How to Replace a Lost Title in Florida?
A vehicle title is a legitimate paper that certifies a person as the rightful holder of a vehicle. It is also called a pink slip. And in some cases, referred to as a certificate of title. It is usually given by the government body in charge of vehicles, known as DMV.
It is so vital that it should not go missing for any reason. If a Florida certificate of title is lost, the titled owner can get a duplicate by submitting a completed Form HSMV 82101 and a $6 fee to a county tax collector. When it has been replaced, the replacement makes the initial title invalid. It is strongly advised to be made to the police if a title gets stolen to prevent theft and damages.
Of course, vital documents should be preserved to avoid losing them. Situations can arise and warrant a loss, damage, or anything unfavorable. When they occur, the title must be replaced immediately. It is not possible to shift the holdership of your vehicle without owning a legitimate title. Also, it can create issues later with the DHSMV on the road.
Read more: Registration Renewal Florida.
How to Apply for a Title Replacement?
In the region of Florida, it is not difficult to get a new title. The first step in this process is to fill out a Duplicate Certificate of Title form. This form requires important details about the automobile and its possessor. In a case where there are two holders of the same title, both holders will be required to sign the form before the title replacement Florida can be accepted.
In a case where a title has a lienor, you must submit evidence that the lien has been settled. Else, the lienor should provide the necessary information in an application form or provide a signed lien document.
In a case of a stolen automobile, you are required to provide a copy of the theft statement. But if your current address is not registered with your vehicle, you have to request a replacement title using your vehicle's address.
Methods of Requesting for Titles in Florida
The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles duplicates titles in either electronic mean, paper means. Shall we look into these means of duplication?
Electronic Means
Replaced titles can be issued as electronic documents. This way, it can neither be lost to theft or some other way. This is one of its advantages over the paper means of title issuance. Well, in most cases, financed new vehicles are the ones that hold electronic titles. A vehicle's title can still be valid as electronic after the debt is cleared. However, when shifting vehicle holder ships, the electronic title would have to be printed on paper. Now to the next means of duplication.
Applying for an electronic title is not a difficult process. You just need to provide your correct information. You can give a plea that your electronic title is printed and sent to you via mail. The applications are made on the state's webpage or any verified webpage like swift-tags.
Just like the state's webpage, swift-tags.com print electronic titles and mail them to their owners. Delivery fee and time vary between websites. The state delivers titles between 7 and 10 days. And it uses the address from the DMV database. Swift-tags can also deliver the titles to any address. But you must submit evidence of residence or a notarized document.
Paper Means
A replaced title can be issued as a printed document. It is given to the lienholder or the vehicle holder. However, unlike the electronic title, it can get missing or destroyed. Hence, there is a need for immediate replacement.
In-Person Applications
Vehicle holders or stand-ins for vehicle owners can visit the tax collector's office within their district or a registered private office to sort out issues relating to vehicles, like applying for a replacement title or printing an electronic title.
It should be noted that the state of Florida considers Fast Title as an extra service. So, in-person applications done without including the Fast Title service will cause the officials to first submit your request before processing later and mailing it to you. But when you apply with the inclusion of a Fast Title Service, your application will be processed and delivered by hand before you leave the office. Also, be aware that not all offices render the Fast Title service, so you must be certain before applying.
When going by yourself, you must provide the following:
- A filled HSMV 82101 form (for a paper title).
- Evidence of identity.
- Payment of charges.
Where to Submit Your Application?
When you have satisfactorily filled the form, you would need to submit your application to the tax collector's post within your district.
What If There is a Lien on The Vehicle?
Usually, liens are put on automobiles when lenders or interested bodies injunct that a lien is put on anyone. This injunction holds the automobile from being sold unless the lien is cleared or the lien owner claims the automobile.
If the lien is not cleared, the lienholder must request the title. When the lien is cleared, it can be taken off by providing the extra HSMV 82666 form with several mandatory items and evidence of lien clearance in person.
