Motor Vehicle General Information

For information regarding Florida title transfers, read our Florida title transfer publication (https://helpcenter.taxcollector.com/hc/en-us/articles/25134359433741). For an estimate of title & registration fees, visit the FLHSMV fees page (https://www.flhsmv.gov/fees/).
 

There are very specific circumstances in which you may be exempt from paying sales tax on the purchase price of a motor vehicle:

• When you move from another state and you've been the titled owner in that state for at least six months.
• When a motor vehicle is given to you for no consideration in return (i.e., no money exchanges hands).
• When you trade motor vehicles with someone else and no additional consideration is exchanged.
• When you inherit a motor vehicle from someone who is deceased.
• When you have already paid sales tax on the car, truck, motorcycle or trailer. A bill of sale or invoice from the dealership or an out-of-state registration that lists the purchase price of the motor vehicle, amount of sales tax paid, the purchaser's information, and the vehicle's year, make, and vehicle identification number are required to prove sales tax paid.

Other situations may qualify for a full or partial sales tax exemption.
 

Bring in your valid (unexpired) state-issued license/ID or valid (unexpired) passport along with the plate number, title number or vehicle identification number for the motor vehicle. For additional details and requirements, read our duplicate Florida title publication (https://helpcenter.taxcollector.com/hc/en-us/articles/26591008137229).
 

The quickest way to get the title in your name is to contact the seller and arrange for them to meet you at our office. Both of you will need to present your valid (unexpired) state-issued license / ID card or valid (unexpired) passport. (This includes any co-sellers and/or co-purchasers.)

The seller will apply for a duplicate title at the same time it is transferred into your name, and at that time you will be issued a registration and plate/decal. Note: Double title fees will apply, as there is one fee for the seller and one for the buyer.

For additional details and requirements, read our duplicate Florida title publication (https://helpcenter.taxcollector.com/hc/en-us/articles/26591008137229) and Florida title transfer publication (https://helpcenter.taxcollector.com/hc/en-us/articles/25134359433741).
 
 

To view the requirements for obtaining a temporary plate, read our temporary plate publication (https://helpcenter.taxcollector.com/hc/en-us/articles/27669839782797).         
                                   

6. Are you selling a motor vehicle?

An owner or co-owner who has transferred or sold a motor vehicle is required to notify the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) within 30 days after the sale or transfer to satisfy the requirement for limitation of liability.  This can be done online (or scan the QR code to access the site), with a Notice of Sale form or by detaching and completing the top third of the Florida title, above the perforation, and mailing it to the DHSMV at the address listed on the form.  For additional requirements, read our vehicle, boat, and mobile home sale publication (https://helpcenter.taxcollector.com/hc/en-us/articles/26708580257933).

 

If you are completing a title transfer by mail, we require you to use our title by mail page service.  Due to the difficult nature of these transactions we suggest, whenever possible, titling motor vehicles in person or using the power of attorney form to appoint someone to act on your behalf.