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A Motor Vehicle Registration — or more simply, a car registration — connects a car to its owner for identification purposes, and is proof that the car owner has paid the required taxes and obtained the minimum auto insurance coverage required in their state. Each state requires you, by law, to register your car with your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or transportation agency.
The vehicle registration process involves providing some personal information and details on your car and paying a registration fee. If you fail to register your car or renew your registration, you could face penalty fees, a ticket and possibly impoundment.
The most common scenarios wherein you’d need to register a car are:
The Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) oversees vehicle registration in the state. Find out more about car registration on the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles page here.
In Florida, you must register any cars or motor vehicles you own or operate with the Florida Transportation Department of Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV).
The first time you register your car in Florida, you’ll receive a license plate for your vehicle and a registration card. Additionally, you will receive a registration sticker that needs to be attached to your vehicle’s license plate.
When you renew your registration, you’ll receive a new registration card. In Florida, drivers are required to keep the registration card with them when operating a vehicle. If you drive a commercial vehicle, you can carry the digital version of the card.
To register a car in Florida, you must:
Find out more about the requirements to register a vehicle in Florida and the personal information requirements here.
The main difference between a car title (or pink slip) and a car registration is that while the first proves your legal ownership of a vehicle, the second allows your vehicle to be driven on public roads. Both documents are mandatory in all 50 U.S. states.
Unlike the car title, which does not need to be renewed, the car registration has to be renewed every one or two years, depending on the state. In Florida, registrations have to be renewed every year.
The car title only needs to be changed when the vehicle is sold and the owner changes, or if you have finished paying the car loan and the vehicle is now officially yours. In these cases, you must complete a transfer of ownership by transferring the title.
Learn more about your car title in Florida here.
If you purchase a new or used vehicle at a car dealership in Florida, the dealership will handle the vehicle registration on your behalf but will charge the applicable registration fees.
If you purchased a used car from a private seller or are a new resident of the state, you will need to obtain a car registration yourself.
To register your car in Florida, complete the following three steps:
Learn what documents and information you need here. Complete the Application for Certificate of Title With/Without Registration form here before.
In Florida, you must register your car in person. Click here to find your nearest Florida FLHSMV Office location.
The cost to register a vehicle in Florida will depend on the type and weight of the vehicle, as well as your county of residence. You can pay the FLHSMV fees in cash, with a check or with a credit card.
If you have questions about the car registration process or require assistance, contact your nearest FLHSMV Office. Find office location and contact information here.
To renew your car registration in Florida, complete the following three steps:
Learn about the documents needed to renew your registration here.
To renew your registration online, click here to access the GoRenew Portal.
To renew your registration in person, click here to find your nearest FLHSMV Office.
In addition to standard fees, you will need to pay an online service charge if you choose to renew your registration online.
If you have further questions about the vehicle registration renewal process or require assistance, contact your nearest FLHSMV Office. Find office location and contact information here.
You can visit or call a local FLHSMV Office to check the status of your application or request. Find your nearest local FLHSMV office location and contact information in Florida here.
Any missing or stolen vehicle title or registration must be replaced and reported to the local authorities immediately. This includes license plates. You can replace lost or stolen title and registration documents online or in person.
To replace documentation online, click here to access the FLHSMV Virtual Office.
To replace documentation in person, click here to find your nearest FLHSMV Office.
After requesting your replacement title or registration, you can call a local FLHSMV Office to check the status of your request. Find office location and contact information here.
If you move to a new address within the state, you will need to update the address on your vehicle registration within 30 days of relocation.
You can change your address online on the Florida GoRenew here or in person at a local FLHSMV Office. Find office location and contact information here.
If you need to update your name on your registration, you must change your name with the Social Security Administration (SSA) first. Learn more about how to change your name with the SSA here.
After changing your name with the SSA, you must visit a local FLHSMV Office in person to update your registration. Find your nearest office location and contact information here. You will need documents that confirm the legal name change, such as a marriage or divorce certificate or a court order.
Learn more about changing your name with the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles here.
If you have recently moved to Florida, you will need to register and title your car with the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles within 10 days of moving to the state. Follow the same car registration steps outlined above to complete the process.
If you have not yet obtained a Florida-issued driver’s license or ID card, you will need to provide your Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number with your legal name and address to submit your car registration application.
Learn more about what to expect as a new Florida resident here.
If you move out of Florida, you will need to register your vehicle in your new state. Your new state may have different requirements for vehicle services. Click here to access your new state’s official DMV website for more information.
The total cost to register or renew your vehicle depends on:
Other registration and title fees include:
Depending on how long the registration has been expired, drivers can face citations, fines and community service. Drivers may also like late changes and tax-delinquent fees.
To learn more about Florida fines and penalties in 2020, click here.
For help with the car registration process, or for any further questions about your car registration, call your nearest FLHSMV Office. Find office location and contact information here.
While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the car registration process and compiled a guide and the following answers to frequently asked questions. Our goal is to help you get familiar with the process by providing useful information.
Our free Car Registration Guide is filled with helpful information about how to apply, eligibility and how to get in touch with local offices. You can view or download our free guide here.
