How to Register a Car in Florida Without a Title
by Justen Everage
In Florida, drivers may not register a vehicle for on-road use without the car's title. If you do not have a Florida vehicle title, you may request a duplicate title with a form provided by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV). When a duplicate title is issued, you can register your vehicle. This form can also be used to obtain a title for a newly purchased vehicle, if the previous owner has lost the original title.
Step 1
Use the Florida Go-Renew online electronic registration system (see Resources) to renew a vehicle's registration in Florida, if no address or ownership changes are needed. This will not require a title. Enter your Social Security number and driver's license number and pay registration fees with a credit card. Visa, MasterCard and American Express are accepted.
Step 2
Request a duplicate title if you do not have a title. A title is required for first-time vehicle registration in Florida. If either or both the title and registration are missing or lost, download and complete the "Application for Duplicate Title Certificate" from the DHSMV's website (see Resources). Submit the application to your local DHSMV office or by mail to:
Division of Motor Vehicles 2900 Apalachee Parkway MS# 72, Neil Kirkman Building Tallahassee, FL 32399
Step 3
After receiving the duplicate title, visit your local DHSMV office to register the vehicle. Take your driver's license and Social Security card.
Step 4
Register a vehicle that has a lien on its title by using the Florida Electronic Lien and Title System. Some lenders file electronic liens on vehicle titles when they loan money on the vehicle. This creates an electronic title for the vehicle, eliminating future need for paper title certificates. If there is an electronic lein on your title, the title will be accessible through the the Go-Renew system, and renewal can be done using the instructions in step 1.
References
Tips
- Titles can sometimes be expedited in Florida, and be received in as little as 10 days. Check with your local County Tax Collector to see if this service is offered in your county.
Things You'll Need
- Social Security Number
- Driver's license number
- Credit card (if renewing registration online)
Warnings
Writer Bio
Justen Everage is a computer and mechanical engineer. Specializing in the fields of computer science, mechanics and information technology, he writes technical manuals for several online publications, administers websites and repairs electronics. Everage is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in business information systems from Ashford University.
