/vessel. If valid insurance cannot be verified, registration will not be issued. Individuals will receive a digital document via the app, which can be used until the registration arrives in the mail.
Note that a processing fee of $4 applies for credit card transactions and $3.75 for checking account transactions.
Renew through an Online Portal
The FLHSMV also offers a quick and convenient online renewal option through the MyDMV Portal. This portal allows individuals to renew their vehicle or vessel registration for one or two years, obtain duplicate registrations, and make payments using credit cards.
To complete the online renewal, provide personal identifying information of the vehicle or vessel owner. If valid insurance cannot be verified, registration will not be issued. Individuals will receive their registration in the mail within 7-10 business days, and an emailed confirmation receipt can be used until the physical registration arrives.
There is a processing fee of $2 for every transaction.
Note that if the registration has any stops, individuals must visit a local office in person or contact FLHSMV Customer Service for further assistance.
How To Check if a Vehicle Is Currently Registered in Florida?
To check a vehicle's current registration status in Florida, individuals can utilize the Motor Vehicle Check Search system provided by the FLHSMV. This online tool allows users to access vehicle registration information by entering details such as the title number or VIN.
Alternatively, individuals can visit their nearest local DHSMV service center for assistance in verifying the registration status of a specific vehicle.