Registrations
Generally, residents are required to have current Florida registrations and license plates for their automobiles.
When registering an automobile, proof of current Florida automobile insurance is required, including the insurance company’s name, policy number, and the vehicle which is insured (Re: VIN). Note: State law excludes motorcycles from the proof of insurance requirement.
To renew an existing registration online, click here.
For more information on how to renew a registration, click here.
Residents seeking a Florida registration for a newly obtained automobile may be subject to an initial registration fee of $225.00. Initial vehicle registrations for automobiles may be obtained at an authorized Tag Agency or Service Center location.
For authorized Tag Agency and Service Center locations, click here.
Non-residents are generally required to initially register their automobiles in Florida if they engage in a trade or occupation, are employed in Florida, or their children attend public schools in Florida.
Electronic & Paper Titles
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) has implemented a system to electronically maintain vehicle titles for automobile owners.
Individuals needing a paper title may have a title printed and mailed to them by using FLHSMV’s online system, MyDMV Portal. If a paper title is needed immediately, please visit an authorized Tag Agency or Service Center location. For location information, click here. The cost for a same-day printed title is $10.
Transfer of Ownership on a Florida Title
When seeking to transfer ownership of an automobile in Florida, vehicle owner’s must bring the following items to an authorized Tag Agency or Service Center location (for location information, click here):
- The Florida title properly completed by the seller
- Each applicant must sign the application for the title (this is done at the time of transfer)
- Proof of identity (one of the following) must be provided:
- Copy of your valid Driver License or ID Card issued by Florida or another state (this includes any U.S. territory)
- Copy of your valid passport or passport card
- Copy of your valid Canadian Driver License or ID Card
Title Application on an Out-Of-State Automobile
When seeking to register an automobile that was previously titled out-of-state, the vehicle owner is required to provide the following items:
- The out-of-state title certificate assigned to you
- Each applicant must sign the application for the title (this is done at the time of transfer)
- If your title is being held by your lienholder, please complete and fax a Registration of a Vehicle/Vessel with an Out-of-State Title and Lien Form (HSMV 83060), to your lien holder requesting your title be released to Florida
- Proof of identity (one of the following) must be provided:
- Copy of your valid Driver License or ID Card issued by Florida or another state (this includes any U.S. territory)
- Copy of your valid passport or passport card
- Copy of your valid Canadian Driver License or ID Card
- A Vehicle Identification Number and Odometer Verification Form (HSMV 82042)
- Florida Sales Tax may be due if the vehicle was purchased less than 6 months prior to importing the vehicle to Florida (proof of any sales tax paid to another state will be required, also the full 6% Florida Sales Tax and any applicable local option tax is due on all vehicles imported from foreign countries)
If seeking to complete the title application of an out-of-state automobile by mail, please use the address information provided below, or visit an authorized Tag Agency or Service Center location. For location information, click here.
Note: When using the mail, if you include a pre-paid overnight envelope, we will overnight your transaction to you at the address provided on the envelope. All other transactions will be mailed within 5 business days. If your transaction cannot be completed, a Customer Service Specialist will contact you to inform you of documents needed to complete your transaction.
Title Application on a New Automobile
If you have purchased an automobile (new or used) from a Florida dealership, the dealer is required by law to process the application for title.
If a new automobile was purchased from an out-of-state dealership, an application for title may be processed by mail or at a Tax Collector’s Service Center or an approved Tag Agency. If seeking to complete the title application of an out-of-state automobile by mail, please use the address information provided below, or visit an authorized Tag Agency or Service Center location. For location information, click here.
The following items are needed in addition to a completed application for title:
- A manufacturer’s certificate of origin
- Each applicant must sign the application for the title (this is done at the time of transfer)
- Proof of identity (one of the following) must be provided:
- Copy of your valid Driver License or ID Card issued by Florida or another state (this includes any U.S. territory)
- Copy of your valid passport or passport card
- Copy of your valid Canadian Driver License or ID Card
- A bill of sale or invoice listing the purchase price, sales tax paid, and any trade-in allowance (please note, additional sales tax may be due)
- A Federal odometer statement
- Any applicable lienholder information
Mail Options for Completing Title Transfers
All title transactions received by mail are processed at our Bartow location. Please mail completed title paperwork to one of the following addresses, as appropriate:
- Standard Mail
Tax Collector for Polk County
Attention: Title Desk
PO Box 1779
Bartow, FL 33831 - Physical Address for Overnight Mail
Tax Collector for Polk County
Attention: Title Desk
430 E. Main Street
Bartow, FL 33830
For information about the paperwork needed to submit for a title transaction by mail, please contact our office at 863-534-4700 or chat with a live agent by clicking the chat icon on our website during regular business hours.