How to Transfer a Car Title in Florida

Title Transfer

A title transfer is required in Florida to prove ownership if you bought a new or used car. The title transfer is required if you sold, donated, or gifted your car, too.

The title transfer process is easy in the state of Florida requiring a few steps for filing info, paying fees, and submitting paperwork.

Buying or Selling a Vehicle: The Title Transfer Process

Selling your vehicle or buying one through a private sale? This is the process (including both parties):

  1. Retrieve the vehicle’s title or request a duplicate using form HSMV 82101*
  2. Fill the title transfer section on the Florida certificate of title
  3. Complete the Application for Certificate of Title With/Without Registration (HSMV 82040)
    1. Owner/applicant information
    2. A vehicle, mobile home, or vessel description
    3. Odometer declaration
    4. Application signatures
  4. Bring the necessary, personal documents:
    1. Proof of identification
    2. Proof of insurance and/or Insurance Affidavit (HSMV 83330)
    3. Documents stating any liens have been paid
    4. Bill of sale
  5. Pay the taxes and fees

* The title transfer may happen when receiving a duplicate title.

Both parties must be present at the DMV location to file the necessary paperwork. This is a good idea, in general, to prevent any troubles when transferring titles. Always keep copies of the bill of sale for record-keeping, too.

Dealerships, Out-of-state Vehicles, Inherited, and Gifted Vehicles

Florida wants to know when titles are transferred outside of private sales whether buying from a car lot. Or, passing the vehicle & title around family and friends. This process goes for other vehicle registrations, too, like motorcycles.

Buying from Dealerships

Dealerships will process your title & registration, sending documents to their appropriate locations.

Out-of-state Vehicles

Require the same documents plus VIN verification (HSMV 82402) and extra payments for title transfer, new FL vehicle fee, and registration costs.

Inheriting a Vehicle

Provide the HSMV 82040, title payment fees, and death certificate, will, trust, or court order.

Gifted/Donated Vehicles

Complete the same title transfer process with a bill of sale/HSMV 83330 form.

Florida Title Transfer Fees and Taxes

Title transfers and its associated fees and taxes are expected.

Electronic Titles

  • Electronic title transfer (Florida): $75.25
  • Electronic title transfer (Out-of-state): $85.25

Paper Titles

  • Paper title transfer (Florida): $77.75
  • Paper title transfer (Out-of-state): $87.75

Other (Potential) Charges

  • Vehicle Liens: $2/lien
  • “New Wheels on the Road” fee: $225
  • Paper title by mail: $2.50
  • Expedited service: $10

Registration fees (by weight: $46.15 – $72.40) are paid during the processing if you’re putting it on the road. You will also pay a 6% Florida tax and a local tax when completing the registration.