How to Remove a Name from a Car Title in Florida
Whether you're dealing with a divorce, the death of a co-owner, or a mutual agreement to change ownership, here is exactly how to remove a name from a vehicle title in Florida.
When You Can Remove a Name in Florida
Florida processes name removal as a title transfer. The remaining owner receives a new title listing only their name.
Process by Situation in Florida
Florida's final dissolution of marriage decree that specifies vehicle assignment gives the receiving spouse legal authority to re-title. Submit HSMV 82040 with the certified divorce decree at the Tax Collector office.
When a Florida co-owner dies, the surviving owner submits the title plus a certified death certificate and HSMV 82040. Florida's "with rights of survivorship" title language streamlines this — the survivor can re-title without probate by showing the death certificate.
Both co-owners sign the current title as sellers. The remaining owner completes HSMV 82040 as the sole buyer. Submit at the Tax Collector office with ID and proof of insurance.
Required Documents in Florida
- 1Current Florida title (signed by both co-owners, or court order)
- 2HSMV 82040 (Application for Certificate of Title)
- 3Certified death certificate (if applicable)
- 4Certified divorce decree (if applicable)
- 5Valid Florida ID
- 6Proof of Florida insurance
When You Need a Court Order in Florida
A court order is needed when a co-owner refuses to cooperate. Divorce cases: the final decree is sufficient authority. Death: death certificate plus survivorship language or probate order.
Florida's survivorship tenancy designation ("with rights of survivorship" on the title) is the single most powerful simplification for married couples. If this language is on the title, the surviving spouse re-titles with just a death certificate — no probate, no court. If your title doesn't have this language, consider adding it now.
Florida Name Removal FAQ
How do I remove an ex-spouse's name from a car title in Florida?
In Florida, Florida's final dissolution of marriage decree that specifies vehicle assignment gives the receiving spouse legal authority to re-title. Submit HSMV 82040 with the certified divorce decree at the Tax Collector office.
How do I remove a deceased co-owner from a car title in Florida?
When a Florida co-owner dies, the surviving owner submits the title plus a certified death certificate and HSMV 82040. Florida's "with rights of survivorship" title language streamlines this — the survivor can re-title without probate by showing the death certificate.
Can I remove a name from a car title by mutual agreement in Florida?
Both co-owners sign the current title as sellers. The remaining owner completes HSMV 82040 as the sole buyer. Submit at the Tax Collector office with ID and proof of insurance.
What documents are needed to remove a name from a car title in Florida?
Required: Current Florida title (signed by both co-owners, or court order); HSMV 82040 (Application for Certificate of Title); Certified death certificate (if applicable); Certified divorce decree (if applicable); Valid Florida ID; Proof of Florida insurance.
When do I need a court order to remove a name from a car title in Florida?
A court order is needed when a co-owner refuses to cooperate. Divorce cases: the final decree is sufficient authority. Death: death certificate plus survivorship language or probate order.
How much does it cost to remove a name from a car title in Florida?
$75.25–$85.25. Standard Florida title fee applies. Divorce-related transfers may qualify for sales tax exemption — verify with the Tax Collector.