Florida Drivers Handbook |
5.7. Vehicle Licensing
Vehicle Licensing
If you accept employment or engage in a trade,
profession or occupation in Florida or if you enroll your
children to be educated in a public school in Florida, the
vehicle you own must have a Florida registration certificate
and license plate. You must obtain the registration certificate
and license plate within 20 days after beginning employment
or enrollment. You also must have a Florida Certificate
of Title for your vehicle, unless an out-of-state financial
institution holds the title and will not release it to Florida.
Proving Ownership and Insurance Coverage
To get your license plate and registration certificate,
you must prove that you own your vehicle and that you have
Florida Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance coverage
for your vehicle. You must prove ownership by showing your
certificate of title. You must prove PIP coverage by showing
a Florida insurance identification card or other acceptable
proof. The vehicle identification number (VIN) on any vehicle
previously titled or registered in another state must be
verified by one of several designated officials before the
vehicle can be titled and registered in Florida. VIN verification
is not required on any new vehicles, regardless of whether
purchased in Florida or out of state, mobile homes, trailer
type recreational vehicles (travel trailers, camp trailers,
truck campers, and fifth wheel recreational trailers) or
trailers and semitrailers with a weight of less than 2,000
pounds.
Applying For Title, License Plates and Registration
Apply for title, license plates and registration
at any tax collector's office in Florida. The cost of your
license plate will depend on the type and weight of your
vehicle. Your vehicle must always have a current license
plate and you must always have your vehicle's registration
when you are driving. If you buy a vehicle from a dealer
in Florida, the dealer must apply for a certificate of title,
certificate of registration and license plate for you. If
you buy a vehicle from an individual, you must obtain the
title from the individual and apply for a certificate of
title in your name. You may apply for certificate of title,
certificate of registration and license plate at the same
time. You cannot get a license plate until you have a title
to prove that you own the vehicle. All first time driver
license applicants who hold an out-of-state license should
register their vehicle in Florida before a Florida driver
license is issued.
Renewal
Vehicle license plates and registrations must be
renewed each year, on or before the birthday of the first
owner listed on the registration form. Each time you renew,
you must prove that you have the required insurance, unless
on file and electronically updated. You may renew by mail
or through the internet at http://www.gorenew.com.
Registrations expire at midnight on the birthday of the
first owner listed on the registration form, except for:
