How to Sign Over a Florida Car Title

Possession of a Certificate of Title in your name is the only effective way to prove that you own a car. If you sell a Florida-titled car, you will have to transfer the title to the buyer's name and pay a title transfer fee. Although several documents are required, the process of title transfer in Florida is not particularly difficult or time-consuming. Title transfers in Florida are handled by the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.

Things You'll Need

• Seller's Certificate of Title
• Photo ID of buyer
• Bill of Sale
• Florida Application for Certificate of Title With/Without Registration
• Buyer's proof of insurance
• Check or money order

Instructions

1. Draft a Bill of Sale. The Bill of Sale should identify the car by make, model, year, color and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). It should also identify the buyer and seller, and should state the sale price. Your local government will probably impose a sales tax based on the purchase price, which must be included in the price listed on the Bill of Sale.

2. Complete the "Transfer of Title by Seller" section on your Certificate of Title, including an accurate odometer reading. The buyer will also have to sign this section.

3. Obtain a photocopy of the buyer's proof of insurance. The buyer must have personal injury protection and liability insurance in order to be issued a Certificate of Title. A copy of the insurance policy, a Florida automobile insurance identification card, a certificate of insurance or an affidavit signed by the buyer and containing pertinent details (including a description of the vehicle) are all acceptable.

4. Obtain a photocopy of the buyer's identification. A government-issued photo ID or a foreign passport will be sufficient.

5. Complete a Florida Application for Certificate of Title With/Without Registration (see Resources section), and have the buyer sign it.

6. Make out a check or money order for the appropriate title transfer fee. Either the seller or the buyer may pay the fee.

7. Mail all of the foregoing documentation to the tax collector's office in the locality of the buyer (see Resources section). A new Certificate of Title will be mailed to the buyer within a few weeks.

Tips & Warnings

• If you give your car to someone such as a family member, you will need to either draw up a bill of sale (the sale price could be $1 if desired) or draw up an affidavit signed by you and the person you are gifting.

• A false statement in a title application could subject you to prosecution.

References

• Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles: FAQs on Getting a Hassle Free Title
• Seminole County Tax Collector: Florida Title Transfer for Vehicles

Resources

• State of Florida: Application for Certificate of Title With/Without Registration
• Flroida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles: Local Tax Collectors' Office Locations