by Armando Martinez
If you've recently purchased a car from a private owner in Florida, congratulations! Now, you need to register it in your name before you can drive it legally. You’ll have 30 days to complete this from the date of your purchase. This guide will take you through the process, step-by-step.
Step 1: Get the Required Documents
To register your car, you'll need to gather some important documents from the seller. These include:
- The vehicle title: This is proof of ownership for the car. The seller must provide you with the original title, signed by them and with your name as the buyer. If there's a lien on the car, the lienholder's information should be on the title. If the title is lost, the seller can apply for a duplicate title through the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Division or through the state DMV agency in which their vehicle is titled.
- A bill of sale: Although not required by the state of Florida, a bill of sale is still a good idea to keep track of the sale. The bill of sale should include the car's make, model, year, and VIN, as well as the sale price and date of the sale, and the name and address of the buyer and seller.
- Proof of insurance: You'll need to show proof of insurance that meets Florida's minimum requirements. You can buy insurance from an insurance agent or an insurance company.
Step 2: Complete the Transfer of Ownership
Once you have the necessary documents, you'll need to complete the transfer of ownership:
- Fill out the transfer of title section on the back of the title certificate. Sign and date the document. If there are two owners, both need to sign.
- If the car is less than 10 years old, you'll need to complete a Federal Odometer/Damage Disclosure Statement. This form declares the accurate mileage and any known damage to the car.
- Complete a Florida application for Certificate of Title with/without Registration (Form HSMV 82040). This form is available online or at your local tax collector's office.
- Provide proof of insurance.
Step 3: Get a VIN Inspection
In some cases, you may need to get a VIN inspection before registering your car. This inspection is required when the car:
- Was titled in another state or country
- Has a missing, altered, or illegible VIN
- Is a rebuilt or salvage vehicle
You can get a VIN inspection from a law enforcement officer or a licensed Florida dealership.
Step 4: Visit the County Tax Collector's Office
Next, take the necessary documents to your local Florida County Tax Collector's Office:
- The signed title certificate
- The completed HSMV 82040 form
- Proof of insurance
- Payment for title fee, registration fees, which includes a license plate fee and sales tax based on the sale price of the car.
Step 5: Get Your New Title and Registration
After you finish the registration process at the County Tax Collector's Office, you'll get a new title and registration in your name. The registration consists of a metal license plate, validation sticker, and registration certificate.
Step 6: Get a Temporary Tag
If you need to drive your car before you receive your license plate and registration, you can get a temporary tag from your local County Tax Collector's Office. This tag is valid for 30 days and costs $5.50. You'll need to show proof of insurance and provide the necessary documents to get the temporary tag.
Step 7: Transfer Your Driver's License
If you've recently moved to Florida from another state, you'll need to transfer your driver's license to Florida before you can register your car. You can do this at your local Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office. You'll need to provide proof of identity, proof of social security number, and proof of Florida residency.
Step 8: Renew Your Registration
Once you've registered your car, you'll need to renew your registration every year. You can renew your registration online, by mail, or in person at your local County Tax Collector's Office. You'll need to show proof of insurance and pay the registration fee.
Conclusion
Registering a car bought in a private owner car sale in Florida may require a few extra steps, but it's still a straightforward process. Make sure to get a VIN inspection if necessary, get a temporary tag if you need to drive your car before receiving your license plate and registration, transfer your driver's license if you've recently moved to Florida, and renew your registration every year. With this guide, you'll be able to hit the road in your new car with confidence! If you have any more questions, visit the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles website.
This article was written by Armando Martinez. Armando Martinez is among the nation’s experts on automotive titling, registration, DMV services and document operations. With nearly two decades of experience across a broad range of financial services functions and some of the largest names in auto, from Wells Fargo to Uber, Armando combines vision and ingenuity with a wealth of information so auto shoppers and sellers can learn from his experience.
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