Every vehicle in the state of Florida is mandatory to be registered. It starts from cars and trucks to motorcycles and RVs. How to register a car in Florida? Even if you just bought a brand-new car or are moving to the Sunshine State from another state with a car, you still need to register it with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV).
Complete registration of a vehicle in Florida proves that you’ve paid all registration fees and taxes, and consists of the following:
- License plate
- Registration certificate/card
- Registration sticker (provided on the registration certificate/card)
- Florida Insurance Coverage
How much is it to register a car in Florida?
In the state of Florida, typical registration fees start from $14.50-$32.50.
- One-time registration fee for vehicles registered in Florida- $225
- Automobiles (up to 2,499 pounds)- $14.50
- Automobiles (2,500-3,499 pounds)- $22.50
- Automobiles (3,500 or more pounds)- $32.50
- Motorcycles- $10.00
- Moped- $5.00
- Trucks (up to 1,999 pounds)- $14.50
- Trucks (2,000-3,000 pounds)- $22.50
- Trucks (3,001-5,000 pounds)- $32.50
What is the initial vehicle registration fee?
The Initial Registration Fee is $225 which is applied to private automobiles, motor homes, and trucks weighing less than 5,000 pounds. This fee is mandatory for everyone to pay if you don’t have a license plate or record of a license plate registered in your name for a vehicle, he/she previously owned in the state of Florida.
What are the required documents about How to register a car in Florida?
- Identity Proof- The Florida government requires a valid ID card for the registration of a car or any vehicle. Even if you move out from another state you must have that state driving license. For Instance, Canadians have their Canadian driving license or state-issued ID card with a photo.
- Insurance Coverage- Your car should have a Florida auto insurance policy that meets the state’s minimum coverage requirements, i.e., PDP & PPL.
- Title- You must have your car title.
- Application- A completed Application for Certificate of Title With/Without Registration (HSMV form 82040).
- Payment- The initial registration fee is $225 including taxes, plate, and title fees.
- VIN inspection- You must have done the inspection of vehicle inspection number and odometer reading certified.
What is the annual renewal fee after registration?
Vehicle Registration Fee- The annual vehicle renewal fee in the state of Florida depends on the vehicle’s weight:
- Motorcycles- $10
- Automobiles (up to 2,499 pounds)- $14.50
- Automobiles (2,500-3,499 pounds)- $14.50
- Automobiles (3,500 or more pounds)- $22.50
- Autocycles- $32.50
Late Fee (if applicable)- If your registration has already expired, you’ll be required to pay a late fee in case of renewal which varies from $5 to $250.
Additional Fees: There will be additional statutory fees along with certain fees assessed based on the vehicle you use and the class code.
Registration Process
Gather your Paperwork
- Keep updated with your Florida license: You can’t register your vehicle without a valid Florida ID card. Also, make sure that your card is updated and unexpired. Even if you’ve moved from another state you must have your old license transferred over.
- Florida insurance coverage: Your car needs to be insured before you start registration in the state of Florida. You must bring a printed copy of your insurance proof to the DHSMV.
- Bring or apply for a Car title: Bring your car title at the time of registration. If you don’t have then add the additional application for a car title, which is also available at the DHSMV.
- Inspect your car VIN and odometer timely: Florida law requires that, if you buy a new car or bring an out-of-state car into Florida, you have to complete the vehicle inspection number (VIN) and odometer reading certified.
- Bring cash or a credit card for the registration fee: The registration fee is mostly $225, but it varies by the weight of the car. But new cars and leased cars may be subject to sales taxes and other fees applied.
Visiting the DHSMV Office
- Locate the nearest DHSMV: Check the DHSMV website closest to you from the list of locations in your county.
- Visit in less crowded hours: Avoid crowds to complete your DHSMV registration.
- Go when the number is called: Check the Front desk then take the number & go when they call. But make sure your paperwork is all together.
- Present all your registration documents to the clerk: Give all your paperwork and the fee money to the clerk. They’ll handle the registration, just after a few minutes and sign your paperwork.
How much is it to register an out of state car in florida Complete your Registration
- Wait for the final registration mail: DHSMV send you the full registration paperwork through your mail later. But till then, keep your DHSMV receipt of registration
- in your car as proof.
- Put the registration sticker: Your registration comes up with a little sticker with the year written on it. This should be put on the top right corner of your plate to avoid being pulled over.
- Make a copy of your registration: The registration will come up with multiple copies but if not then have a backup copy in case of emergency.
- Place the original registration in your car: Your actual registration should always be in your car so you can show it in case you’re pulled over.
Post Registration Steps that you should follow up.
Before every new car registration process, clear documentation is required. In the Sunshine State visit the nearest DHSMV location with complete documentation which includes title, proof of identity, Florida Insurance Coverage, & payment of registration fee.
How to register an out of state car in florida about the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Office and the nearest office to your location.
You can easily find the nearest location & contact links directly from DMV’s official website (https://www.flhsmv.gov/locations/). Whether you need a simple driving license, registration, or renewal information or want to access your driving records, it will show everything.