To start driving on Florida motorways as a new Florida resident, you should first procure a legitimate Florida driver’s license within 30 days of initiating residency. In addition, you should acquire insurance from a Florida insurance agent who is certified to offer coverage in Florida.
Truth be told, owning a car is an exhilarating experience, however, it comes with many obligations, among which is determining how and where to register or re-register your car. Each vehicle in Florida is expected to be certified by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Office (DHSMV).
Florida car registration may seem so complex, but having a good grasp of the regulations will help to eliminate any misunderstanding. You will be expected to first deliver all preceding paperwork to any of the car registry’s local centers, as per Florida law.
A Florida driver’s license, car registration, evidence of Florida insurance, a relevant license plate, as well as a title certificate, are all required. Using the above paperwork, the DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) or some other comparable association in the state in which the car is currently registered will move the out-of-state title to Florida.
If you have any problems trying to register your car in Florida, you can easily reach the appropriate office immediately. To finalize the car transfer, you would be required to have your vehicle examined by a Florida law enforcement officer or a licensed car dealer.
If you concluded the validation with an out-of-state dealer, you must supply the proof with the dealer’s letterhead stationery.
Steps to Register Your Out-of-State Vehicle in Florida
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Book a Meeting to Transfer Your Florida Driver’s License
The very first thing you should do is set up a meeting with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FL DHSMV).
Please keep in mind that DMV appointments in Florida fill up fast, and as such make your booking at minimum one to two weeks ahead of time. Appointments really aren’t necessary, because you can walk into your local FL DMV, however, you’ll most probably face long lines.
Establish Residency in Florida and Register Your Out-of-State Vehicle
To establish that you are a Florida resident, you need to possess a residential address in the state, as well as a rental or lease agreement or proof of property ownership, as stated by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (HSMV).
You could also demonstrate residency by demonstrating that you are recruited in the state or that your kid is enrolled in a Florida education system.
Florida Vehicle Identification Number
To actually finish a vehicle transfer, you should have your inspection done in person either by a Florida law enforcement agent or a certified Florida car dealer.
If you’ve had it validated by an out-of-state vendor, you must authenticate the validation on the dealer’s letterhead stationery. You can speed up the car registration procedure by performing a VIN inspection ahead of time. The following parties are legally permitted to perform VIN verification:
- The office of the county tax collector.
- Any officer of the law.
- Any authorized Florida car dealership.
- With dealership letterhead from the previous state.
- Inspectors from the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles.
- Notary Public in Florida.
- An officer on active duty in the military.
Register your vehicle
If you know beforehand what to bring, trying to register your vehicle at the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Office can be a simple process. The following documents must be brought to the Florida DMV:
- Identification (driver’s license)
- Florida insurance documentation
- Vehicle registration as well as title history
- Currently used license plate
- You can use your current state title or request a new vehicle title. The DHSMV will furnish you with the necessary documentation.
- Completed application for title certificate with/without registration.
- A Vehicle Identification Number inspection report (VIN).
Cost To Register a Car in Florida
The actual registration fee for a vehicle in the sunshine state is $225. Have it in mind that this one-time fee applies to individuals who relocate to Florida and apply to re-register a vehicle here, as well as individuals who purchase a vehicle from some other state and demand a Florida title, number plate, and registration.
A new vehicle’s original title costs $77.25, whereas a used vehicle’s title costs $85.25. The final figure of vehicle registration in Florida is determined by a number of variables.
The base annual tax for cars weighing at least 3,500 pounds (as plenty do) as well as light trucks weighing upwards of 3,000 pounds is $32.50.
Cars weighing around 2,500 and 3,499 pounds and trucks weighing around 2,000 and 3,000 pounds are levied $22.50, while cars measuring below 2,499 pounds and trucks weighing below 2,000 pounds are charged $14.50. But that’s only the beginning. The yearly vehicle registration fee is also determined by how the vehicle will be utilized.
Florida as well provides specialty plates and customized plates for charitable organizations, academic institutions, armed services, and historic vehicles, each of which entails varying surcharges which the vehicle owner must reimburse along with the yearly registration. To obtain the total cost depending on the unique case, check the HSMV webpage or a local branch.
Conclusion
As a new Florida resident, you are expected to register your out-of-state vehicle within 30 days of initiating residency, regardless of if the vehicle is new or used. In order to register your vehicle using the steps noted above, you will need to first procure a Florida driver’s license and purchase Florida automobile insurance through an insurance provider.
If you do not possess your out-of-state title because it is retained by a lien holder, you must notify the tax collector’s office to request that the lien holder transmit the title to you.