When you acquire a new vehicle in Florida, you have the option to transfer your existing license plate rather than obtaining a new one. This process allows you to keep a personalized or specialty plate. Transferring your tag involves meeting specific eligibility criteria, gathering the correct paperwork, and submitting it to a local service center.
Eligibility for Transferring Your Florida License Plate
To transfer a license plate in Florida, the new vehicle must be registered in the name of the original vehicle’s owner, in the name of at least one of the co-owners from the original registration, or in a surviving spouse’s name.1The Florida Senate. Chapter 320 Section 0609 – 2020 Florida Statutes
While a license plate is typically transferred to a vehicle of the same classification, such as from one passenger car to another, it is possible to move it to a different type of vehicle. If the replacement vehicle is in a different class, the owner can surrender the existing plate to the department in exchange for a new plate of the appropriate classification.
Finally, the license plate you intend to transfer must have a valid, unexpired registration. You cannot transfer a canceled or expired plate. If you have a specialty or personalized plate, the same rules generally apply, though you will continue to pay any additional annual fees associated with that specific plate type upon renewal.2The Florida Senate. Chapter 320 Section 08056 – 2020 Florida Statutes
Information and Documents Needed for Plate Transfer
Before visiting a service center, you must gather specific information and documents. You will need:
- The license plate number you are transferring
- The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of your new car
- Your Florida driver license number
- Proof of ownership for the new vehicle, which is the Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin for a brand-new car or the original Florida Certificate of Title for a used car.3The Florida Senate. Chapter 319 Section 23 – 2021 Florida Statutes
- Proof of current Florida auto insurance for the new vehicle, which must meet the state’s minimum coverage of $10,000 for Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and $10,000 for Property Damage Liability (PDL).4The Florida Senate. Chapter 316 Section 646 – 2011 Florida Statutes
- The Application for Certificate of Title With/Without Registration, also known as Form HSMV 82040, which can be downloaded from the FLHSMV website or obtained from a county tax collector’s office.5Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. Application For Certificate of Title With/without Registration
The Florida License Plate Transfer Process
The primary method for completing a license plate transfer is by visiting a local county tax collector’s office or a licensed private tag agency in person. This is because the state requires verification of original documents like the title or Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin.
Upon your visit, a clerk will review your completed Form HSMV 82040, proof of ownership, proof of insurance, and identification. After verifying the documents, you will pay the applicable fees. Once the transaction is complete, you will receive an updated vehicle registration certificate that officially links your license plate to your new car and a new decal for your plate.
After the transfer, the registration on your old vehicle is effectively nullified. If you have sold or traded in the old car, no further action is needed regarding its registration. The license plate is now legally assigned to the new vehicle, and you can affix it immediately.
Fees for Transferring Your License Plate
Several fees are involved when transferring a license plate in Florida, though it is generally less expensive than getting a new plate. The state charges a base plate transfer fee of $4.50, though small service charges from the county tax collector’s office may result in a slightly higher final amount. This cost is significantly lower than the $225 Initial Registration Fee required for a brand-new tag.
In addition to the transfer fee, you must pay registration fees for the new vehicle, which vary based on its weight. If you are also titling the new vehicle for the first time in your name, a separate title application fee will apply. This fee is approximately $80.25 for a new vehicle with a Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin or around $88.25 for a vehicle with an out-of-state title.
These costs can also include small, discretionary fees imposed by the county. Because fee schedules can change, it is advisable to check the official FLHSMV website or contact your local tax collector’s office for the most current and precise amounts.