Florida Title Transfers: Here’s What You Need to Know

Buying, selling, gifting… It doesn’t matter. If a car is being transferred in Florida, the title must be transferred correctly. 

To avoid the usual confusion (and a second trip to the tag office), start with this article. 

Here’s everything you need to know to get it done right the first time.

Key Requirements for Every Title Transfer in Florida

Let’s start with the basics. Whether you’re buying, selling, or gifting a vehicle, every title transfer must include:

• A signed Florida title with the transfer section completed by both buyer and seller
  
• A bill of sale (recommended for clarity and tax purposes)
  
• A valid photo ID (driver’s license, passport, or military ID)
  
• Proof of Florida insurance (required for vehicles, not for boats or trailers)
  

Title Transfer Fees & Taxes

Florida’s standard title transfer fee is $75.75. But you’ll also need to factor in:

• 6% state sales tax, plus local discretionary taxes (e.g., 1% in some counties)
  
• Late penalty of $20 if the transfer isn’t completed within 30 days of the sale
  

For example, if you buy a vehicle in Broward County and delay the title transfer past 30 days, that’s a $20 fee you didn’t need to pay.

Special Situations to Know

Not every title transfer is a clean, in-state sale. Here’s how to handle the most common exceptions:

• Out-of-State Titles: If the vehicle is being imported from outside Florida, you will need a VIN verification and proof of sales tax paid (if the vehicle has been owned for less than six months).
  
• Co-Owned Vehicles: If the title lists “AND,” both owners must sign. If it says “OR,” only one signature is required.
  
• Electronic Titles: These can be transferred without printing the paper version, provided both parties visit a tax collector’s office or our authorized courier service.
  

Where to Process the Transfer

You’ve got three options:

1. In person at a Florida tax collector’s office or a licensed tag agency (appointments often required).
2. Online via the FLHSMV portal (for certain services only).
3. Through Auto Tags of North Broward
   

Just keep in mind: not everything can be done online, especially if forms are missing or you have an out-of-state title.

Pro Tips to Keep You Ahead

• Verify liens: Make sure there are no active loans or liens on the title. If there are, you’ll need a lien release.
  
• Keep copies: Always keep digital or paper copies of all your documents. You’ll thank yourself later.
  
• Need it fast? Use Auto Tags of North Broward

Auto Tags of North Broward is your best choice for a service provider to assess your car for the correct title. Contact us to obtain your car title in Florida. There’s no point in wasting your time at the North Broward DMV when you can stop by North Broward Auto Tags today. We offer everything you need when it comes to North Broward tag renewals and North Broward tag and title services. We are a premier North Broward tag agency. Stop by today, call us, or check out our website. We also have an online renewals page here.

Check out these other great resources to learn more about the basics of getting a replacement car title:

Resource 1 | Resource 2 | Resource 3