How long do I have to transfer a car title in Florida?

Florida requires the title transfer to be completed within 30 days of the sale date. Late transfers may result in penalty fees.

How much does a car title transfer cost in Florida?

The base title transfer fee in Florida is $75. Title fee is $75.25 for electronic title; an additional $2.50 handling fee may apply. Additional fees such as registration and sales tax are paid separately.

Does Florida require notarization for a car title transfer?

No, Florida does not require notarization for a standard private-party title transfer. Florida does not require notarization for private party title transfers.

What if the car has a lien on the title?

If a lien is listed on the title, the lienholder must release the lien before the title can be transferred. Lienholder signs and mails the title to the buyer or Florida DHSMV directly after payoff. Contact your lender to initiate a payoff and lien release.

Can I transfer a car title online?

Florida offers some online title services. Florida offers online title check at flhsmv.gov but in-person visit is required for most transfers.

What documents are needed to transfer a car title?

You will need: (1) the original signed vehicle title, (2) a bill of sale showing sale price and date, (3) completed odometer disclosure, (4) valid photo ID for both parties, and (5) proof of insurance. Florida issues electronic titles by default; a paper title must be requested for an extra fee.

How to Transfer a Car Title in Florida

Step-by-step guide to completing a car title transfer in Florida — required documents, fees, deadlines, and what to do if the title has a lien or is lost.

Requirement	Florida Rule
Transfer Deadline	30 days from sale date
Title Fee	$75
Notarization Required	✗ No
Odometer Disclosure	✓ Required
Online Transfer	✓ Partially available
Agency	Florida DHSMV

Florida Note

Florida issues electronic titles by default; a paper title must be requested for an extra fee.

Step-by-Step Title Transfer Process

1
Gather required documents
Collect the signed vehicle title, a completed bill of sale, odometer disclosure statement, valid photo ID, and proof of insurance. Florida requires the buyer and seller both have valid identification at the time of transfer.
2
Seller signs and releases the title
The seller must sign the back of the title in the exact name shown on the front. Fill in the odometer reading, sale price, and date of sale. If a lien is listed, the lender must sign the release section first: Lienholder signs and mails the title to the buyer or Florida DHSMV directly after payoff.
3
Buyer completes the title assignment
The buyer fills in their full legal name, address, and purchase price on the title assignment section. Do not leave any fields blank — incomplete titles are rejected by Florida DHSMV.
4
Visit Florida DHSMV
Both buyer and seller visit Florida DHSMV with all documents. Pay the $75 title fee. Title fee is $75.25 for electronic title; an additional $2.50 handling fee may apply.
5
Receive new title
Florida will issue a new title in the buyer's name. Complete the transfer within 30 days of the sale date. Online options are available: Florida offers online title check at flhsmv.gov but in-person visit is required for most transfers.

Transferring a Title With a Lien

You cannot transfer a title with an active lien without the lender's involvement.

Lienholder signs and mails the title to the buyer or Florida DHSMV directly after payoff.

Steps: (1) Contact your lender and request a payoff quote. (2) Pay off the loan. (3) Obtain a lien release document or wait for the ELT system to clear. (4) Proceed with the normal title transfer process.

Required Documents

✓Original vehicle title, signed by the seller on the back
✓Bill of sale (signed by both parties, includes sale price and date)
✓Odometer disclosure statement
✓Valid government-issued photo ID (both buyer and seller)
✓Proof of insurance (buyer)
✓Lien release document (if applicable)

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to transfer a car title in Florida?: Florida requires the title transfer to be completed within 30 days of the sale date. Late transfers may result in penalty fees.
How much does a car title transfer cost in Florida?: The base title transfer fee in Florida is $75. Title fee is $75.25 for electronic title; an additional $2.50 handling fee may apply. Additional fees such as registration and sales tax are paid separately.
Does Florida require notarization for a car title transfer?: No, Florida does not require notarization for a standard private-party title transfer. Florida does not require notarization for private party title transfers.
What if the car has a lien on the title?: If a lien is listed on the title, the lienholder must release the lien before the title can be transferred. Lienholder signs and mails the title to the buyer or Florida DHSMV directly after payoff. Contact your lender to initiate a payoff and lien release.
Can I transfer a car title online?: Florida offers some online title services. Florida offers online title check at flhsmv.gov but in-person visit is required for most transfers.
What documents are needed to transfer a car title?: You will need: (1) the original signed vehicle title, (2) a bill of sale showing sale price and date, (3) completed odometer disclosure, (4) valid photo ID for both parties, and (5) proof of insurance. Florida issues electronic titles by default; a paper title must be requested for an extra fee.

Need a Bill of Sale for Florida?

A signed bill of sale is required alongside the title for private-party vehicle transfers in Florida.

Generate Florida Bill of Sale