What is bill of sale title in Florida?
When you buy a car from somebody, you should receive a bill of sale as proof that you now own the vehicle. You should always keep this document to prove that you are the legal owner of the vehicle. If you lose the title transfer, the bill of sale will be an important document to evidence ownership.
The bill of sale should include:
- The legal names of both parties involved (printed)
- The date the bill of sale was created
- Certain information about the item being sold
- The amount the item is being sold for
- The signatures of both parties
- Florida motor vehicle bills of sale must be notarized
A bill of sale template can be printed off the internet and if you are buying your vehicle from a car dealer, they will provide you with one. If you are buying a vehicle from a private owner, you should ensure that they provide you with a proof of sale.
The bill of sale is not a legal requirement but it does give both the new owner and previous owner protection. For example, if a ticket is issued for the vehicle or the vehicle is involved in an accident, the previous owner will not be liable, which is why the bill of sale is an important document.
The bill of sale does not replace the title, it should be an additional document to this. When selling a vehicle, the previous owner must pass the title onto the new owner, so that they can transfer the title.
If you are going into the DHSMV office to complete the title transfer, you should take the following with you:
- Completed original title including sale price, buyer’s name and address and the seller’s name and address
- Completed application for title
- Bill of sale
- Verified odometer reading
- Driver’s license
- Proof of insurance
- Payment for the transfer of title
Can I transfer the title online?
Yes, you are able to complete the title transfer online instead of visiting the DHSMV, provided that you have all of the required documents and information. You will also need to pay for the transfer using a valid electronic payment card.
The cost of the transfer will vary depending on whether the vehicle has an in-state title ($75) or if the title is from out-of-state ($115).
To transfer the title, you can use the swift-tags.com website and choose the option for Title Transfer. You will then go through a quick and simple form, providing the required information as indicated in each section.
Once you have completed all of the required information and paid the fee for the transfer of title, you will be sent the new title in the mail, which should only take around 2 weeks.
Using the online title transfer process is much easier and more convenient than visiting the DHSMV and the process can be much faster than visiting the office and completing the transfer there. There are also several other online services available from swift-tags.com such as vehicle registration and tag renewal.
