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A Florida vehicle registration is documentation with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FDHSMV) that connects all owned or leased vehicles with their owners in Florida.

Step-by-Step Florida Vehicle Registration Guide

The state of Florida requires its residents to register all their vehicles with the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV). Registration and titling occur together in Florida, so residents only need to complete the process once to complete both tasks.

New Residents of Florida

Residents new to Florida have 30 days to register and title their vehicle with their local Florida DHSMV once they:

  • Start a job in the state.
  • Register their children for a school in Florida.
  • Establish residency in Florida through rental, lease, or purchase an apartment or house.

Florida residents are required to title their car or truck in the state of Florida at the same time they register the vehicle. FL residents can title their vehicle without registering it, but it can’t be driven legally in the state if the vehicle is not registered.

Registering an Out-of-State Vehicle in the State of Florida

Before residents of Florida can register their vehicle, they need to:

  • Have a valid Florida driver’s license.
  • Have proof of a valid Florida auto insurance policy.
  • Have a completed VIN inspection and odometer reading for their vehicle.

Once these steps are completed, FL residents need to go to the Florida county tax collector’s office and present:

  • Their valid Florida driver’s license. (If there is more than one owner of the vehicle, all the owners must submit proof of identity.)
  • Submit proof of a valid Florida auto insurance policy.
  • Present the vehicle’s out-of-state title.
    • If FL residents don’t have their vehicle’s title due to a lienholder, the Florida’s tax collector’s office will help them contact the lienholder and have the new title sent to the resident.
  • Have the vehicle identification number (VIN) verified on the Vehicle Identification Number and Odometer Verification (Form HSMV 82042). The VIN is often referred to as the Florida vehicle registration number. In Florida, a resident may be able to have their vehicle verified at the county tax collector’s office, or they can have this completed before they register their car by:
    • Any police officer.
    • Florida car dealers.
    • Car dealer from the previous state on dealership letterhead.
    • Florida DMV examiners/inspectors.
    • Florida Notary Public.
    • Active-duty military officers, such as a provost marshal, or Navy legalman.
  • Submit a completed Application for Certificate of Title with or Without (Form HSMV 82040). All owners of the vehicle are required to sign the form, and proof of identity is required for all owners, even if they are not present.
    • Residents of Florida can register their vehicle for 1 year or 2 years.
  • Submit the completed Vehicle Identification Number and Odometer Verification (Form HSMV 82042).
  • Pay all registration and tax fees (see below).

New Florida Resident Vehicle Sales Tax

The state of Florida may charge sales tax, use tax, and local discretionary taxes on a vehicle when it is registered for the first time in Florida. Whether or not a new Florida resident pays the taxes depends on how long they have owned their vehicle.

  • Vehicles owned less than 6 months:
    • The vehicle owner is responsible for paying the 6% Florida sales or use tax and any local discretionary taxes their new city or county of residence may require.
    • Florida sales tax is pro-rated based on any taxes they paid in a different state.
      • For example: new residents already paid 3% tax in their previous state, so they subtract 3% from the 6% tax they owe to the state of Florida. This means new Florida residents owe 3% sales or use tax.
  • Vehicles owned over 6 months:
    • No sales, use, or local discretionary taxes will be charged in the state of Florida for vehicles that have been owned and registered in a different state.
    • New residents of Florida’s out-of-state title and registration need to verify they have owned the vehicle for over 6 months.

Residents of Florida must register their vehicle for the first time whenever they purchase a vehicle or given a vehicle.

Buying a Car from a Dealership

Authorized car dealerships can issue temporary license plates and file the title/registration for Florida residents. Individuals need to ask any dealership where they are considering purchasing a vehicle if they are authorized to use:

Electronic Temporary Registration (ETR) and the Electronic Filing System (EFS).

The dealership is required to transfer a vehicle’s title and registration within 30 days of purchase. If the transfer is not completed in this time, individuals need to contact the county tax collector’s office to receive their vehicle’s registration and title.

Florida residents also need to complete a Bill of Sale with the seller of the vehicle as proof of record of the transaction. The seller of the vehicle needs to submit the Bill of Sale to the tax collector’s office. Florida residents need to make sure they have a copy of the Bill of Sale.

After the seller and Florida resident complete a FL Bill/Notice of Sale, they can register their vehicle by:

  • Completing the vehicle’s title with the seller of the vehicle.

Residents need to cross-reference the vehicle’s VIN with the VIN that’s listed on the title. If the vehicle has never been titled in the state of Florida, FL residents need to get a VIN inspection.

  • Complete an odometer/mileage disclosure

Only required for vehicles that do not exceed 10 years old.

  • Visit a county tax collector’s office in Florida and submit the paperwork.
  • Providing proof of a valid Florida auto insurance policy.
  • If the vehicle also needs to be titled in the state of Florida (i.e. residents are purchasing a vehicle that is currently titled in a different state), residents of Florida need to complete and submit an Application for Certification for Title With or Without Registration (Form HSMV 82040) as well as the Vehicle Identification Number and Odometer Verification (Form HSMV 82042).
  • Pay all fees (see “Registration Fees” below):
    • Title fee.
    • Vehicle registration fee.
    • Florida sales and use tax: 6%.
    • Local county fees.
    • License plate fee if required (FL residents are not charged if transferring plates).
  • Get the vehicle’s license plates and registration stickers.

Florida Temporary Vehicle Registrations

Non-residents of the state of Florida who are from a different state who purchased a vehicle in Florida may be eligible to receive temporary vehicle registration tags from a local county tax collector’s office in Florida.

These temporary tags allow individuals to legally drive their vehicle back to their state of residence before registering it in their home state. Individuals are still required to pay the Florida sales tax and provide proof of an active auto insurance policy to receive their temporary vehicle tags.

Motorcycle Registration in the State of Florida

Residents of Florida who are ready to explore Florida’s coastline on their motorcycle need to ensure their motorcycle can legally be operated on the highways and roadways of Florida.

New Residents of Florida

Upon establishing Florida residency, new residents have 30 days to register their motorcycle with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FDHSMV).

Before visiting a local registration office, residents need to:

  • Apply for a motorcycle license for the state of Florida
  • Complete a vehicle identification number (VIN) inspection.
    • A VIN and Odometer Verification (Form HSMV 82042) form needs to completed by a:
      • Police officer.
      • Car dealer.
      • Certified DMV inspector.

Now new residents of the Sunshine State can head to their local FL tax collector’s office with their:

  • Valid Florida motorcycle license.
  • Out-of-state title and registration.

(If the title is currently held by a lienholder, the tax collector’s office will initiate contact)

  • Various completed forms, such as:
    • Application for Certificate of Title With or Without Registration (Form HSMV 82040).
  • Payment for the new resident titling fee of $77.25 and all other applicable registration taxes and fees.

How to Register a Motorcycle in Florida

In the Sunshine State, motorcycle registrations are valid for 1 year.

Dealership Purchases

Once a motorcycle is purchased from a Florida dealership, the dealer has 30 days to submit the title and registration paperwork. The Florida DHSMV will send your permanent title and registration documents to Florida residents by mail. Registration taxes and fees are paid at the motorcycle dealership

Private Purchases

FL residents who purchase a motorcycle from a private seller, need to complete the transfer of title and registration themselves.

Residents of Florida can visit their local county tax office and present:

  • A bill of sale.
  • Bring these forms completed and signed:
    • Vehicle title.
    • Application for Certificate of Title With or Without Registration (Form HSMV 82040).
    • Separate Odometer Disclosure Statement and Acknowledgement (Form HSMV 82993) Only if there is no space available on the motorcycle title.
      • If the motorcycle has not been previously registered in Florida, residents need to submit the VIN inspection form instead.
  • Pay the base registration tax of $10 and all other applicable taxes and fees.

Motorcycle Registration Fees & Taxes

Registration fees for motorcycles in Florida vary, based on different factors, including the motorcycle’s license plate type, vehicle weight, and other factors.

Here are the base taxes and fees Florida residents can expect to pay before the motorcycle’s specifics are factored:

  • Motorcycle registration tax: $10.
  • Antique motorcycle: $7.50.
  • New title: $77.25.
  • Transferred title: $75.25.
  • Original used title fee: $77.25.

This is applicable to motorcycles previously titled outside of Florida.

  • Service/handling fee: $2.50.
  • Lien recording fee (if applicable): $2.

Boat Registration and Licenses in Florida

Navigating Florida’s beautiful waters requires specific registration and licenses. Depending on the type of vessel a FL resident owns, they may need to title register their boat with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV).

Boats Requiring Title & Registration

If the type of boat an FL resident owns is not included in the exemption lists below, they are required to title and/or register their vessel with the FLHSMV.

Boats that are exempt from having a title in the state of Florida include:

  • Vessels that are primarily used only on private lakes and ponds.
  • Watercraft or vessels that are owned by an entity of the U.S. government.
  • Vessels that are not powered by a motor AND less than 16 feet in length.
  • Vessels that obtain federal documentation.
  • Watercraft or vessels that are not used on Florida waters for over 90 consecutive days.
  • Vessels that are amphibious.
  • Vessels that are documented with the U.S. Coast Guard OR in another state (with a federally-approved numbering system) being used on FL waters for 90 days or less.

The vessels exempt from registration in the state of Florida include:

  • Boats that do not exceed 16 feet in length AND not powered by a motor.
  • Regardless of length, all non-motor-powered vessels, including:
    • Canoes.
    • Kayaks.
    • Racing shells.
    • Rowing sculls.
  • Vessels that are primarily used on private ponds and lakes.
  • Boats that are owned by the U.S. government.
  • Lifeboats used solely for this purpose.
  • Florida non-resident vessels that are used on Florida waters for no longer than 90 consecutive days.

Individuals who want to learn more about boat titling and registration can call the FLHSMV at (850) 617-2000.

Florida Boat Titling Procedures

Residents of the Sunshine State must title the boat within 30 days of purchasing the vessel.

New Boat Titling in Florida

After buying a new boat, residents can acquire a title by providing the following at their county tax collector or license plate agent office:

  • A proof of ownership documentation such as:
    • Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin.
    • Official statement of the vessel’s builder.
    • Dealer’s bill of sale.
  • A completed application for a boat title.

Only available in person at the tax collector/license plate agent office.

  • Payment for all appliable boat titling fees

Titling Used Boats in Florida

To title a used boat, residents of Florida need to present the following at their Florida county tax collector or license play agency’s office:

  • The vessel’s title that is signed by the buyer AND seller.

If the boat is from a state that doesn’t issue vessel titles, provide:

  • The vessel’s current out-of-state registration.
    • A completed bill of sale
  • A completed application for a vessel title.

Can only be obtained in person at the tax collector/license plate agent office.

  • Payment for all applicable boat titling fees

FL Boat Registration Requirements

Florida residents who wish to register their boat, they can visit a license plate agency or county tax collector’s office and submit:

  • Completed boat registration application.

This registration is not available online and can only be obtained in person at a license plate agent/tax collector office.

  • A proof of ownership document, such as:
    • Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin.
    • Bill of sale
    • Builder’s contract.
    • Federal marine document.
  • Your vessel’s title (if applicable).
  • Payment for all applicable FLHSMV boat registration fees.

Florida vessels can be registered for 1 year or 2 years. The boat’s registration needs to remain on board when the boat is in operation.

Boat Registration Fees in the State of Florida

The fees associated with titling and registering a vessel with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles are as follows:

  • Title fees:
    • Electronic copy: $5.25.
    • Paper copy: $7.75.
    • Expedited title: $11.
    • Replacement: $6.
  • Per lien recorded on a title: $1 in addition to original title fee.
  • Fee for titling previously out-of-state vessel: $4 in addition to initial titling fee.
  • Original/renewal registration fees (based on the length of your boat):
    • Class A-1 (vessels less than 12 ft and all motorized canoes): $5.50.
    • Class A-2 (12 ft to 16 ft): $16.25.
    • Class 1 (16 ft to 26 ft): $28.75.
    • Class 2 (26 ft to 40 ft: $78.25.
    • Class 3 (40 ft to 65 ft): $127.75.
    • Class 4 (65 ft to 110 ft): $152.75.
    • Class 5 (110 ft or longer): $189.75.
  • Registration service fee: $2.25.
  • Florida’s Real-Time Vehicle Information System (FRVIS) fee: $0.50.

Some Florida counties may charge additional fees.

Accepted Forms of Payment

  • Cash
  • Personal check
  • Credit/Debit Cards
  • Visa
  • MasterCard
  • Discover Card
  • American Express

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