Filing requirements
What Florida and California need for every deal
Required documents, official forms and deadlines for out-of-state dealers selling to Florida and California buyers.
Filed at the buyer's county tax collector office (not a state office).
Required documents
- HSMV 82040 title application, signed by the buyer
- Out-of-state title (or manufacturer's certificate for new cars), with the dealer reassignment signed
- HSMV 82042 VIN and odometer check for any car titled in another state
- Odometer statement (HSMV 82993) when the title has no odometer section
- Bill of sale showing price, trade-in and any tax collected
- Florida insurance card: at least $10,000 PIP and $10,000 property damage
- Buyer's driver license or ID
- Lienholder name and address if there's a loan (Florida keeps liens electronically)
Timelines
- Before registering: Florida insurance must be active
- Within 10 days: New Florida residents must title and register once they start work or enroll kids in school
- Within 30 days: Title transfer after the sale to avoid a late fee
- Same day to 2 weeks: Plate and registration at the tax collector; titles are electronic unless a paper one is asked for
Official forms
- HSMV 82040Application for Certificate of TitleBlank form
- HSMV 82042Vehicle Identification Number and Odometer VerificationBlank form
- HSMV 82993Separate Odometer Disclosure StatementBlank form
- HSMV 82101Application for Duplicate or Lost in Transit TitleBlank form
Good to know
- • The HSMV 82042 can be signed by a licensed dealer, notary, police officer, tax collector employee or FLHSMV employee.
- • The $225 first-plate fee is skipped if the buyer transfers a Florida plate they already own.
- • Sales tax: 6% plus the county's extra tax on only the first $5,000.
Rules change. Always confirm with FLHSMV and Florida Department of Revenue.