Eligibility and Requirements

To register a motor vehicle in Florida, you must be a Florida resident (or hold a valid Florida driver license), have a valid vehicle identification number (VIN), and provide personal identifying information (e.g., Florida driver license; Canadian license if applicable). Florida law also requires proof of Florida insurance that includes Personal Injury Protection (PIP). You must pay all required sales tax and fees and ensure your vehicle meets safety and emissions standards set by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV).

Vehicle Identification

Every vehicle has a unique 17-digit VIN (visible on the driver’s side dashboard or doorjamb). You’ll provide this VIN with your proof of Florida insurance, title, and completed application so FLHSMV can verify ownership and match the registration to the correct owner.

Registration Online & Renewals

Florida offers convenient online registration renewals using your license plate number or VIN. This helps you avoid late fees and lines at local offices. First-time initial registrations are completed in person at a local service center; renewals can be done online or in person. Fees vary by vehicle type and gross vehicle weight.

How to Register Your Vehicle in Florida

Bring your title, proof of identity, Florida auto insurance, and payment to your local DHSMV location. If you don’t already have a license plate in your name, an initial registration fee of $225 may apply. Duplicate registrations can be requested online or in person by the registered owner.

New residents (including those in Florida from one to two years) must complete a VIN inspection, provide an official odometer reading, obtain Florida insurance, and get new license plates. You’ll also pay any applicable sales/use tax on an out-of-state vehicle. Registration can be issued for one or two years. In Florida, title and registration are completed at the same time—one combined trip for first-time registration.

Just Moved to Florida?

If you’ve started working in Florida, enrolled a child in a Florida school, or signed a Florida lease/rental, you have 10 days to register your vehicle with FLHSMV. You may title a vehicle without registering it, but it cannot be legally driven until fully registered.

New residents who want a refresher on state rules can take a Florida driver course to get up to speed on Florida requirements.

Registering an Out-of-State Vehicle in Florida

If you have an out-of-state vehicle, you must:

  • Obtain a Florida driver license.
  • Obtain Florida auto insurance (meeting minimum coverage requirements).
  • Get a VIN verification and official odometer reading.

Then visit your county tax collector’s office with:

  • Your Florida driver license (all owners must present ID; co-owners not present must still provide proof of identity and sign required forms).
  • Proof of Florida insurance.
  • The out-of-state title.
    • If a lienholder holds the title, the tax collector will contact the lienholder to obtain it and issue your Florida plate.
  • VIN/odometer confirmation (can be done at the office or beforehand by: police officers; Florida car dealers; out-of-state dealers on letterhead; FLHSMV examiners/inspectors; Florida notary public; active-duty military officer, Navy Legalman, or provost marshal).
  • Completed Application for Certificate of Title (all owners sign).
    • Choose a one-year or two-year registration term.
  • Completed VIN & Odometer form.
  • Payment for Florida registration/plate fees and applicable sales/use tax (money order accepted if submitting by mail).

Required Documents

When registering a motor vehicle in Florida, bring:

  • Application for Certificate of Title With/Without Registration (completed).
  • Proof of valid Florida insurance.
  • Valid VIN.
  • Certificate of Title or Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin.
  • Registration decal (issued upon completion).
  • Proof of sales tax paid.
  • Personal ID (Florida or Canadian driver license, etc.).

Vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of 55,000 lbs+ require Heavy Vehicle Use Tax (HVUT) proof of payment. Company-owned vehicles may require extra authorization. Mobile homes must also be registered and provide similar documentation.

New Resident Sales Tax & Titling

Florida may assess sales, use, and local discretionary taxes when you first register a vehicle in Florida. Requirements depend on how long you’ve owned the vehicle and your plate choice:

  • Owned ≤ 6 months: 6% Florida sales/use tax minus credit for tax paid in another state (plus local discretionary tax, where applicable).
  • Owned > 6 months: No Florida sales/use/discretionary tax due if purchased and titled out of state and you can prove ownership over six months.

All Florida residents must register vehicles acquired by purchase or gift. The process differs for dealer vs. private-party purchases.

Dealer Purchases

Authorized dealers can issue a temporary plate and complete title/registration (including the initial registration fee). Ask whether they use Electronic Temporary Registration and the Electronic Filing System. Private tag agencies can also assist. Specialty or personalized plates may be requested for an extra annual fee.

Dealers must transfer title/registration within 30 days. If not completed, contact FLHSMV for next steps. Find local offices here: FLHSMV Locations.

Registration for Leased Vehicles

The leasing dealer typically completes title and registration. Note that leasing-related fees are generally higher than ownership.

Initial Registration Fees/Taxes on Dealership Buys

Title/registration government fees typically aren’t embedded in the sales contract. If they are, the dealer may only collect the exact amounts paid to the State; any separate filing fee must be disclosed.

Private-Party Purchases

For private sales, complete the title and registration forms yourself and submit them to the county tax collector. Also complete a Bill of Sale with the seller (both should retain copies). Then:

  • Endorse the title with the seller.
  • Confirm the VIN on the vehicle matches the title; if no Florida title exists, obtain a VIN inspection.
  • Provide an odometer disclosure (vehicles < 10 years old).
  • Bring the completed title to your county tax collector’s office.
  • Present Florida insurance.
  • If titling in Florida (buying a vehicle titled out of state), submit Form HSMV 82040 with VIN/odometer verification.
  • Pay fees:
    • Titling fee
    • Registration fee
    • FL sales/use tax = 6% (less credit for tax paid elsewhere)
    • County fees
    • Temporary plate fee (if applicable)
  • Receive plates and registration sticker.

Private tag agencies can help with paperwork and submission; some offices accept money orders or offer drop boxes for after-hours submissions.

Temporary Vehicle Registration & Decal

Non-residents who purchase a vehicle in Florida may qualify for a temporary plate and registration tag from the local county tax collector to legally drive the vehicle to their home state. Florida sales tax and proof of insurance are required before a temporary tag is issued.

Penalties, Late Fees & Registration Stops

Vehicle registrations expire at midnight on the expiration date (typically the registered owner’s birthday). If you don’t renew by the end of the due month, a delinquent registration fee applies beginning on the 11th calendar day after the due month. Renewal notices are sent as a courtesy; you may renew up to three months early.

Registration stops (e.g., for unpaid tolls, including THEA violations) block renewal until resolved with the toll authority. Failing to maintain Florida insurance or pay required taxes/fees also triggers penalties.

FL Car Registration Fees in Florida

Initial registration fee: $225 (one-time for vehicles not previously registered in Florida; transfers of an existing Florida plate to a newly purchased vehicle do not pay this initial fee).

Private vehicles:

  • 0–2,499 lbs: $27.60 (1-yr) / $55.20 (2-yr)
  • 2,500–3,499 lbs: $35.60 (1-yr) / $71.50 (2-yr)
  • 3,500+ lbs: $45.60 (1-yr) / $91.20 (2-yr)

Commercial or private trucks:

  • 0–1,999 lbs: $27.60 (1-yr) / $55.20 (2-yr)
  • 2,000–3,000 lbs: $35.60 (1-yr) / $71.20 (2-yr)
  • 3,001–5,000 lbs: $45.60 (1-yr) / $91.20 (2-yr)

Leased vehicles: $17 flat fee plus:

  • For-hire < 9 passengers: +$1.50 per 100 lbs
  • For-hire ≥ 9 passengers: +$2.00 per 100 lbs

License plate fees:

  • Transfer fee: $7.35
  • New issue plate: $28
  • Specialty/personalized plates: additional annual fee

FL License Plates

You’ll receive your Florida plate and sticker after completing all forms. Place the registration sticker in the upper-right corner of the plate (shows birth month and expiration year). Standard and specialty/personalized plate options are available. Expiration is usually based on the first registered owner’s birthday; renew before that date to avoid penalties.

DMV Services for FL Residents

To register your car, complete the required DMV forms and your tag issuance/renewal. If you move, update your address with the tax collector within 30 days to ensure you receive renewal notices and your records remain accurate. Florida renewals require proof of Florida insurance; many services can be completed online. The Florida DHSMV handles road testing and vehicle registration.

Register your car in

Florida auto insurance programs often incentivize safe driving. Florida registration requires a valid Florida vehicle record, including for commercial vehicles. Specialty plates may be required for certain commercial uses per Florida Department of Highway Safety rules.

Tax collector

Additional Resources