How to Transfer a Motor Vehicle Title in Florida
If you have obtained a new car, motorcycle or RV, you want to transfer the title as soon as possible to ensure proof of ownership. Florida law requires the dealership to take care of the title transfer when you purchase a new vehicle, but for privately obtained vehicles, you'll need to make sure the paperwork is processed correctly.
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Things You'll Need
- Florida driver's license, ID or passport
- Completed form 82040
- Original Certificate of Title
- Original bill of sale, if applicable
- Proof of insurance or completed Florida insurance affidavit (form 83330), if applicable
- Copy of previous owner's death certificate, and will, if applicable
- Sufficient funds
Instructions
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Title Transfer after Purchase
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1
Make sure the title is clear and free of liens. Have the seller fill in the section of the title called "Transfer of title by seller," the mileage, date of mileage, and the sales price. The seller needs to sign the Certificate of Title. If the title lists more than one person as vehicle owners, all sellers need to sign and print their names. Then enter your own name and address exactly as it appears on your Florida driver's license or ID, or have the seller add this information for you. Sign and print your name.
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2
Get a Florida bill of sale, and make sure the seller completes the form accurately. Double-check the correct numbers for the current odometer reading and the sales price. Both you and the seller need to sign and date the bill of sale. The state of Florida will collect 6 percent sales tax on the sales price.
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3
Download and fill in form 82040, "Application for Certificate of Title With/Without Registration," and make sure you have added all the required information. Title applicants tend to fail to properly complete sections 1, 2, 6, and 12 of this form, according to the Seminole County Tax Collector's website, thereby delaying the processing of their title transfer. Make sure to have the VIN verified by an authorized person on the form 82040, if the vehicle has previously been registered in another state.
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4
Take the old Certificate of Title, the bill of sale, the completed form 82040 and your Florida driver's license or ID to your local tax collector office or license plate agency. Be prepared to present proper proof of insurance with a Florida-licensed insurance company if you plan to register your vehicle at the time you apply for the title transfer.
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5
Pay the initial processing fee. The state charges an extra fee if you want a paper title or if you are recording a lien. Additional charges apply for vehicles previously registered in another state. Allow approximately two weeks to receive the new Certificate of Title in the mail. If you choose and pay for so-called "Fast Title" service, the document is produced at your local office and will be ready for same day pick-up.
Title Transfer with Gift or Donation
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6
Have the giver complete in the Certificate of Title section called "Transfer of title by seller," the mileage, date of mileage, and write "gift" or "donation" in the box asking for the sales price. The giver needs to sign the title and print his name. Then enter your own name and address exactly as it appears on your Florida driver's license or ID. Sign and print your name.
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7
Get a Florida bill of sale, and make sure the giver completes the form accurately. Write "gift" or "donation" in the "sales price" box, and double-check the correct transfer of the current odometer reading. Both you and the giver need to sign and date the bill of sale.
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8
Download and fill in form 82040, "Application for Certificate of Title With/Without Registration," and make sure you have added all the required information. Title applicants tend to fail to properly complete sections 1, 2, 6, and 12 of this form, according to the Seminole County Tax Collector's website, thereby delaying the processing of their title transfer. Make sure to have the VIN verified by an authorized person on the form 82040, if the vehicle has previously been registered in another state.
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9
Take the old title, the bill of sale, the completed form 82040 and your Florida driver's license or ID to your local tax collector office or license plate agency. Be prepared to present proper proof of insurance with a Florida-licensed insurance company if you plan to register your vehicle at the time you apply for the title transfer.
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10
Pay the initial processing fee. The state charges extra if you want a paper title or if you are recording a lien. Additional charges apply for vehicles previously registered in another state. Allow approximately two weeks to receive the new Certificate of Title in the mail. If you choose and pay for expedited service, the document is produced at your local office and will be ready for same day pick-up.
Title Transfer after Inheritance
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11
Make sure the will clearly states that the vehicle was left to you, and get a copy of the death certificate. You may be able to transfer the car without a will if you are the only heir.
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12
Locate the Certificate of Title.
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13
Download and fill in form 82040, "Application for Certificate of Title With/Without Registration," and make sure you have added all the required information. Title applicants tend to fail to properly complete sections 1, 2, 6, and 12 of this form, according to the Seminole County Tax Collector's website, thereby delaying the processing of their title transfer. Make sure to have the VIN verified by an authorized person on the form 82040, if the vehicle has previously been registered in another state.
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14
Take the Certificate of Title, the bill of sale, the completed form 82040 and your Florida driver's license or ID to your local tax collector office. Be prepared to present proper proof of insurance with a Florida-licensed insurance company if you plan to register your vehicle at the time you apply for the title transfer.
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15
Pay the initial processing fee. The state charges extra if you want a paper title or if you are recording a lien. Additional charges apply for vehicles previously registered in another state. Allow approximately two weeks to receive the new Certificate of Title in the mail. If you choose and pay for expedited service, the document is produced at your local office and will be ready for same day pick-up.
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1
Tips & Warnings
If you are paying off a car loan, the lending company will usually send you a letter of release as soon as your debt is paid in full. The state Florida will reissue a Certificate of Title automatically. You don't need to take any further steps.
Your county may collect an additional local discretionary sales surtax.
References
Resources
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