What You Need to Do to Transfer a Car Title in Florida

To transfer a car title in Florida, you fill out Form HSMV 82020 (the process for Certificate of Title with/without Lien), gather documents proving ownership and identity, and submit them to your county tax collector's office or the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. The process takes about one to two weeks if you submit everything correctly the first time. You will pay a title transfer fee, which varies by county but typically ranges from $75 to $225.

The person selling the car must sign the title in the designated area on the back. You must provide proof of a Florida vehicle inspection if the car is being registered in Florida for the first time. If there is a lien on the title (a loan against the car), the lienholder must also sign or provide a lien release letter.

Key Takeaways

  • Form HSMV 82020 is the official document you submit to transfer ownership, and both the seller and buyer must sign it.
  • Your county tax collector's office processes most title transfers, though you can also use the HSMV office or mail your documents if you meet specific requirements.
  • You need the original title, a valid ID, proof of Florida vehicle inspection (for out-of-state cars), and payment for the transfer fee.
  • If the car has a lien, the lender must release it in writing or sign the title before the transfer is complete.

Documents You Need to Bring or Mail

Gather these documents before you go to the tax collector's office: the original title signed by the seller, Form HSMV 82020 completed and signed by both buyer and seller, a valid government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), and proof of a Florida vehicle inspection if the car was registered out of state. If you are buying the car from a dealer, the dealer will usually handle some of these steps, but you are still responsible for verifying everything is correct.

If the title has a lien on it, you need a lien release letter from the lender or the lender's signature on the title itself. Some lenders mail this directly to the tax collector's office; others give it to the seller to pass along to you. Call the lender before you go to the office to confirm what they will send and where.

Bring the bill of sale if you have one—it is not required by Florida law, but it creates a record of the sale price and date, which can protect both you and the seller. If the title is lost or damaged, the seller must request a duplicate from the tax collector's office in the county where the car is registered before the transfer can happen.

Where to Submit Your Title Transfer

Your county tax collector's office is the standard place to submit a title transfer. Find the office nearest you by searching "[your county] tax collector" online or visiting the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles website, which lists all county offices and their hours. Most offices accept walk-ins, but some require appointments; call ahead to confirm.

You can also mail your documents to the tax collector's office if you include a check or money order for the transfer fee and a self-addressed, stamped envelope for the new title. Include a cover letter listing what you are sending. Mail takes longer—typically two to three weeks—and there is a higher risk of missing documents causing delays.

The HSMV office in Tallahassee handles transfers only in specific situations, such as when a title is disputed or the tax collector's office cannot process it. For most buyers, the county tax collector is your only option.

Title Transfer Fees and What They Cover

Florida charges a title transfer fee based on the vehicle's value or a flat rate, depending on your county. Most counties charge between $75 and $225. Some counties also charge a separate registration fee if you are registering the car in Florida for the first time. Call your county tax collector's office to ask for the exact fee before you go.

The fee covers the cost of processing your process and issuing a new title in your name. It does not cover a vehicle inspection, which you must pay for separately if the car is new to Florida. A vehicle inspection costs about $15 to $30 and is performed at any authorized inspection station.

If you are transferring a title between family members or as part of an inheritance, some counties offer reduced fees or exemptions. Ask the tax collector's office whether your situation qualifies.

What Happens If There Is a Lien on the Title

A lien means someone else (usually a bank or credit union) has a legal claim to the car until the loan is paid off. The lienholder's name appears on the title. You cannot transfer the title to your name until the lien is released.

If you are buying a car with a lien still on it, the seller's lender must provide a lien release letter or sign the title. This typically happens at closing if you are financing through a dealer. If you are buying privately, ask the seller to contact their lender and request the release letter before you meet to sign documents. The lender will usually mail it directly to you or the tax collector's office.

If the lender does not release the lien in time, the tax collector's office will not process your transfer. Do not hand over payment until you have the lien release in writing.

Timeline and What to Expect After You Submit

After you submit your documents, the tax collector's office typically processes the transfer within one to two weeks. You will receive your new title by mail at the address you provided on the process. During this time, you can drive the car with your bill of sale and the old title as proof of ownership, though some insurance companies may not cover you until the new title is issued.

If the office finds a problem with your documents—a missing signature, incorrect information, or an incomplete form—they will contact you by phone or mail. This can add one to two weeks to the process. To avoid delays, double-check that all names, dates, and vehicle identification numbers match exactly on every document.

Once you receive the new title, verify that your name is spelled correctly, the vehicle identification number (VIN) matches the car, and the odometer reading is accurate. If anything is wrong, contact the tax collector's office when ready to request a correction.

Special Situations: Out-of-State Titles and Inherited Cars

If you are transferring a title from another state, you must have the car inspected by a Florida inspection station before the tax collector's office will issue a Florida title. Bring the out-of-state title, the inspection report, and all other required documents. The inspection verifies that the vehicle identification number on the title matches the car and that the car is safe to drive.

If you inherit a car, the process is similar, but you will also need to provide a copy of the will or a court document proving you are the legal heir. Some counties waive or reduce the title transfer fee for inherited vehicles. Contact your county tax collector's office to ask what documents they need and whether a fee reduction applies.

If you are transferring a title for a car that was totaled or declared a salvage vehicle by an insurance company, the title will be marked as such. You can still transfer it, but the new owner must understand that the car has a salvage or rebuilt title, which affects its resale value and insurance options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer a title if the seller is not present?

No. Both the buyer and seller must sign Form HSMV 82020 in front of a notary or at the tax collector's office. If the seller cannot be present, they can sign the form in front of a notary and mail it to you, but you will still need their original signature on the title itself. Some tax collectors accept notarized signatures; call ahead to confirm.

What if the title has the wrong name or information on it?

The seller must request a corrected title from the tax collector's office in the county where the car is currently registered before the transfer can happen. This takes one to two weeks. Do not attempt to transfer a title with incorrect information—the tax collector's office will reject it.

Do I need to register the car at the same time as transferring the title?

Title transfer and vehicle registration are separate processes in Florida. You can transfer the title without registering the car, but you cannot legally drive it on public roads without registration. Most people handle both at the same visit to the tax collector's office. Ask what documents and fees you need for registration when you call.

How long can I drive the car before the new title arrives?

You can drive the car with the old title and a bill of sale while you wait for the new title to arrive by mail. However, your insurance company may not cover you during this period, so contact them when ready after you submit your transfer documents to confirm coverage.

What if I lose the title after I transfer it to my name?

Contact your county tax collector's office and request a duplicate title. You will need to fill out Form HSMV 82020 and pay a duplicate fee, which is usually $10 to $20. The office will mail the duplicate to you within one to two weeks.