Are you looking to transfer a car title in Florida? Well, Florida requirements for transferring a car title differ a bit compared to other states. Also, there are different requirements depending on the reason a title transfer is needed. Here are some common reasons why people in FL may need to transfer a car title:
- Car title transfer for selling a vehicle.
- Car title transfer for buying a vehicle in a private sale.
- Car title transfer for buying a vehicle from a dealership.
Accurate information is always a priority for ChoiceCash Title Loans in Florida, which is why we’ve created this guide on car title transfers in Florida. Looking for emergency funding in FL? Call 855-422-7402 to talk to a loan agent now!
How to Transfer a Car Title in Florida when Selling a Vehicle
If you want to transfer a Car Title in Florida because you are privately selling a vehicle to another individual, there are just a few things you should take care of first.
- Make a record of the odometer reading at the time of sale, and make sure it is marked on the vehicle title. It is also a good idea for the vehicle seller to have their own record of the current odometer reading to keep for their own personal documentation.
- Complete the title transfer and fill out the Secure Title Reassignment (HSMV Form 82994 or 82902) at a motor vehicle service center to make sure the process is done legally and correctly.
- Remove the license plate from the sold vehicle.
- Complete a Notice of Sale, (Form HSMV 82050).
However, before you even start checking off items on the list above, it may be a good idea to locate the physical copy of the vehicle title you want to transfer in FL. If for some reason you have misplaced or lost your copy of the car title, you will have to complete a Form HSMV 82101 and send in a duplicate title fee to your local motor vehicle service center. After that is completed if necessary, the seller is free to start looking for, and setting up appointments with potential buyers.
IMPORTANT NOTE: If you are selling a car in Florida, make sure you are not parking your vehicle to advertise its sale on public property, without the permission of the property owner. This technique commonly referred to as “curbstoning” is only allowed with the explicating permission of the party who owns the property.
What you Need to Know about Car Title Transfers in Florida if You Are Buying a Vehicle
But what about if you need a car title transfer in Florida because you are buying a vehicle from a dealership? When purchasing any vehicle from a dealership, they are required to provide the buyer with a “Buyer’s Guide” with the following information:
- The contact information of the dealership. If you have any complaints or want to get in touch with them after the date of sale, you can use that information to do so.
- All major mechanical and electrical systems included on the car. There should also be information on common issues / problems to be mindful of regarding those systems.
- If the car is being sold “as is,” or if it is under warranty. If the car is being sold “as is,” that means the dealership is not responsible for any repairs or improvements the vehicle may need after the date of sale. If the car is being sold under warranty, that means the dealership may be liable to make certain repairs if necessary. Make sure the specific percentage of repair costs the dealer will pay for under the warranty is included with your information.
- Reminder to get all promises made by the dealership in writing. Assume spoken promises mean nothing unless you have a record of it in writing.
- Reminder to have an independent mechanic of your choice inspect the vehicle before you purchase it.
- Obtain a vehicle history report. You can click here to get more information on getting that vehicle history report, and how to check for any safety recalls, and more.
IMPORTANT NOTE: If you need a copy of your Buyer’s Guide in Spanish, your dealership should be able to provide that to you without a problem. If you live in an English and Spanish speaking household, it may be a good idea to get a copy of the Buyer’s Guide in both languages.
Lately, make sure you hang onto your Buyer’s Guide after the date of sale. It is probably the best choice to keep the guide with your personal records, so you have it on hand if you ever need it in the future.
Completing the Car Title Transfer Process in Florida
When competing the title transfer process in Florida, it is important that both the buyer and seller are present at the motor vehicle service center during the time of the title transfer. This is beneficial for both the buyer and seller because it confirms that the seller’s name is properly removed from the vehicle title and they are no longer liable for any future violations associated with the vehicle, and it confirms that the buyer’s name is correctly added to the vehicle title, and that the sale is legitimate.
Making sure the Notice of Sale is completed legally and properly is imperative for the seller of the vehicle, because it ensures that they are not liable for any issues or violations committed with the sold vehicle. If the Notice of Sale is not completed properly, unfortunately the seller could be responsible financially, and even legally for violations associated with the vehicle. If you are selling a vehicle, make sure you have a copy of your properly completed Notice of Sale, so you don’t ever have to take the fall for crimes or violations you didn’t even commit!
When finalizing the car title transfer in Florida, the seller should make sure they have a completed Transfer of Title by Seller section on the front of the title certificate. Make sure the full name and address of the buyer is included in this section, along with the odometer reading at the time of the sale, and the selling price and the date the car was sold. On the other hand, when finalizing the FL car title transfer, the buyer should make sure they have completed the Application for Certificate of Title with or Without Registration Form and attach that certificate to the old copy of car title. With both of those items together, a FL motor vehicle service center should be able to transfer the car title into the name of the buyer. To avoid any fees, this application should be completed no later than 30 days after the date of sale.
Do I Have to Transfer the License Plate When I Transfer a Car Title in Florida?
When selling a car and transferring a car title in Florida, there are a few stipulations the seller should take into consideration before the selling or car title transfer process even begins. These include confirming that the license plate meets FL seller requirements and completing a Vehicle Identification Number and Odometer Verification if necessary.
If you have already bought a new vehicle and transferred the license plate from your previous vehicle to the new car, then you will have to apply for a “demonstration only temporary tag” before you can sell your old car. This is because a buyer will most likely want to test drive a vehicle before they purchase it, and it is against FL law to drive a vehicle without a license plate. Also, when the vehicle is sold, the buyer will need a license plate or temporary tag when they drive off with the car. IMPORTANT NOTE: Any vehicle with a demonstration only temporary tag must be insured!
In the state of Florida, when a car is sold privately the license plate stays with the seller. However, the seller is required to give that license plate to their local motor vehicle service station if that person is planning on moving to a new state, or if there is no insurance on the vehicle the license plate is associated with.
Before a car title can be transferred in Florida, the seller must complete a Vehicle Identification Number and Odometer Verification if necessary. This inspection is only required if the original vehicle title is from another state other than Florida. So, if the vehicle title you want to transfer is registered for Florida, you don’t have to worry about this step!
Auto Title Loans and Car Title Transfers in Florida
Once a car title has been transferred in Florida, and the buyer’s name is properly added to the vehicle title, that person is the legal owner of the vehicle! While that individual is now responsible for the vehicle, they also have the ability to use their vehicle and its title however they want.
If you have a vehicle title in your name and are looking for some extra cash, consider a ChoiceCash Title Loan, serviced by LoanMart! ChoiceCash Title Loans can be a great way to get fast and efficient funding even if you have bad credit, or a past bankruptcy. Call 855-422-7402 to learn how you can get your money TODAY!1