Title by Mail

Important! Title by mail services are available only to Manatee County residents and businesses, including individuals who are in the process of moving to Manatee County. You also qualify if Manatee County was your last county of residence in Florida before moving out of state. Proof of residency must be submitted with your paperwork.

Transactions Not Eligible for Processing by Mail

The following transactions require in-person processing or another process:

• Print electronic titles – refer to our Electronic Titles publication (helpcenter.taxcollector.com/hc/en-us/articles/26596597198733) for instructions on converting your electronic title to paper.
• Vehicles already registered in Florida as “registration only” (titled in another state with a lien or lease) – refer to our Out-of-State Title Transfer publication (helpcenter.taxcollector.com/hc/en-us/articles/25134504897293) for in-person processing requirements.
• Specialized transactions – refer to our Specialized Transactions: What You Need To Know publication (helpcenter.taxcollector.com/hc/en-us/articles/25140932198541) for a list of transactions and processing options.
• Lienholder requests for out-of-state title transfer – lienholders must mail the title and applicable paperwork to the owner to complete the transaction in-person at one of our branches. Refer to our Out-of-State Title Transfer publication (helpcenter.taxcollector.com/hc/en-us/articles/25134504897293) for in-person processing requirements. 
• Lienholder requests to add or remove a name – lienholders must mail the title and applicable paperwork to the owner to complete the transaction in-person at one of our branches. Refer to our Transfer of Equity publication (helpcenter.taxcollector.com/hc/en-us/articles/27669402245645) for in-person processing requirements.

How to Complete a Title by Mail Transaction 

IMPORTANT: If you start a transaction by mail, you must complete it by mail. Do not mail an incomplete packet with plans to visit an office later to provide missing documents, show proof of insurance, complete VIN verification, or finish another requirement. Mail all required documents together in one packet.

Step 1 - Identify Your Title Transaction

Review the publication below that matches the transaction you want to complete. Each publication provides information specific to that transaction, such as required documents, available processing options, estimated fees, and any additional requirements that may apply. After reviewing the publication, follow the remaining steps below to complete your transaction by mail with our office.

Before continuing to Step 2, check whether either situation below applies to your transaction:

Military Members

If you are a member of the United States Armed Forces and would like a detailed checklist and estimate of fees, please visit the FLHSMV Military Forms Packet webpage (flhsmv.gov/military/military-forms-packet/). You must also complete our Military Affidavit (public.powerdms.com/MCTC/documents/1470962) and submit it with your paperwork.

Death Scenario Transactions

Due to the many variables that may be involved with a death scenario transaction, the Manatee County Tax Collector's Office has created the Death Scenario Assistance Chart  (taxcollector.jotform.com/221954883649977) - or scan the QR code to access the chart - to walk you through determining the requirements. You may also refer to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles' procedure, TL-18 (flhsmv.gov/pdf/proc/tl/tl-18.pdf), for details and instructions on processing your transaction. Exhibits and charts are located at the bottom of the procedure to assist with determining the requirements.

Step 2 - Complete the Title Application

Print and complete the applicable title application below. Original signatures are required. A legible copy of valid, unexpired identification for all parties involved must accompany all title applications.

• Motor vehicles - HSMV 82040 MV (flhsmv.gov/pdf/forms/82040.pdf)
• Boats - HSMV 82040 VS (flhsmv.gov/pdf/forms/82040-vs.pdf)
• Mobile homes - HSMV 82040 MH (flhsmv.gov/pdf/forms/82040-mh.pdf)
• Duplicate Title Application – HSMV 82101 (flhsmv.gov/pdf/forms/82101.pdf)

Step 3 - Determine the Amount to Pay

Title and registration fees vary based on the transaction. Review the applicable publication in Step 1 for an estimate of fees.

Refer to the FLHSMV’s Fee Page (flhsmv.gov/fees/) for additional fee information.

Did you purchase the vehicle from a dealership? Refer to the Dealer Invoice Calculator to determine applicable taxable items.

Step 4 - Choose a Payment Method

• Check or money order in U.S. funds, payable to Ken Burton, Jr., Tax Collector.
• Credit or debit card, with a properly completed Credit/Debit Card Authorization for Title by Mail form (public.powerdms.com/MCTC/documents/2771145).
  • A 2.75% processing fee applies, with a minimum fee of $2.75. The Manatee County Tax Collector’s Office does not retain any portion of this fee.

Not sure of the exact amount? If paying by check, you may submit a signed check payable to Ken Burton, Jr., Tax Collector, and leave the amount blank. Our office will enter the amount when the transaction is processed.

Step 5 - Before You Mail Checklist

Use this checklist below to make sure your packet is complete: 

[ ]  The requirements from the applicable publication in Step 1.

[ ]  The completed title application, with original signatures from Step 2.

[ ]  A legible copy of valid, unexpired identification for all parties involved.

[ ]  The original title or other ownership document required for your transaction.

[ ]  Proof of Manatee County residency.

[ ]  One of the payment methods outlined in Step 4.

Optional: Include a prepaid, trackable return envelope if you want to expedite the return of documents and have shipment tracking. Envelopes marked "Bill Sender," or similar, will not be used if the Tax Collector's Office is listed as the sender.  

Step 6 - Mail the Complete Packet

Mail all required documents and payment to:
 

Step 7 - After You Mail Your Packet

Watch Your Email

Status updates are sent to the email address provided with your paperwork:

• When your paperwork is received.
• When your transaction is processed or your paperwork is returned.

Status updates cannot be requested by calling or emailing our office.

If a dealership, lender, or third party mailed the paperwork on your behalf, follow up with that sender when applicable.

If Something is Missing

Incomplete title work will be returned to the sender with a checklist explaining what is needed. Completed title work will also be returned to the sender unless different mailing instructions are provided.

Review your transaction-specific publication and the Step 5 checklist carefully before mailing to help avoid delays.

Processing and Title Mailing Time

Allow approximately 10-14 business days for our office's processing and mailing time.

Florida titles are mailed by FLHSMV, not our office. After we complete your transaction, the title information is sent electronically to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) in Tallahassee. FLHSMV generally mails the title within 10-14 business days after our office completes the transaction. Allow additional time for USPS delivery. USPS tracking is not available for titles mailed by FLHSMV.