Florida State: First-time Vehicle Registration Requirements
Credits: (Self Drive Vehicle Hire) www.sdvh.co.uk
It is a legal requirement to have valid vehicle registration to drive on Florida roads. If a vehicle has out-of-state registrations, and the owner of the vehicle moves to Florida, they must register the vehicle in Florida within 10 days of establishing residency. This is also a requirement for people who are employed in Florida or place children in a public school in Florida.
In order to complete the registration to operate their vehicle on Florida roads, vehicle owners must do the following:
- The metal number plate must be attached in the designated area and must match the number on the registration and decal.
- The driver of the motor vehicle must carry a registration certificate, or have it stored in the car at all times.
- The decal (sticker provided by registration office) must be affixed in the designated square at the upper right-hand corner of the Florida license plate.
These three requirements must be met to provide evidence that the required registration has been completed and the applicable taxes and fees have been paid.
Initial Registrations Requirements
There is a fee of $225 that must be paid for initial registrations where the owner has not previously had a Florida registration plate registered in their name for a vehicle previously owned, that they can transfer to a new vehicle.
How to Register a Vehicle in Florida for the First Time?
In order to register a vehicle in Florida for the first time, the owner must do the following:
- Attend the local service center
- Provide proof of identity
- Provide proof of Florida Insurance
- Provide a completed Application for Certificate of Title With/Without Registration (HSMV form 82040)
As part of the registration process, the vehicle must have a VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) inspection as well as an odometer reading.
Failure to comply with the registration requirements of the state of Florida within the required timescales will result in fines.
Renewing Vehicle Registrations in Florida
Once you have completed the initial registration in Florida, renewing your registration is much easier and straightforward. You can do this using the online portal or app and there is no requirement to attend a Florida Department of Highway safety and Motor Vehicles office (DHSMV).
If the applicant prefers to attend the office in person to submit their renewal, then they are still able to do so. Florida residents can renew the registration for one or two years at a time. You can also use the online portal to order a duplicate registration certificate if the original copy is lost.
When you renew your registration through the online portal or app, you will be required to pay an electronic card fee of $2.00 on top of the renewal fee.
Registration Renewal Fees
The current costs for renewing vehicle registrations in Florida are:
| Automobiles (2,500 - 3,499 pounds) | $22.50 |
| Automobiles (3,500 or more pounds) | $32.50 |
| Trucks (Net weight up to 1,999 pounds) | $14.50 |
| Trucks -based on weight (2,000 - 3,000 pounds) | $22.50 |
| Trucks -based on weight (3,001 - 5,000 pounds) | $32.50 |
Replacing License Plates
It is also a Florida state law requirement that license plates must be replaced at least every ten years. This requirement will be stated in your renewal notice when it is due to be replaced.
Renewing Vehicle Registrations in Florida
Once you have completed the initial registration in Florida, renewing your registration is much easier and straightforward. You can do this using the online portal or app and there is no requirement to attend a Florida Department of Highway safety and Motor Vehicles office (DHSMV).
If the applicant prefers to attend the office in person to submit their renewal, then they are still able to do so. Florida residents can renew the registration for one or two years at a time. You can also use the online portal to order a duplicate registration certificate if the original copy is lost.
When you renew your registration through the online portal or app, you will be required to pay an electronic card fee of $2.00 on top of the renewal fee.
Registration Renewal Fees
$22.50
$32.50
$14.50
$22.50
$32.50
