Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is a registration?
A. A registration is evidence of having paid the registration tax and fees on a motor vehicle. It consists of a metal license plate, a numbered validation decal and a registration certificate for a period of one or two years.
Q. Why must I register my motor vehicle?
A. In the State of Florida, a motor vehicle is required to be registered within ten days of the owner either becoming employed, placing children in public school, or establishing residency. Registering your motor vehicle goes hand in hand with the titling process.
Q. Are military personnel exempt from registering their vessels in Florida?
A. Out-of-state registration certificates and numbers for vessels owned by military personnel on active duty in Florida are valid in Florida until their expiration date. Then they must be registered and titled in Florida in order to be operated on state waters.
Q. Can a vehicle be titled in the name of a minor?
A. Yes.
Q. Can anyone renew my license plate for me?
A. Yes, however, the individual renewing your license plate must produce proof of insurance, a copy of your current registration or a renewal notice and the proper fees. Fees are based on the weight of the vehicle and the type of plate being renewed.
Q. Do I carry the registration on my person or in the car?
A. The registration certificate or an official copy is to be in the possession of the operator of said motor vehicle when in use to be produced for law enforcement upon demand.
Q. Do I have to change the name on my registration when I marry or divorce?
A. When at all possible, title, registration, and driver license records should read the same.
Q. Do I need to pay taxes on a vehicle I receive as a gift?
A. Sales tax is not applicable on a gift; however, a bill of sale or an affidavit with the full description of the vehicle (including vehicle identification number, title number, make, model, year, etc…) should be completed by both parties to verify this information for the Department of Revenue. A use tax is applicable on a gift if the vehicle is titled and/or registered in a foreign country.
Q. Do license plates need to be returned when I move out of state?
A. Yes, if you have cancelled your insurance.
Q. How can I obtain a duplicate registration to my vehicle?
A. Duplicate registrations are obtained at your local tax collector office for a $5.50 processing fee. You will need to provide vehicle information such as the VIN or tag number and proof of ownership.
Q. How do I correctly sign my title over to someone else?
A. On the title, the seller should fill in the name and address of the purchaser, the odometer reading and date read, selling price and the date sold in the "Transfer of Title by Seller" section. They must then sign their name in the left column in the "Seller" section and hand-print their name in the right column, same section. The purchaser should then sign their name in the left column in the "Purchaser" section and hand-print their name in the right column, same section. If there is a co-purchaser, they should follow the same instructions in the “Co-Purchaser” section.
Q. How long does the owner have to register a new vessel?
A. The purchaser of a new vessel has 30 days in which to apply for registration and title through the county tax collector's office. During this 30-day grace period, the owner is required to have aboard his vessel a bill of sale with proof of the date of purchase.
Q. I will be vacationing in Florida this summer. Do I need to register my vessel there?
A. A non-resident boater with a valid out-of-state registration certificate may use his/her vessel in Florida waters for 90 days without applying for a Florida registration. If the non-resident intends to use the craft for a longer period, it must be registered in Florida. Sojourner registrations are issued to those vessel owners who remain in Florida more than 90 days but intend to return to their home state and take the vessel with them.
Q. Is a non-powered recreational vessel required to be registered and titled?
A. If the non-motor powered vessel is less than 16 feet in length, it is not required to be registered or titled. However, if the vessel is 16 feet or more in length, it is required to be titled.
Q. Why do I have to change the title to change the name on my registration?
A. The name on the registration and the certificate of title is one and the same on the motor vehicle data base. Therefore, one cannot be changed without the other.
Q. How do I renew my registration online?
A. On your renewal notice is a registration number; use this number to search for your vehicle or vessel information. Also see Pay Online Help for more information.
Q. When do I renew my registration?
A. Vehicles are registered according to the owner's birth month. The registration expires at midnight on the owner’s birthday. Vehicle registrations that do not renew by a birth date are as follows:
Leased vehicles renew according to the leasing company name.
Company owned vehicles renew by June 30.
Mobile homes renew by December 31.
Trucks, semi trailers, trucks over 5,000 lbs, and 9+ passenger vehicles for hire renew by December 31.
The Tax Collector must check for proof of insurance on all motor vehicles, except trailers and motorcycles. A delinquent fee is imposed if the registration is not renewed by the 10th of the following month. Once you have received your renewal notice from our office you can save time by renewing via the mail, automated phone system or the website.
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