What You Need to Get a Florida Vehicle Title

To get a vehicle title in Florida, you submit an process to the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) along with proof of ownership and a completed form. The process differs depending on whether you're titling a new vehicle, transferring one from another state, or registering a vehicle you've owned for years without a title.

Florida requires a title for every vehicle you own — cars, trucks, motorcycles, and most trailers. The title proves legal ownership and is separate from your registration, which is what you renew each year. You cannot register a vehicle without a title first.

The process itself is Form HSMV 82020, called the "process for Florida Title." You can get this form from any county tax collector's office, the DHSMV website, or online through the iBASIS system (Florida's online title and registration portal). Most people now file through iBASIS or at their local tax collector's office rather than mailing to Tallahassee.

Key Takeaways

  • You file a Florida title through your county tax collector's office or online via iBASIS, not directly with the state.
  • You need proof of ownership (bill of sale, previous title, manufacturer's certificate, or court order), a completed Form HSMV 82020, and a valid ID.
  • The fee is $77.50 for a standard title, plus any county processing fees, and processing takes 7 to 10 business days at the tax collector's office.
  • If you're transferring a title from another state, you must also provide an out-of-state title or proof of ownership from that state.
  • If the vehicle has a lien (a loan against it), the lienholder's name goes on the title and you cannot sell or transfer it without their signature.

Documents You Must Bring or Submit

The exact documents depend on your situation, but every process requires proof of ownership. If you're buying a used car from a private seller, that's a bill of sale signed by both you and the seller. If you're transferring a title from another state, bring that out-of-state title or a certified copy. If the vehicle is new and you have the manufacturer's certificate of origin (MCO), that counts as proof of ownership.

You also need a valid photo ID — a Florida driver's license, ID card, or passport. If someone else is signing on your behalf, they need a power of attorney document signed by you and notarized. If the vehicle has a lien, you need the lienholder's name and address; they will receive notice that the title has been issued and their name will appear on it.

If you're titling a vehicle that was previously owned by someone who has passed away, you'll need a copy of the death certificate and proof that you inherited it (a will, probate order, or affidavit of heirship, depending on the estate size). Florida allows small estates to skip probate in some cases, which changes what documents you need.

Where to File and How Long It Takes

The fastest way to file is in person at your county tax collector's office. Every county in Florida has one, and they handle title applications as part of their regular work. You can find your local office on the DHSMV website by entering your county. Bring your documents, the completed form, and the fee. Processing usually takes 7 to 10 business days, and you'll receive your title by mail.

You can also file online through iBASIS if you have a Florida driver's license or ID card. iBASIS lets you upload documents and pay the fee without visiting an office. Processing through iBASIS takes the same 7 to 10 business days. Some people use iBASIS to start the process and then finish it in person if they need to sign documents or if the system asks for clarification.

Mailing your process directly to the DHSMV in Tallahassee is possible but slower — it can take 4 to 6 weeks because the mail has to travel both ways and the office processes by mail date, not receipt date. Most people avoid this route unless they live far from a tax collector's office or cannot visit in person.

The Fee and What It Covers

The state title fee is $77.50. Your county tax collector may add a processing fee on top of that, which varies by county — some charge $5 to $10 extra, others charge nothing. When you file, ask what the total will be. You can pay by cash, check, or card, depending on where you file.

The $77.50 covers the cost of issuing the title document itself. It does not cover registration (your annual sticker), which is a separate fee based on your vehicle's weight and age. You can renew registration online or at the tax collector's office, but you must have a title first.

If you need a duplicate title because yours was lost or damaged, the fee is the same. If you need to add or remove a name from the title (for example, after a divorce or if you buy the vehicle with a co-owner), you file an amended title process, which also costs $77.50.

Titling a Vehicle Transferred From Another State

If you're moving to Florida with a vehicle titled in another state, you have 10 days to get a Florida title. Bring your out-of-state title, a bill of sale if you bought it in Florida, your ID, and the completed Form HSMV 82020 to your county tax collector's office. The process is the same as titling any other vehicle — the tax collector straightforward notes that you're converting an out-of-state title to a Florida title.

Some states issue titles differently than Florida does. If your out-of-state title is a certificate of title (the standard document), the tax collector will accept it. If it's a registration card or a different format, ask the tax collector whether you need a certified copy from that state's motor vehicle department. A few states require you to get a certified copy before Florida will issue a new title.

If your out-of-state vehicle has a lien, the lienholder's name will transfer to your Florida title. You cannot remove their name without their written consent. If you paid off the loan after moving to Florida, get a lien release letter from the lender and bring it with your process — the tax collector will then issue a title with no lienholder listed.

What Happens If the Vehicle Has a Lien

A lien means a bank, credit union, or finance company has a legal claim on the vehicle because you borrowed money to buy it. The lienholder's name appears on the title, and you cannot sell, trade, or transfer the vehicle without their signature. This is normal and does not prevent you from getting a title — it just means the title reflects that the vehicle is collateral for a loan.

When you file your title process, provide the lienholder's name and address exactly as it appears on your loan documents. The DHSMV will send the lienholder a notice that the title has been issued. Once you pay off the loan, the lienholder sends you a lien release letter. You then file an amended title process with that letter, and the DHSMV will issue a new title with the lien removed.

If you're buying a used vehicle from someone who still owes money on it, do not complete the purchase until the seller has paid off the loan and received a lien release. If the seller's name is still on the title with a lien, you cannot legally own the vehicle. Some dealerships handle this by holding the money in escrow until the lien is released, but private sales require you to verify the lien is gone before you hand over cash.

Special Situations: Inherited, Salvage, and Rebuilt Titles

If you inherited a vehicle, the documents you need depend on the size of the estate. For small estates (under $75,000 in total assets), Florida allows you to skip probate and use an affidavit of heirship. For larger estates, you may need a probate order or letters testamentary from the court. Bring whichever document applies, the death certificate, and your ID to the tax collector's office. The title will be issued in your name.

If the vehicle has been declared a total loss by an insurance company, it receives a salvage title. A salvage title means the vehicle was damaged and the insurance payout exceeded a certain percentage of its value. You can still title and drive a salvage vehicle in Florida, but you must disclose the salvage status when you sell it. If you repair the vehicle and want to remove the salvage designation, you file for a rebuilt title, which requires an inspection by the DHSMV.

Rebuilt titles are issued after a salvage vehicle has been repaired and inspected. The inspection verifies that the vehicle is safe and that the repairs were done properly. You cannot drive a salvage vehicle on public roads until it has been inspected and issued a rebuilt title. The inspection fee is separate from the title fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I register my vehicle before I get the title?

No. You must have a title before you can register a vehicle in Florida. Registration and title are separate documents — the title proves ownership, and registration allows you to drive it legally. You cannot get one without the other.

What if I lost the bill of sale from when I bought the vehicle?

If you have the previous owner's title, that is enough proof of ownership. If you do not have either the bill of sale or the previous title, you can file an affidavit stating that you own the vehicle and explaining how you acquired it. The tax collector will tell you what form to use. You may also need to provide other evidence, such as insurance documents or maintenance records in your name.

How long does it take to get my title if I file online through iBASIS?

Processing takes 7 to 10 business days from the date the DHSMV receives your process, whether you file online or in person. You will receive your title by mail. If you need it faster, you can visit the tax collector's office in person and ask if they can expedite it, though most offices process all applications in the same timeframe.

Do I need to notarize the bill of sale?

No. A bill of sale does not need to be notarized in Florida. It just needs to be signed by both the buyer and seller, include the vehicle identification number (VIN), the sale price, and the date. You can write it by hand or type it — there is no required format.

What if the previous owner's name is spelled differently on the title than on the bill of sale?

Bring both documents to the tax collector's office and explain the discrepancy. Minor spelling differences (like "Robert" versus "Bob") are usually not a problem. If the names are significantly different, the tax collector may ask for additional proof that you are the same person, such as a marriage certificate or court order. It is better to ask before you file than to have your process delayed.