How to transfer a car title in Florida
For private sellers and buyers in Florida. A dealer trade-in follows the dealer's own process.
To transfer a car title in Florida, the seller fills in the transfer section on the title and files a Notice of Sale (HSMV 82050) within 30 days. The buyer completes HSMV 82040 and submits it with the signed title at a motor vehicle service center within 30 calendar days. The electronic title fee is $75.25.
What do the buyer and seller each do in Florida?
Seller
- Fill in the Transfer of Title by Seller section: buyer's name and address, odometer, price and date.
- File the Notice of Sale (HSMV 82050) within 30 days.
- Keep copies of the bill of sale and the title.
Buyer
- Fill out HSMV 82040 and attach it to the signed title.
- Submit it at a motor vehicle service center within 30 calendar days.
- Expect to pay sales tax and tag and title fees on top of the price.
If you're not sure what you need, check with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles before you go: flhsmv.gov
How do I sign over a car title in Florida?
Step 1 · Seller
Fill in the seller section on the front of the title.
Write the buyer's name and address, the odometer reading, the selling price and the date sold.
flhsmv.gov checkedStep 2 · Seller
File the Notice of Sale within 30 days.
Use form HSMV 82050 or the Notice of Sale section on the back of the title. It removes your registration from the car and helps protect you from liability after the sale.
HSMV 82050 · Notice of Sale and/or Bill of Sale for a Motor Vehicle, Mobile Home, Off-Highway Vehicle or Vesselflhsmv.gov checkedStep 3 · Seller
Keep your copies.
Keep the bill of sale, the title copy or other papers that show the car was sold. FLHSMV recommends having the bill of sale notarized.
flhsmv.gov checked
We have not confirmed whether Florida requires a bill of sale. Check with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles before you sell.
Florida bill of saleHow do I put a car title in my name in Florida?
Step 1 · Buyer
Check the seller's ID against the name on the title.
If the title is paper, look for signs of tampering, and check that the VIN on the title matches the car.
flhsmv.gov checkedStep 2 · Buyer
Fill out HSMV 82040 and attach it to the title.
This is the Application for Certificate of Title With/Without Registration.
HSMV 82040 · Application for Certificate of Title With/Without Registrationflhsmv.gov checkedStep 3 · Buyer
Submit it within 30 calendar days.
After 30 days a late transfer penalty fee applies.
flhsmv.gov checked
After FLHSMV processes your papers, it issues the new title in the new owner's name.
Florida guides
- You're reading this guideSell or buy a carSteps to sell a car in Florida · Steps to buy a car in Florida
- Florida bill of saleOfficial form HSMV 82050
- Gifting a car in FloridaGiving or getting a car with no money paid
- Replace a lost title in FloridaDuplicate title (HSMV 82101)
- Car title after a death in FloridaThe steps depend on the estate and who the title names
How much does a title transfer cost in Florida?
| Fee | Amount | Who pays | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Title transfer (electronic title) | $75.25 | Buyer | flhsmv.gov Checked |
| Paper title printed (if it applies) | $2.50 | Buyer | flhsmv.gov Checked |
| Lien recording, if there is a loan (if it applies) | $2 | Buyer | flhsmv.gov Checked |
| Late title fee, after 30 days (if it applies) | $20.00 | Buyer | flhsmv.gov Checked |
| State sales tax | 6% | Buyer | floridarevenue.com Checked |
| County surtax (by the buyer's home county, on the first $5,000) | Varies by county | Buyer | floridarevenue.com Checked |
| Total of required fees, before tax | $75.25 |
Fees can change. Check the official page before you pay. Tax depends on the price and on who is buying. The tax rules are on the site of the Florida Department of Revenue.
Special cases
- Giving a car as a giftFlorida has its own steps for gifts.
- Lost titleUse the Application for Duplicate or Lost in Transit/Reassignment for a Motor Vehicle, Mobile Home or Vessel Title Certificate (HSMV 82101).
- The owner diedThe steps depend on the estate and who the title names.
The title is electronic
If the title is electronic, the buyer and seller both go to a motor vehicle service center with photo ID to reassign it. flhsmv.gov checked
Common questions
How long do you have to transfer a car title in Florida?
The buyer has 30 calendar days from the sale. After that, FLHSMV charges a $20.00 late title fee.
flhsmv.govsource 2 checked
How much does a title transfer cost in Florida?
FLHSMV lists $75.25 for the title transfer (electronic title), $2.50 to print a paper title and $2 to record a lien. The buyer also pays 6% state sales tax plus any county surtax.
flhsmv.gov checked floridarevenue.comsource 2 checked
Do both people have to go to the service center?
If the title is electronic, yes: the buyer and the seller both go to a motor vehicle service center.
flhsmv.gov checked
Do I need to tell FLHSMV that I sold my car?
Yes. File a Notice of Sale within 30 days, on form HSMV 82050 or the section on the back of the title.
flhsmv.govsource 2 checked
Sources for this page
- floridarevenue.com/Forms_library/
current/ Checkedbrochure/ gt800030.pdf - floridarevenue.com/taxes/
taxesfees/ Checkedpages/ sales_tax.aspx - flhsmv.gov/fees/
Checked - flhsmv.gov/pdf/
forms/ Checked82050.pdf - flhsmv.gov/pdf/
proc/ Checkedtl/ tl-11.pdf - flhsmv.gov/safety-center/
consumer-education/ Checkedbuying-vehicle-florida/ buying-private-sale/ - flhsmv.gov/safety-center/
consumer-education/ Checkedselling-vehicle-florida/
About this page
This page summarizes official Florida sources in plain English. Car Title Steps is not a government website, is not connected to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, and does not file or prepare forms. Confirm each step with the agency before you sign, pay or mail anything. Found a mistake? Email mr@marcelruettgers.com.