Florida Car Titles - How to Get Your FL Car Title

Guide to Florida Car Titles

A car title is a legal document that establishes ownership of a vehicle. In Florida, the car title is also referred to as a "Certificate of Title." It contains essential information about the vehicle, such as the make, model, year, and vehicle identification number (VIN), as well as the owner's name and address. If you are planning to buy, sell, or transfer ownership of a vehicle in Florida, understanding how car titles work is crucial. This blog will provide an in-depth explanation of car titles in Florida, including how to obtain one, transfer it to a new owner, and other important aspects of this topic.

How to Get Your Car Title in Florida

When you purchase a new or used vehicle, you must obtain a car title in your name. The process for obtaining a title differs depending on whether you purchased the vehicle from a dealer or a private seller:

Dealer Purchase

When you buy a car from a dealership in Florida, the dealer usually handles the title and registration paperwork for you. The dealer will submit the necessary documents to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) within 30 days of the sale. Once the paperwork is processed, the DHSMV will issue a new title in your name and send it to you by mail.

Private Seller Purchase

If you buy a car from a private seller, you will need to handle the title transfer process yourself. To obtain a title in your name, you must:

1. Obtain the signed title from the seller, including the odometer disclosure statement, if applicable.
2. Complete Form HSMV 82040 (Application for Certificate of Title).
3. Provide proof of auto insurance that meets the state's minimum coverage requirements.
4. Pay the required title and registration fees.
5. Submit the completed application, along with the seller's title and required fees, to your local county tax collector's office.

Transferring a Car Title in Florida

When you sell a vehicle, it is your responsibility as the seller to ensure that the title is properly transferred to the new owner. To transfer a car title in Florida:

1. Sign the title over to the buyer by filling out the "Transfer of Title by Seller" section on the back of the title.
2. Provide the buyer with a signed, completed Form HSMV 82040.
3. Remove the license plates from the vehicle, as these should not be transferred to the new owner.
4. Notify the Florida DHSMV of the sale of the vehicle within 30 days by completing the Notice of Sale section on the title or using the online Notice of Sale form.

The buyer will then need to follow the same steps outlined above for obtaining a car title from a private seller.

Lost or Damaged Car Titles

If your car title is lost or damaged, you will need to obtain a duplicate title before you can sell or transfer ownership of the vehicle. To apply for a duplicate title in Florida:

1. Complete Form HSMV 82101 (Application for Duplicate or Lost in Transit/Reassignment for a Motor Vehicle, Mobile Home or Vessel Title Certificate).
2. Provide proof of identification, such as a driver's license or state-issued ID.
3. Pay the required duplicate title fee.
4. Submit the application, identification, and fee to your local county tax collector's office.

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Title Issues and Liens

Title Issues

If there is an issue with the title, such as an incorrect name or a missing VIN, you will need to resolve the issue before transferring the title. This may involve completing additional forms or providing supporting documents to the Florida DHSMV.

Liens

If a lien exists on the vehicle, the lienholder must release the lien before the title can be transferred. The lienholder will typically sign off on the title or provide a separate lien release document. Once the lien is released, the title can be transferred to the new owner.

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The Yendo Card

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Yendo is the first credit card that's backed by the value of your car.

The card can provide access to credit for those who might not be able to qualify for other credit cards. It's a real credit card, powered by Mastercard, that provides credit limits from $450 - $10,000, depending on your value of your car amongst other factors, that can provide people with access to ongoing funds.

So, rather than having to re-apply for loans, for example, you can access funds up to your credit limit on an ongoing basis and, with responsible usage like on-time payments, build your credit too.

Features & benefits

• Your car = access - whether you own your car outright or are still making payments, you can apply for the card
• Credit limit - access up to $10k in credit
• App - the Yendo app let's you manage your account, wherever you are
• Virtual card - access a portion of your credit limit prior to getting your physical card in the mail with the Yendo virtual card. You can continue to use your virtual card even after your physical card arrives as well
• Cash advances - ability to do cash advances on your card
• Credit building - with responsible usage, you can not only have access to ongoing credit, but also build your credit for potential future financial options

How it works

1. Get pre-approved - this generally takes 5 minutes and there is no impact to your credit for pre-approval so you can find out how much your credit limit might be, up to $10k
2. Send in your information - provide us with information about you, your car with our app
3. Get your card - once your car’s condition is verified and your title is mailed from our Fedex partners, you’ll instantly receive a virtual credit card while we print and ship your physical credit card
4. Get your money - access money when you need it, withdraw cash with cash advances if you'd like. No need to re-apply or rollover like a title loan - Yendo is a real credit card!

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Conclusion

Understanding the process of obtaining, transferring, and managing car titles in Florida is essential for vehicle owners in the state. Whether you're buying or selling a vehicle, ensuring that the title is properly transferred and documented will help protect both parties and ensure a smooth transaction. By following the steps outlined above and working with your local DHSMV or county tax collector's office, you can successfully navigate the car title process in Florida.

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Disclaimer: Yendo is not a provider of financial advice. The material presented on this page constitutes general consumer information and should not be regarded as legal, financial, or regulatory guidance. While this content may contain references to third-party resources or materials, Yendo does not guarantee the accuracy or endorse these external sources.

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