What is a Transfer of Equity?
A transfer of equity occurs when the current title is held electronically due to a lien (making payments) and one of the following apply:
- Current owner(s) want to add or remove a name from the title, while at least one owner is remaining on the title, or
- The vehicle was sold and the purchaser is assuming the loan (changing the name completely).
Appointments Required / Office Locations
Appointments are required for all transactions! Visit taxcollector.com to schedule an appointment for your Transfer of Equity. We only serve Manatee County residents and businesses. Limit four transactions per appointment.
Requirements
1. Authorization Letter
A letter on letterhead stationery from the lienholder with a statement authorizing the change in ownership is required; it must list the vehicle details (year, make and VIN) and who is coming off title or retaining ownership. A legible faxed copy is acceptable.
2. Secure or Non-Secure Reassignment
All applicable owner(s) and buyer(s) must accurately complete one of the following reassignment forms in place of the title.
NOTE: The information needed to complete the form is listed on the current vehicle registration.
- Secure Reassignment (82994): Vehicles less than 10 years old, OR any vehicle that will be disclosing an odometer.
- Non-Secure Reassignment (82092): Vehicles 10 years old or older that will not be disclosing an odometer.
3. Valid Identification
All owners/purchasers* must be present with one of the following valid (unexpired) documents:
- State-issued Driver License/ID Card (includes US Territories)
- Passport from any country
- Canadian Driver License/ID Card.
NOTE: Owner(s) and buyer(s) must be present in office; a Power of Attorney (POA) may not be used for this transaction.
*BUSINESSES are required to submit documentation showing that they are a valid business. This can be done with a printout from:
- SunBiz (sunbiz.org) for a Florida business, or
- rasi.com/resource-center/business-entity-search.asp for an Out-of-State business
The printout must show an “active” status. If the individual acting on behalf of the business is not listed on the printout, they must also submit, on letterhead, a letter that authorizes them to act on behalf of the business.
4. Proof of Florida Insurance
- Must state that it is a Florida policy
- Cannot be expired or post-dated
- Must list at least one owner’s name that will be recorded on the new title
- Must list the specific information for the new vehicle you are titling (i.e. VIN, year, make, model)
- Must list the 5-digit Florida Insurance Company Code Number
NOTE: If the vehicle you are titling is a truck that weighs more than 5,000 lbs, visit our heavy truck publication (https://helpcenter.taxcollector.com/hc/en-us/articles/26676583828109) on taxcollector.com for additional insurance requirements.
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles does not require our office to view proof of insurance for the following: (1) Motorcycles, (2) Trailers, (3) Boats, (4) Mobile Homes, or (5) Off-Highway Vehicles.
Acceptable Methods of Payment and Estimated Fees
We accept 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.
Titles must be transferred within 30 days of the purchase date to avoid late fees.
- Title transfer + new plate (1 to 12 month registration)……$380 to $410
- Title transfer + transfer current plate……$90 to $120
NOTE: Estimate does not include sales tax or late fees.
First Manatee South County Tag Agency - extended hours and Saturday hours
The First Manatee South 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 the auto tag agency website (autotagagency.net). It is located in Southwood Shoppes at 5756 14th Street West, Bradenton, FL 34207. Their phone number is (941) 782-6050.
This office accepts cash, check, and debit. A fee will be charged on all check transactions to guarantee funds and on all debit transactions as a processing fee. Additional fees may apply.
The First Manatee South 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 First Manatee South County Tag Agency. See the section above for more details regarding the First Manatee South County Tag Agency. Otherwise, you will need to visit your home county tax collector’s office.