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Auto Registration
All motor vehicles and trailers in the State of Florida must be registered and /or titled. It is the responsibility of the Tax Collector, in his capacity as agent for the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, to provide the necessary services and operations to accomplish this job. The Tax Collector works very closely with this state agency to ensure all transactions are conducted according to state statutes. For answers to your specific questions, select from the menu or go directly to the DHSMV Home Page! Registration & Renewal:
Florida uses a metal license plate with the alpha numeric system, meaning there are combinations of letters and numbers used for identification. The license plate is displayed on the rear of the vehicle with the exception of certain commercial vehicles. The plate is issued to the owner for five years. The owner will receive a new plate (with new numbers and letters) during the fifth year. Proof of Insurance:Proof of insurance (binder, policy or card) from a certified Florida agent or broker is required to purchase and renew a license plate in Florida. The vehicle owner must present to the Tax Collector documentation of Personal Injury Protection (PIP) in the amount of at least $10,000 and Protection Damage Liability (PDL) insurance in the amount of $10,000. Motorcycles, mobile homes and trailers are exempt from the insurance requirement. Renewals by Mail:License plates, decals and registration receipts can be mailed to the vehicle owner for a small fee added to the annual rate. Change of Address:In order to maintain accurate records, and to help ensure that each registered owner receives a tag renewal notice, all changes of address must be reported to the Tax Collector's Office within 20 days. The vehicle owner is required to provide the license plate number along with the address change report. It is the responsibility of each registered owner to ensure that the vehicle's registration is kept current. Notices are mailed by the Department of Motor Vehicles as a courtesy service only and to help facilitate the renewal process. Military Rates:Members of the Armed Forces stationed in Florida, but who maintain their legal residence outside the state of Florida, are classified as non-resident military and are eligible for special registration rates. To qualify for the special rates, Florida law requires that the vehicle owner must submit a copy of their military orders or a current Leave & Earning statement and sign a Military Non-resident Affidavit before a notary. Proof of insurance is mandatory. If the vehicle is not titled in Florida, a copy of the out-of-state title is required for application. The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) must be verified by a Tax Office employee, Florida notary, Florida motor vehicle dealer or a state or military law enforcement officer. State statutes require the VIN be checked yearly upon registration. Regular rates will apply if the non-resident's status changes. Also, if military orders transfer the owner out of the state of Florida, they are no longer entitled to Florida registration. (WARNING: Military personnel who file for non-resident status on a vehicle will not be eligible to file homestead exemption in the State of Florida. Contact the Duval County Property Appraiser's Office for more information) New Resident Requirements:New residents may apply for their auto tag (or mobile home) registration and a Florida title at any one of the County's Auto Tag Agencies. Before you come in, be sure to take your vehicle through the required Emissions Inspection. Since States have different requirements, come fully prepared with all documents showing proof of ownership. Make sure all owners listed on the title are present. Your vehicle identification number and odometer reading must be recorded on a special, notarized form which we can provide for you. Your Florida vehicle title is processed in Tallahassee and will be mailed to you or your lienholder by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. Be prepared to submit proof of required insurance, the driver's license number(s) of all required owners, and the color of the vehicle. All motor vehicles being registered in Florida for the first time must have the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) verified. The Tax Collector's Office will perform this service at the time of registration. The VIN can also be verified by any law enforcement officer, a Florida notary public or a Florida motor vehicle dealer. Annual license taxes, for the operation of motor vehicles as defined by Florida Statutes, must be paid at the time of registration and renewal. All fees are subject to change by Legislative Act. The first time a license plate is purchased for a motor vehicle in Florida, a $100.00 Initial Registration Fee may be imposed. This fee applies to private automobiles, motor homes and trucks less than 5,000 pounds. Vehicle Titles: Florida Vehicle Titles An out-of-state title must be submitted as proof of ownership and if transfer of ownership is involved, it must be properly assigned indicating the new owner's name and address. An application for Florida Title must be completed and accompanied by verification of the Vehicle Identification Number and odometer reading (DHSMV Form 82042). The owner(s) or purchaser(s) must sign this form or give power of attorney. Sales tax will be collected if applicable. New Vehicle Titles All new vehicles are required to have a Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin (MCO) which must be signed and notarized by a licensed dealer for transfer to the buyer. To obtain a Florida title, the MCO must be filled out completely and attached to the title application form (DHSMV Form 82040). The information must include the owner's complete name and Florida address, date of birth, sex, drivers license number, a complete description of the vehicle and any lien to be recorded. Sales tax will be collected if applicable. The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and odometer reading must both be verified by a law enforcement officer or a Florida commissioned notary public. If a license plate is being transferred onto the new vehicle, proof of insurance and registration is required. Fast Title Service Specialized License Plates For an additional fee, Florida vehicle owners can purchase a specialty license plate to commemorate an event or to show support to an organization, college, or special interest group. The majority of the funds collected for these plates are distributed to the specified agency to enhance their programs. All Florida specialty plates are approved by the state legislature. Go directly to the State of Florida, Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles for more details. Miscellaneous License PlatesContact the Tax Collector's Office for detailed information on the following license plates: Amateur RadioAntique Authenticated Antique Collectible County/City owned vehicles EX POW Dealer Horseless Carriage International Registration Plan Moped Motorized Bicycle National Guard U.S Reserve Paralyzed Veterans Pearl Harbor Survivor Medal of Honor Street Rod Temporary Paper Tag X-tags (non profit) |
Under state law, if you own a motor vehicle, you must renew your tag (vehicle registration) each year by midnight of your birthday. Late fees are imposed for all license tags renewed after the tenth day of the month following the birth month. When you renew your tag, you must present Proof of Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Insurance, and at least $10,000 in Property Damage Liability (PDL) insurance, and the last odometer reading of your car. You must also supply the drivers license number of the owner and co-owner, if applicable. All vehicles are licensed according to weight. Travel trailers and mobile homes are licensed according to length.