What Parkland Auto Licensing Does

Parkland Auto Licensing is a private business that processes vehicle registrations and renewals on behalf of vehicle owners in Florida. They handle the paperwork and fees that would otherwise go directly to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV). When you use Parkland, you submit your documents to them instead of going to a county tax collector's office yourself.

The service costs more than handling registration directly with the state — Parkland charges a service fee on top of the actual registration fees set by Florida. That fee varies depending on what you're registering and what documents you need processed. You get convenience in exchange for paying extra.

Parkland operates physical locations in Broward County and handles mail-in requests from anywhere in Florida. They also offer online submission for some transaction types, though not all registration work can be completed that way.

Key Takeaways

  • Parkland Auto Licensing charges a service fee above Florida's official registration costs, so you pay more than you would at a county tax collector's office.
  • You can submit documents by mail, in person at their Broward County location, or online for certain transactions, depending on what type of registration you need.
  • Processing time through Parkland typically takes longer than walk-in service at a tax collector, so plan ahead if your registration is expiring soon.
  • The actual registration fees themselves are set by Florida and do not change based on which business processes your paperwork.

When Parkland Makes Sense vs. Going Direct to the Tax Collector

Use Parkland if you cannot easily reach a county tax collector's office during their hours, live far from one, or prefer not to handle the paperwork yourself. The convenience has a real cost — you'll pay their service fee on top of registration fees — but that trade-off is worth it for some people.

Go directly to your county tax collector if you want to avoid the extra fee and can visit in person or handle mail-in registration yourself. Tax collectors in Florida handle all vehicle registrations and renewals at no markup. You'll pay only what Florida charges, and you often get faster processing if you go in person.

The actual registration fees — the money that goes to the state — are identical either way. Parkland's fee is purely for their service of handling the transaction for you.

What Documents You'll Need to Bring or Mail

The documents required depend on whether you're renewing an existing registration or registering a vehicle for the first time. For a renewal, you typically need your current registration card, proof of insurance, and payment. For a new registration, you'll need the title, bill of sale or proof of ownership, proof of insurance, and identification.

If you're mailing documents to Parkland, include copies of everything — never mail originals. Parkland will tell you on their website or by phone what specific documents they need for your situation. The requirements can vary based on the vehicle type, whether it's a commercial vehicle, and whether you're registering out of state.

Bring or mail a check or money order for the total amount due, which includes both the state registration fee and Parkland's service fee. Some Parkland locations may accept other payment methods — call ahead to confirm.

How Long Processing Takes and When You'll Get Your Registration

Mail-in processing through Parkland usually takes two to four weeks from the date they receive your documents. In-person service at their Broward County location is faster but still typically takes several business days. Online submissions, where available, may process more quickly, but you should not count on same-day service.

Your registration is not active until Parkland submits it to the state and the state approves it. During processing, you are technically driving with an expired registration if your old one has lapsed. For this reason, do not wait until your registration expires to submit — send your renewal at least four to six weeks before the expiration date.

Once approved, Parkland will mail your new registration card and decal to the address on file. If you need the registration sooner, ask Parkland whether they can provide a temporary registration document you can carry while the permanent one is in the mail.

Parkland's Service Fees and What They Cover

Parkland charges a service fee that varies based on the type of transaction. A standard renewal costs less than a new registration or a title transfer. Their website lists the current fees, but you should call or visit to confirm the exact amount for your specific situation, since fees can change.

The service fee covers Parkland's work processing your paperwork, submitting it to the state, and handling any follow-up with the DHSMV. It does not cover the actual registration fees set by Florida, which you pay separately. Your total cost is the state fee plus Parkland's service fee.

Some people find the convenience worth the extra cost. Others prefer to save money by going to the tax collector themselves. There is no right answer — it depends on your situation and how much you value the time saved.

How to Contact Parkland Auto Licensing

Parkland Auto Licensing has a website where you can find their current address, phone number, and information about which services they offer online. You can also visit in person at their Broward County location during business hours. For mail-in service, their website will tell you where to send documents and what to include.

Before you send anything by mail or visit in person, call to confirm they handle your specific type of registration and to ask about current processing times. This saves you from mailing documents only to find out they need something else or that your situation requires a different process.

If you have questions about Florida registration requirements themselves — not about Parkland's service — contact your county tax collector's office or the Florida DHSMV directly. They can answer questions about what documents you need and what the state fees are.

Alternatives to Using Parkland

Your county tax collector's office is the main alternative. Every county in Florida has a tax collector who handles vehicle registration, and you can visit in person, mail documents, or sometimes use their online system. The process is the same as Parkland's, but you pay only the state fee with no markup.

Some counties offer online renewal through their tax collector website if your registration is current and you're straightforward renewing. This is often the fastest and cheapest option if it's available in your county. Check your county tax collector's website to see what online services they offer.

If you're out of state or cannot visit Florida in person, mailing documents directly to your county tax collector is still an option. Parkland is useful mainly if you prefer a private business to handle the transaction, but it is not your only choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Parkland Auto Licensing affiliated with the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles?

No. Parkland is a private business that processes registrations on your behalf. The Florida DHSMV is the state agency that actually issues registrations. Parkland submits your paperwork to the state, but they are not a government office.

Can I renew my registration online through Parkland?

Some transactions can be submitted online through Parkland's website, but not all registration types are available online. Check their website or call to find out whether your specific renewal can be done that way. If not, you can mail documents or visit in person.

What happens if Parkland loses my documents?

Ask Parkland about their document handling procedures and whether they keep records of what you submitted. If documents are lost, you may need to resubmit them. For this reason, keep copies of everything you send and ask for a receipt or confirmation when you mail or drop off documents.

Can I use Parkland if I live outside Florida?

Yes, Parkland accepts mail-in requests from anywhere. However, you must be registering a vehicle in Florida. If you're registering a vehicle in another state, you'll need to use that state's registration process instead.

How much does Parkland charge compared to the tax collector?

The state registration fee is the same either way. Parkland adds their service fee on top. The exact amount varies by transaction type, so check their website or call for a quote. The tax collector charges only the state fee with no additional markup.