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Transfer of Equity

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. 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: 

  • Driver License/ID Card from any US State (includes US Territories)
  • Passport from any country
  • Canadian Driver License/ID Card

If presenting a passport from a country other than the US as your identification, the State of Florida requires one of the following documents to be presented as proof of legal presence:

  • An unexpired passport issued by the government of another country with a stamp or mark from the United States Department of Homeland Security
  • A current Permanent Resident Card
  • An unexpired Immigrant Visa
  • An unexpired I-94

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:

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

Not providing proof of Florida insurance is one of the most common reasons this transaction cannot be completed. Please note, out of state insurance policies MUST be transferred to Florida, and a new Florida policy issued with a Florida ID Card/Binder/Policy Number. In almost all cases, an out of state insurance agent will not be able to write a Florida insurance policy, and phone/internet based insurance companies will have to issue new policy documents showing it is a Florida policy. 

Florida insurance card/binder/policy requirements:

  • Must state that it is a Florida policy – if it doesn’t say Florida on the card, we won’t be able to take it.
  • Cannot be expired or post-dated.
  • Must list at least one owner’s name that will be recorded on the Florida title and/or registration.
  • Must list the specific information (i.e., VIN, year, make, model) for the vehicle you are titling and/or registering.
  • Must list the five-digit Florida Insurance Company Code Number.

Note: If you are titling/registering a truck that weighs more than 5,000 pounds, additional insurance requirements may apply. For details, read our heavy truck publication (https://helpcenter.taxcollector.com/hc/en-us/articles/26676583828109).

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles does not require our office to view proof of insurance for motorcycles, trailers, boats, mobile homes, or off-highway vehicles.

Acceptable Methods of Payment and Estimated Fees

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.

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.

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 to 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.