How to Transfer a Title in Florida Due to Death

The vehicle's title should be transferred as soon as possible.

If you've inherited a vehicle from a family member or friend who has recently passed away, upon taking ownership of the car the first thing you will need to do is have the title transferred into your name. Having your name on the title proves that you are now the vehicle's rightful owner and will allow you to have it registered so you can drive it legally. Follow these steps to transfer the title in the state of Florida.

Things You'll Need

• Death certificate
• Copy of the deceased's will
• Insurance card

Instructions

1. Collect the title to the vehicle, a copy of the death certificate and a copy of the will. This is all necessary paperwork to prove to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) that the previous owner has passed away and the vehicle has been left to you. If the person left no will but you are the sole heir, you will inherit the vehicle by default, but you will want to consult with a probate attorney to find out how to transfer the title without a will.

2. Fill out an Application for Certificate of Title With/Without Registration. You can download this form online from the DHSMV website or pick up a paper copy at the tax collector's office. The form is two pages long and asks for information about you, the vehicle and the reason for transferring the title.

3. Go to your local county tax collector's office with the current title, death certificate, will, title application and proof that you have sufficient motor-vehicle insurance. In Florida, the minimum amount of insurance coverage legally allowed is $10,000 personal injury protection and $10,000 property damage liability. If you have car insurance but don't have an insurance card, you will need to fill out and sign a Florida insurance affidavit providing the name of your insurance company and your policy number.

4. Pay the title fee. For a transfer of title, the cost is $75.25 for an electronic title or $77.75 for a printed paper title. The Florida DHSMV accepts payments via cash, check, money order and credit or debit cards.

5. Re-register the vehicle in your name after the title has been transferred to you. This can also be done at the tax collector's office and ranges in cost from $46.15 to $141.30, depending on the type of vehicle.

References

• DMV.org: Florida Title Transfers---Inheriting a Vehicle
• Florida DHSMV: Title Transfer
• Florida DHSMV: Motorist Services Fees
• Florida DHSMV: Vehicle Insurance Questions and Answers

Resources

• Florida DHSMV: Application for Certificate of Title With/Without Registration
• Florida DHSMV: Florida Insurance Affidavit
• Florida DHSMV: Office Locations