Yes, the Florida Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), more commonly known in Florida as the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), can and will request the vehicle title from Ohio as a standard part of the process when you are titling and registering an out-of-state vehicle in Florida. This is handled directly between the motor vehicle agencies through an electronic system, and you, as the vehicle owner, are the catalyst for this request by submitting the proper application.
The core of this process involves you presenting your current Ohio certificate of title at a Florida county tax collector's office. Florida officials will verify the title's authenticity and use it to initiate the transfer. For vehicles with an existing loan, where the Ohio title is held by a lienholder, the Florida agency will directly request that the lienholder mail the title to them. This inter-state communication is routine.
To ensure a smooth transaction, you must provide the following:
- Out-of-State Title: The original Ohio certificate of title, properly assigned to you by the previous owner.
- Identification: A valid Florida driver's license or ID card.
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Verification: This can be completed by a Florida law enforcement officer, a licensed Florida dealer, or a certified inspector.
- Proof of Florida Insurance: You must show proof of insurance from a provider licensed to do business in Florida.
- Odometer Disclosure: This is typically a section on the title itself that must be filled out accurately.
You should also be prepared to pay the required fees, which include title and registration fees, and the state sales tax. The table below outlines some of the key requirements and potential challenges.
| Requirement / Consideration | Details |
|---|
| Primary Method | Florida FLHSMV requests title directly from Ohio BMV upon your application. |
| Required Document | Original Ohio title, signed over to you. |
| VIN Verification | Mandatory for all out-of-state vehicles; proves the VIN on the car matches the title. |
| Potential Delay | Processing can take several weeks if Ohio mails a physical title. |
| Lienholder Complication | If there's a loan, the Florida agency corresponds with your lienholder to secure the title. |
| Sales Tax | Due at the time of titling, unless you qualify for an exemption (e.g., from a state with no sales tax). |
The most common issue is a delay if the title must be physically mailed. It's crucial to start the process well before your temporary Ohio tags expire to avoid driving with an invalid registration.
