Selling a car
According to the FLHSMV, a sale isn’t legal in Florida unless it is accompanied by a title and tag transfer.
That means that if the title is lost or misplaced, you’ll need to apply for a duplicate title.
Besides for the title, you’ll also have to make sure that the tags are transferred.
Vehicle tags are the yearly registration sticker that’s placed on your license plate when you renew your vehicle’s registration, and also sometimes refers to the numbers on your plates.
The option also exists to apply for a Florida title transfer online, and some people might find that to be an easier and faster option.
Buying a car
Buying from a dealership
When you buy a car from a dealership, they’ll typically be the ones handling the process, and you won’t have to worry about much.
Buying from an individual
When you’re buying from an individual, however, then you’ll have to work along with the previous owner to complete the process.
If the previous owner still owns the title
They can just fill out the section “Transferring Title by Seller,” have it signed by both owners, and then turn it into the DMV.
If the owner doesn’t have the title
They can apply for a duplicate title by filling out an application.
Turning in the title
After that, you’ll need to turn in your title to the Florida DMV along with a form detailing information about the vehicle like the VIN, year, make, and color.
Put old plate on the new car
With your title and tag transfer out of the way, you can put your old plate on your new car.
And after those forms are processed, you’ll be all set, with everything in place.
