1. Appointments Required / Office Locations
Appointments are required for all transactions! Visit taxcollector.com to schedule an appointment for your title/registration transfer. We only serve Manatee County residents and businesses. Limit four transactions per appointment.
2. Proof of Ownership
For a Used Boat or Utility Trailer (1,999 pounds or less), you must submit one of the following:
- Bill of Sale – Must contain the vehicle identification number (VIN) and other trailer details, and must be signed by the seller(s) and list the purchaser(s).
- Prior Owner’s Registration and a Bill of Sale – Must be signed by the seller(s) and list the purchaser(s). If both items are presented, Bill of Sale does not need to contain the VIN as long as it is signed by the current registered owner. On newer Florida registrations, the Bill of Sale is located in the lower right hand corner.
- Dealer Invoice – If purchased from a Florida Dealer.
- Out-of-State Title, Registration, or Manufacturer Statement of Origin (MSO) – must show complete “chain of ownership”.
For a New Manufactured Boat or Utility Trailer (1,999 pounds or less):
- Original MSO - must show a "complete chain" of ownership from dealer to dealer until assigned to you
For Homemade Trailers Never Registered - No Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) (1,999 pounds or less):
-
Bill of Sale with perjury clause or notary (only if purchased from the builder).
- Note: If you are the builder of the trailer, all you need is a weight slip (see below).
3. Proof of Empty Weight
Submit one of the following:
- Weight slip (see list of weight stations below)
- Weight indicated on dealer paperwork
- Weight indicated on the Out-of-State title, registration, or MSO
- If previously registered in Florida, the weight listed in our system will suffice
4. Identification
5. Sales Tax
- If purchased from a Florida dealer, you must submit their Trailer Sales Tax Statement.
- An invoice from the Dealer/Manufacturer showing the purchase price and sales tax collected.
6. Estimated Fees and Payment Methods
Our office accepts cash, check, debit cards, and credit cards. A $2.50 processing fee for debit cards and a 2.5% processing fee (minimum of $2.50) for credit cards will apply. Our office does not retain any portion of this fee.
- $4.60 - $65.00
Frequently Asked Questions
Can someone sell a non-titled trailer (weighing 1,999 pounds or less without registering it in their name first?
Yes. Unlike titled vehicles, the owner of a non-titled trailer does not have to register it in their name before selling it. However, they must be able to prove to the purchaser (and our office) that they are the owner by way of a "complete chain" of ownership.
The purchaser must submit to our office all ownership documents that make up the "complete chain" of ownership, including the bills of sale to each purchaser(s) to the new, current purchaser(s).
What is required if I purchased a trailer weighing 2,000 pounds or more?
Trailers weighing 2,000 pounds or more are required to be titled and registered, and additional documentation is required. For more information, read our Florida Title Transfer publication (https://helpcenter.taxcollector.com/hc/en-us/articles/25134359433741) or Out-of-State Title Transfer publication (https://helpcenter.taxcollector.com/hc/en-us/articles/25134504897293).
Note: If the trailer is homemade (weighing 2,000 pounds or more) and has never been titled or registered, the DMV Regional Office located in Palmetto must inspect the trailer and assign a FLT number before a Florida title and registration may be issued. Appointments are required.
Death Scenario Transactions
Manatee County Tag Agency – extended hours and Saturday Hours
The Manatee County Tag Agency processes registration and title transactions for vehicles, boats, and mobile homes as well as parking permits. This office does not offer driver license, hunting and fishing, or property tax services.
It offers extended hours (9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday to Friday) and Saturday hours (9 a.m. to 2 p.m.). Appointments are available but are not required. To schedule an appointment, visit www.autotagagency.net.
First Manatee South County Tag Agency is located in Southwood Shoppes at 5756 14th Street West, Bradenton, FL 34207. Their phone number is (941) 782-6050.
Express Auto Tags North River is located at 4333 US-301, Ellenton, FL 34222. Their phone number is (941) 623-9196
These offices accept cash, check, debit and credit cards. A fee will be charged on all check transactions top guarantee funds and on all debit/credit card transactions as a processing fee. Additional processing fees apply. Please contact Manatee County Tag Agency for more information.
The Manatee County Tag Agency is a privately owned office operating under the authority granted by the Manatee County Tax Collector’s Office.
Non-Manatee County residents
Not a Manatee County resident? Out-of-county residents can only be served at the Manatee County Tag Agency. See the section above for more details regarding the Manatee County Tag Agency. Otherwise, you will need to visit your home county tax collector’s office.