Florida charges a tag transfer fee when you move a license plate from one vehicle to another
When you transfer a vehicle tag (license plate) in Florida, the Department of Motor Vehicles charges a tag transfer fee along with other required fees. As of now, the tag transfer fee itself is $7.50, though you will also pay a $2.50 service fee and a $1.30 Florida Highway Patrol fee when you process the transfer. The total for the transfer transaction comes to $11.30 before any taxes or additional fees that might explore based on your county.
You can transfer a tag to a different vehicle you own, or you can transfer it to a new owner if you are selling the vehicle. The process and fees differ slightly depending on which situation applies to you. Most transfers happen at your county tax collector's office or through an authorized Florida tag agent, and you can complete many transfers without visiting in person.
Key Takeaways
- The Florida tag transfer fee is $7.50, plus a $2.50 service fee and $1.30 Highway Patrol fee, totaling $11.30 before county taxes.
- You can transfer a tag to another vehicle you own, or the new owner can keep your tag if you sell the vehicle.
- Most transfers are handled at your county tax collector's office, though some counties allow online or mail-in processing.
- You will need the vehicle title, current registration, and proof of insurance for the new vehicle to complete a transfer.
- County surtax amounts vary, so your final cost depends on which Florida county you live in.
When you transfer a tag to a different vehicle you own
If you own two vehicles and want to move the tag from one to the other, you pay the tag transfer fee plus the service and Highway Patrol fees listed above. You must have the title to both vehicles, the current registration for the vehicle losing the tag, and proof of insurance for the vehicle receiving the tag. The vehicle receiving the tag must pass a safety inspection if it is more than 10 years old.
You can process this transfer at your county tax collector's office in person, or many counties allow you to mail in the documents or complete the transfer online through the tax collector's website. Call your county tax collector before you go to confirm which documents they need and whether they accept mail-in or online transfers. Processing typically takes one to two weeks if you mail documents, or a few minutes if you go in person.
When you sell a vehicle and the buyer keeps your tag
In Florida, the buyer of a vehicle can choose to keep your existing tag or get a new one. If they keep your tag, you do not pay a transfer fee — the buyer pays a $7.50 tag transfer fee to the tax collector when they register the vehicle in their name. You will receive a temporary tag good for 30 days so you can drive the vehicle home or to a dealer if you are trading it in.
To allow the buyer to keep your tag, you must sign the title over to them and provide the current registration. The buyer then takes both documents to the tax collector and pays the transfer fee themselves. If the buyer wants a new tag instead, you keep your old tag and can transfer it to another vehicle you own, or you can surrender it to the tax collector.
How to transfer your tag through the mail or online
Many Florida counties allow tag transfers by mail or through their online portal, which means you do not have to visit the tax collector's office in person. To use mail-in service, contact your county tax collector's office and ask for the tag transfer form and instructions. You will typically need to mail the current registration, proof of insurance for the new vehicle, and a completed process form.
Some counties offer online transfer through their website if both vehicles are already registered in Florida and you have your driver's license number and vehicle identification numbers (VINs) ready. Online transfers usually process faster than mail-in transfers and cost the same amount. Check your county tax collector's website to see which method is available where you live.
County surtax amounts and total cost
Florida allows each county to add a local surtax to vehicle registration and tag transfer fees. The surtax varies by county and can range from a small amount to several dollars. Your total tag transfer cost will be $11.30 plus whatever surtax your county charges. For example, if your county surtax is $3.00, your total would be $14.30.
You can find your county's surtax amount by calling the tax collector's office or checking their website. Some counties post the surtax rate on their homepage, while others require you to call or visit in person to find out. If you are transferring a tag to a vehicle you are financing, your lender may require the tag to be in their name, which affects the transfer process and may involve additional steps.
What documents you need to bring or mail
For a tag transfer, you will need the current vehicle registration (the card you received when you last registered the vehicle), the title to the vehicle receiving the tag, and proof of insurance for that vehicle. The proof of insurance must show the vehicle identification number (VIN) of the new vehicle and must be active on the date you submit your transfer request. A photo of your insurance card or a printed declaration page from your insurance company both work.
If you are transferring a tag to a vehicle that is more than 10 years old, you will also need a safety inspection certificate issued within the past 12 months. The inspection must be performed by an authorized Florida inspection station. Bring or mail all documents together so the tax collector can process them at the same time.
Transferring a tag when you buy a used vehicle
When you buy a used vehicle from a private seller, you can transfer your existing tag to it instead of getting a new one. This saves you the cost of a new tag (which costs more than a transfer fee) and lets you keep a tag you may have customized or held for a long time. You pay the $11.30 transfer fee plus county surtax, and the process is the same as transferring between two vehicles you own.
If you buy from a dealer, the dealer may handle the tag transfer for you as part of the sale, though you will still pay the transfer fee. Ask the dealer before you buy whether they include tag transfer in their service or whether you need to handle it yourself at the tax collector's office. If you are financing the vehicle, your lender's name may need to appear on the title, which can affect the transfer timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer my tag online in Florida?
Many Florida counties offer online tag transfers through their tax collector's website, but not all do. Check your county tax collector's website or call their office to see if online transfer is available where you live. If it is, you will need your driver's license number, both vehicle VINs, and proof of insurance for the new vehicle.
What if my vehicle is more than 10 years old?
A vehicle more than 10 years old must pass a safety inspection before you can transfer a tag to it. The inspection must be done at an authorized Florida inspection station and is valid for 12 months. Bring the inspection certificate to the tax collector along with your other documents.
Do I have to transfer my tag or can I get a new one instead?
You can choose to transfer your tag or surrender it and get a new one. A new tag costs more than a transfer fee, but some people prefer a new tag if their old one is damaged or if they want a different number. Ask the tax collector about the cost of a new tag in your county before you decide.
How long does a tag transfer take?
In-person transfers usually take a few minutes to a few hours depending on how busy the tax collector's office is. Mail-in transfers typically take one to two weeks. Online transfers usually process within a few days. Call your county tax collector to ask about current wait times.
What happens if I sell my vehicle and the buyer does not want my tag?
If the buyer wants a new tag instead of keeping yours, you keep your old tag and can transfer it to another vehicle you own or surrender it to the tax collector. You do not pay anything to surrender a tag. The buyer will pay for a new tag when they register the vehicle in their name.