How to Perform a Title Transfer in Florida
Performing a Florida car title transfer procedure is mandatory when transferring the ownership rights over a motor vehicle to another legal entity. Individuals may be able to perform title transfers for cars through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV).
Motorists who are wondering “How do you transfer a title on a car in FL?” first need to learn the steps that must be taken for a sale and purchase process. Moreover, drivers are encouraged to satisfy certain requirements in order to successfully perform a title transfer at the FLHSMV. For more detailed information about how to complete a title transfer for your vehicle or about the imposed requirements, continue reading the sections below.
What is a car title transfer in Florida?
Motorists who are wondering about title transfer requirements in Florida are highly recommended to first learn what a certificate of title is and when it may be used. A car title is a legal document issued by the FLHSMV and it may be used as proof of ownership because it contains important information about the motor vehicle in question.
Therefore, a car title transfer is a procedure that motorists need to perform when they want to transfer the ownership rights over a motor vehicle to another legal entity. Vehicle owners who want to perform title transfers for cars in Florida are encouraged to discover more information about the procedure beforehand.
When is a vehicle title transfer required in Florida?
Florida title transfers for cars are mandatory procedures that two legal entities need to perform when transferring the ownership rights over a motor vehicle between themselves.
In most cases, a title transfer must be conducted when selling or purchasing a motor vehicle. Moreover, a transfer of title may be also performed when the vehicle is received as a gift, donation, or as part of an inheritance.
Motorists who are wondering how to fill out a transfer of title in Florida must first discover the instances when they will be mandated to perform such procedure. To discover more information about the title transfer procedure, contact the FLHSMV and inquire more details that refer to your specific situation.
Note: Keep in mind that you cannot complete a title transfer online in Florida, as this procedure must be done in person.
Information and Documents Necessary to Transfer a Title in Florida
When performing a procedure of car title transfer in Florida, motorists are required to prepare certain documentation and information needed for the process. Both the seller and the purchaser of the motor vehicle need to prepare the paperwork. Therefore, a motor vehicle title transfer procedure may require the following documents:
- Completed car title by the seller
- Application for Certificate of Title with/without Registration (form 82040)
- A notarized bill of sale, if needed
- Lien release, if applicable
- Payment for the applicable fees
In addition to this paperwork needed for a transfer of title, motorists may have to provide other documents, such as proof of car insurance, FL insurance affidavit, or a power of attorney when the vehicle is leased.
For more information about the Florida car title transfer procedure, contact the FLHSMV and discover the exact documents you must provide for a complete title transfer.
Note: Motorists who are transferring a car title in Florida may be able to obtain either a paper or an electronic car title.
Steps for Performing a Transfer of Title in Florida
A process of car title transfer in Florida must be performed by both legal entities that participate in the sale and purchase procedure. To conduct a transfer of car title, the new owners of the motor vehicle must complete the following steps:
- Have the seller complete the transfer section of the certificate of title.
- Pay the applicable title transfer fees.
- Visit a nearby FLHSMV branch with the vehicle’s seller and submit the mandatory documentation.
In addition to these three main steps for the process of vehicle title transfer, motorists may be required to conduct additional steps which may vary based on the specific situation.
For instance, an auto title transfer procedure may mandate individuals to satisfy the lien of the vehicle, if there is one. Therefore, to discover more information about the title transfer requirements in Florida, motorists may contact the FLHSMV and discover how to complete a title transfer procedure accurately.
Remember that electronic title transfers are not possible in Florida.
Getting a New Car Title Versus Title Transfers in Florida
When getting a new car title in Florida, vehicle owners need to learn the difference between applying for a new vehicle title and transferring a car title from one entity to another. To order a new car title in Florida, motorists need to title and register their new vehicles.
Overall, the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) issues a new car title to motorists who have recently purchased a motor vehicle or who have just moved to FL from another state. The DMV new title is an official proof of ownership that drivers must obtain after purchasing a motor vehicle.
The process of getting a new title for a car is different from the procedure of transferring a car title. For instance, when performing a title transfer, motorists only need to transfer the title certificate from one person to another.
Conversely, when getting a new car title, vehicle owners need to begin the application procedure for a brand-new certificate. Thus, in most cases, a title transfer must be performed after a driver purchases or sells a motor vehicle from/to another person.
Car Title Transfer Fees in Florida
The ultimate step of the Florida car title transfer requires motorists to pay the applicable fees and taxes in order to finalize the procedure. The standard fee for a transfer of car title is $75.25.
Car Title Transfer Forms
Note: DMV forms change regularly. The forms provided above are current based on the date of writing.
Sources
- More Information About Titles from FLHSMV.gov