Department of Highway Safety & Motor Vehicles


Department of Highway Safety & Motor Vehicles
1-850-617-2000

Just moved to Florida?

Need to get a Florida driver license?

What about your car tag ?

If you have an out-of-state license, and it has not expired beyond 30 days, you may be able to convert your license without taking a written or road test. Review the requirements for citizens and non-citizens.

Obtain vehicle insurance from a company licensed to do business in Florida--in other words, visit a Florida insurance agent.

Take your proof of Florida insurance; your original out of state title and verification of the motor vehicle's *vehicle identification number (VIN), completed on form HSMV 82040 or HSMV 82042 (available on our website), to your local Florida county tax collector's office.

In the state of Florida, a motor vehicle is required by law to be registered within ten days of the owner either becoming employed, placing children in public school, or establishing residency. Registering your motor vehicle goes hand in hand with the titling process.
VIN verification is required for all USED motor vehicles not currently titled in Florida, including trailers with a weight of 2,000 pounds or more.



*The VIN must be verified by one of the following:

A law enforcement officer from any state.
A licensed Florida or out of state motor vehicle dealer.
NOTE: If the VIN is verified by an out of state motor vehicle dealer, the verification must be submitted on their letterhead stationary.

A Florida DMV Compliance Examiner/Inspector, DMV or tax collector employee.

A notary public commissioned by the state of Florida.
Provost Marshal (an officer who supervises the military police of a command) or a commissioned officer in active military service, with a rank of 2nd lieutenant or higher or an LNC, "Legalman, Chief Petty Officer, E-7".

If the out of state title is currently in the possession of an out of state lien holder, the tax collector's office will assist you in contacting the lien holder to obtain the title. The lien will be recorded on the Florida title when issued and will be mailed to the lien holder.

Sales tax information for the motor vehicle.

If the motor vehicle was purchased six months or more prior to the time it was brought into this state, it is not subject to the six percent Florida sales or use tax or local discretionary sales surtax. Documentary evidence must be shown that the motor vehicle or mobile home was used for six months or more in such jurisdiction.

If the motor vehicle was purchased and used less than six months in another state, territory of the United States or the District of Columbia, the full amount of the six percent Florida sales or use tax and local discretionary sales surtax is required to be paid before title and license plate can be issued by the department.

However, a credit is allowed for a like tax paid in another state, territory of the United States or the District of Columbia, against the amount of Florida sales or use tax and local discretionary sales surtax. For credit allowed, ONE of the following would apply:
If the credit is equal to or greater than the amount imposed by this state, no additional tax is due.
If the credit is less than the amount imposed by this state, only the difference between the two would be due.