Buying a Car from Out of State in Florida
Buying a car from out of state can save thousands — but registering it in Florida requires specific steps, inspections, and tax payments. This guide covers everything you need to know before you buy and after you bring the vehicle home.
Sales/Use Tax
6% + county surtax (up to 2.5%)
Registration Window
30 days
Inspection Required
No
Florida-Specific Consideration
Florida collects sales tax based on the purchase price or the NADA trade-in value — whichever is HIGHER. If you bought the vehicle below market value, Florida DMV may assess tax on the higher NADA value. Have supporting documentation if you paid below market.
Florida DMV Official Guide →How to Register an Out-of-State Vehicle in Florida
- 1
Get a signed bill of sale from the seller
Before leaving, ensure the seller provides a signed, dated bill of sale with the VIN, sale price, odometer reading, and both signatures. Use the BillOfSaleNow form for a legally-sound document.
- 2
Obtain the out-of-state title
The seller signs the back of the title at sale. Verify the VIN matches the dashboard VIN plate. If there is a lien on the vehicle, request the lien release letter — without it, you cannot get a clean Florida title.
- 3
Get Florida-compliant insurance
Contact your insurer before the purchase. You need an active policy in Florida with the correct VIN before you can register. Drive with the insurance card and bill of sale during the trip home.
- 4
Skip the inspection (not required in Florida)
Florida does not require a safety or emissions inspection for out-of-state vehicles. This is one of the most frictionless states for out-of-state purchases.
- 5
Visit a Florida DMV office
Bring the out-of-state title (signed by seller), bill of sale, and proof of insurance to a Florida DHSMV office or tax collector office. Pay sales tax (6% + county) at registration. Florida issues a new title in your name.
- 6
Pay sales/use tax
Florida charges 6% + county surtax (up to 2.5%). This is paid at the DMV/tag office, not to the seller. If you paid tax in the originating state, bring documentation — Florida typically credits out-of-state tax paid.
- 7
Receive your ${stateName} title and plates
You will get Florida plates immediately. Your certificate of title will be mailed within 2–4 weeks.
Documents Checklist for Florida Registration
Signed out-of-state title (seller signature on back)
Lien release letter (if vehicle had an outstanding loan)
Signed bill of sale with VIN, price, odometer, both signatures
Florida-compliant auto insurance card
Government-issued ID with current address
Emissions certificate (if in a testing county)
Odometer disclosure (if vehicle is < 10 years old)
Any warranty documentation or AS-IS disclosure from seller
Vehicle history report (Carfax or AutoCheck)
★ = Required | ○ = Recommended
Does Buying Out-of-State Make Financial Sense?
When it makes sense
- The vehicle is $2,000+ cheaper than comparable local listings
- You can find a rare trim or color unavailable locally
- The vehicle has lower mileage than anything in your local market
- You are near a state border and can easily pick it up
- The originating state has lower or no sales tax (savings offset by Florida use tax)
When to think twice
- The savings are less than $1,000 (travel + shipping + inspection eat the margin)
- The vehicle needs to pass a Florida emissions test you are not sure it will pass
- Florida uses fair market value for tax assessment instead of purchase price (GA, for example)
- The title has a lien and the seller is unclear about the payoff status
- You are buying from a private seller and cannot inspect in person
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I pay sales tax in Florida when buying from out of state?
Yes — Florida charges 6% + county surtax (up to 2.5%) when you register the vehicle. If you paid sales tax in the originating state, Florida typically gives you a credit. Bring your original bill of sale.
How long do I have to register an out-of-state car in Florida?
30 days to register after establishing Florida residency. Missing this window can result in late fees at the DMV.
Does Florida require an inspection for out-of-state vehicles?
No — Florida does not require a safety or emissions inspection for out-of-state vehicles before registration.
What if the vehicle has a lien from the previous state?
You cannot get a clean Florida title without a lien release. The seller must provide a letter from the lender confirming the loan is paid. Never complete an out-of-state purchase without verifying lien status on the title.
Can I drive home on the seller's out-of-state plates?
Generally yes — you can drive the vehicle home using the seller's plates and a copy of the signed bill of sale. Most states give buyers 7–30 days. Once you are a Florida resident, register within the 30 days.
Generate a Florida Bill of Sale
Use a professional, state-compliant bill of sale for your out-of-state vehicle purchase.
Create Florida Bill of Sale