To register an out-of-state car in Florida, you must apply in person at a local tax collector's office offering vehicle services, providing the out-of-state title, proof of Florida insurance, a VIN verification, and payment for fees and taxes. The process is straightforward if your paperwork is complete, but missing a single document can cause significant delays.
The most critical step is ensuring you have the out-of-state title. If you have a loan on the car, the lienholder holds the title, and you'll need to contact them to request it be sent directly to the Florida tax collector's office. You must also have a valid Florida auto insurance policy with minimum coverage of $10,000 Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and $10,000 Property Damage Liability (PDL) before you can register.
A VIN verification is mandatory to confirm the vehicle's identity. This can often be done at the tax collector's office by a licensed dealer or a law enforcement officer. Additionally, you'll need to show proof of identity, like your Florida driver's license.
You will be responsible for paying initial registration fees, a title fee, and the state sales tax. Florida charges a one-time initial registration fee that varies by vehicle weight, plus an annual license plate fee.
| Fee Type | Typical Cost (Varies by Vehicle) | Purpose |
|---|
| Initial Registration Fee | $100 - $400 | Based on vehicle weight |
| Title Fee | $75.75 | For issuing a Florida title |
| License Plate Fee | $28.00 | Annual fee for the plate |
| Sales Tax | 6% of purchase price | State sales tax (if applicable) |
| Electronic Filing Fee | $2.50 | For processing the title |
Schedule an appointment to save time, and contact the specific tax collector's office beforehand to confirm their requirements. The entire process, if prepared, usually takes about an hour at the office.
