How to register a car in Florida

All vehicles must be registered with the Florida Department of Highway and Motor Vehicle Safety (DHSMV) or through eTags, which is a state-approved online registration system. If you are new to Florida, you have 10 days to register your vehicle once you receive your residence permit, which includes any of the following:

• Getting Started in Florida
• Children go to school
• Renting, leasing or buying an apartment or house

Registration of new residents

If you are a new Florida resident and would like to register your vehicle, you will need to provide the following:

• Florida driver's license
• Proof of auto insurance
• Title out of state
• check VIN code
• Completed application for a certificate of ownership with/without registration
• Completed vehicle identification number and odometer check
• Registration and tax fees

Once you buy or receive a vehicle, it must be registered in Florida. If you purchased your vehicle from a dealer, they can issue you a temporary license plate and register your registration/ownership. This must be done by the dealer within 30 days. If it has not been completed, contact the Department of Motor Transport Services to inquire about the status of the paperwork.

Registering a car purchased from a private seller

If you are buying a car from a private individual, you must register the car in your name. To do this, you will need to provide the following:

• Completed title
• Full disclosure of odometer/mileage information
• Bring the completed title to the county tax collector's office and mail it to the agent.
• proof of insurance
• Completed Vehicle Certification Application with/without Registration and VIN and Odometer Verification Form
• Registration fee

military

Soldiers stationed in Florida who are residents are required to register a vehicle just like any other Florida resident. There is no initial registration fee for military residents. To waive this fee, complete the Military Initial Registration Waiver Application.

Soldiers stationed in Florida who are out-of-state residents do not need to register their vehicles. The current vehicle registration must be maintained in their home state and also have current auto insurance.

Troops residing in Florida who are stationed out of state but wish to register their vehicle may complete the following forms:

• Application for proof of ownership with/without registration
• Florida Insurance Statement
• Florida Sales Tax Exemption
• Information about exemption from military insurance
• Affidavit of Waiver of Initial Military Registration Fee

Registration fee

The fees for registering your vehicle vary depending on the type of vehicle you are registering, its weight, and whether you are registering the vehicle for one or two years. Here are the fees you can expect to pay:

• A one-time registration fee of $225 for vehicles that have never been registered in Florida.
• Private vehicles up to 2,499 pounds cost $27.60 for one year or $55.50 for two years.
• Private vehicles between 2,500 and 3,499 pounds cost $35.60 for one year or $71.50 for two years.
• The cost of private vehicles weighing 3,500 pounds or more is $46.50 for one year or $91.20 for two years.

You can register a vehicle in Florida in person or online through eTags. If you have further questions about this process, be sure to visit the Florida DMV website.