While you might be tempted to just hand over the keys once you’ve found a buyer for your vehicle, there’s an important step you don’t want to miss: the

title

transfer. Usually, this involves a bit of paperwork, a retitling fee, and a visit to your local DMV office.

While it can be a bit of a process, it’s important to get it right to remain compliant with state law. To help you through it all, we're breaking down everything you need to know about a title transfer in Florida.

What is a title transfer?

If you want to know who owns a vehicle, you look to the title. If you transfer the title, it means you’re transferring ownership of the car.

When

selling a vehicle in Florida

buying a vehicle in Florida

, transferring the car title requires both the buyer and the seller to complete a step:

The seller must release ownership of the car by signing the title

The buyer must take the signed title to the DMV, where the state will issue a new title and registration

For the protection of both parties, the state of Florida recommends that buyers and sellers complete the transfer at a DMV office. Expect sales tax and title fees to be included in the final purchase price.

The transfer must be done within 30 calendar days of the sale to avoid a late transfer penalty.

Who does the title transfer?

If you’re doing a private sale, the responsibility is on the buyer and seller to complete the title transfer.

If you’re working with a car dealer, on the other hand, they will handle all the paperwork. You’ll receive the title from the state DMV by mail.

Reasons for a title transfer

While the most common reasons for a title transfer are a change of residency or buying or selling a car, there are other reasons you might need to complete one. They include:

Donating a vehicle

Gifting a vehicle

Inheriting a vehicle

Paying off a vehicle loan

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Car title transfer in Florida

In Florida, it’s legal and accepted to have an electronic title (e-title). An e-title exists only in electronic form on the Florida Department Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles database.

Here’s what you need to complete a transfer:

The completed original title with sale price, buyer’s name and address, seller’s name and address (unless it’s an e-title)

Completed Application for Title

Completed Notice of Sale

Odometer reading verified

Your driver’s license

Proof of insurance

Approved loan documentation (if applicable)

The vehicle that is being sold

Payment for all

fees and taxes

due

If the title is electronic, both the seller and buyer must visit the DMV to complete a secure title reassignment and disclose the odometer reading.

Key Takeaway An e-title doesn’t save you a trip to the DMV! Make sure to have all documents needed to transfer, including your driver’s license and proof of insurance.

Registering a car in Florida

After a title transfer, you’ll need to

. Registration is proof that you can legally drive on the streets and is done annually.

In Florida, registering your vehicle costs $225 per year. In addition, you’ll need to pay the following:

• $14.50 for vehicles under 2,500 lbs.

• $22.50 for vehicles 2,500 to 3,499 lbs.

• $32.50 for vehicles over 3,500 lbs

Other fees may apply based on the type of vehicle, license plate type, county of residence, or

driving record

Finding insurance for your vehicle

Title transfer or not, before you can get behind the wheel of your new (or new-to-you) vehicle you’ll need car insurance.

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FAQs

What if my car has a loan?

A title transfer is more challenging if the vehicle is still financed. You’ll need to call your lender and ask how to sell a car that has a loan and how the transaction should be handled.

Where do I sign to transfer the title?

The title will have a line that says “seller’s signature.” If two people are on the title, then both will need to sign on the same line. There is a separate line for the buyer’s signature.

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