How Do You Sign Over A Title For A Car In Florida?

Many people don’t realize that Florida has some extra steps when selling a vehicle between individuals. In order to sell your car and transfer your title for the vehicle in the Sunshine State, you must first get a physical copy of the title. Most people don’t have physical copies of their titles anymore since we switched to using the Florida e-title system. Yet, you can’t transfer an e-title to an individual. You must get a hard copy. If your title is currently an e-title, just order the hard copy of the title via the state’s website at www.flhsmv.gov. The service fee to get a hard copy will be $2.50 service fee for printing and mailing. You can also go to the local Tax Collector office. They can usually get you an expidited hard copy of the title for a $10 expedited service fee.

Also, as the seller, you should provide a bill of sale. Get the bill of sale notarized with the buyer. (Here’s a link to a bill of sale option.) You don’t have to get a bill of sale together though. The state will require you to submit the Notice of Sale to the DHSMV. As of 2009, our state law says that individuals selling vehicles to individuals have to a Notice of Sale. (Here’s a link to that document.)

One other big difference is that in Florida, individuals aren’t allowed to sell cars to other individuals in a casual sale if the vehicle has a current lien on it. So, if your current title has a lien in it, you will need to provide proof to the buyer that the lien has been satisfied.

If you’re new to Florida and your vehicle was not titled in Florida, you will additionally have to complete a Vehicle Identification Number and Odometer Verification. To get this done, you’ll need to have it verified by one of the following:

  • Florida FLHSMV compliance officer
  • Licensed Florida motor vehicle dealer
  • Florida notary public
  • Law enforcement officer

Those are your extra responsibilities if you are selling your vehicle in a casual sale to another individual in Florida.

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