
To get a duplicate car title in Florida, you must apply in person or by mail through a local Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) office or tax collector's office. The core requirement is submitting a completed Form HSMV 82101, along with proof of identity, a $75.25 fee for an electronic title ($85.25 for a paper title), and potentially other supporting documents if there is a lien. You cannot complete this process online in Florida.
The most common reason for needing a duplicate is a lost or damaged title. The process is generally straightforward if you are the titled owner and there are no liens. However, complications can arise if there is an outstanding loan (lien) on the vehicle, as the lienholder's information is required, and the new title may be sent directly to them.
Here is a breakdown of the key requirements and potential fees:
| Requirement / Fee Type | Details | Cost (Approximate) |
|---|---|---|
| Application Form | Form HSMV 82101 (Application for Duplicate Certificate of Title) | N/A |
| Standard Duplicate Title Fee | Fee for an electronic title (standard) | $75.25 |
| Paper Title Fee | Optional fee for a printed title | $85.25 |
| Owner's Identification | Valid Florida driver's license or ID card | N/A |
| Lien Satisfaction | If applicable, Form HSMV 82107 (Certification for Title without Lien) | N/A |
| Late Fee | If applying more than 30 days after the title was lost | $2.50 |
| Processing Time | Typical processing time for a mailed application | 2-3 weeks |
Before you visit an office, check if you need to provide a lien satisfaction document, which is proof a loan has been paid off. If the vehicle has multiple owners, all must sign the application or provide a power of attorney. For a damaged title, you must surrender the original document. Remember to verify your current mailing address on file, as the duplicate will be sent there. If you need the title faster, visiting a service center in person might yield a quicker result, though it's not guaranteed.

Just went through this. Head to your local tax collector's office with your driver's license. Fill out the duplicate title form—you can grab it online beforehand to save time. The fee is around $75. Bring cash or a card. The whole thing took me about 20 minutes. They'll mail the new title to your address on file in a couple of weeks. Super simple if you have all your stuff together.

As a former dealership manager, I handled these often. The critical step is verifying the lien status. If the car is paid off, you'll need the lien satisfaction letter from your bank; without it, the process stalls. For owners with a loan, the duplicate title will be sent to the lienholder, not you. My advice is to call the FLHSMV ahead of your visit to confirm exactly which documents you need based on your specific situation. This avoids wasting a trip.


