If you’re looking into transferring your car’s title to another person, whether you’re gifting the car or selling it, there are certain questions you might have about how the process works. Transferring your car’s title is usually a fairly simple process; however, there are certain things you should be aware of to ensure that your transfer goes through legally. In this post, we will provide an overview of some of the most frequently asked questions concerning your vehicle’s title transfer in the state of Florida.
Is it legal to gift a car to a family member, or does the transfer need to have a bill of sale associated with it?
This is a common question and is relatively straightforward. The answer is yes, it is legal to gift a car to a family member or anyone else; however, a bill or sale or affidavit will need to be signed by both parties to verify the information to the Department of Revenue.
If the vehicle is purchased by joint ownership, why do both parties have to be present? Can’t I just sign for my spouse?
According to Florida Statute section 319.22, when first-time joint ownership is applied for, each intended owner will be required to sign the application for a Florida title.
How do I get a new car title if my deceased spouse is listed on the title?
If your spouse is no longer living, as of July 1st, 2017, the surviving spouse can request a free title replacement removing the name of their deceased spouse. To get a replacement, all you need to do is complete the form called Application for Surviving Spouse Transfer of Florida Certificate of Title for a Motor Vehicle (HSMV form 82152).
This form can be submitted to a motor vehicle service center along with a certified copy of the death certificate in addition to proof of identity. This can be in the form of either a driver’s license, ID card, or valid passport.
Do both parties need to be present to transfer a title in Florida?
For a title to be transferred properly, proof of insurance will be required to issue a temporary tag. In addition, for a sale to be legal, the seller is required to transfer the title to the buyer and both the buyer and seller must be present and will have to provide a valid photo ID.
Summary
While this list is by no means exhaustive, these are some of the most common questions that are asked by Florida residents looking to transfer their titles. Overall, the process of title transfer is not as difficult as it seems and can be done very efficiently as long as you follow the right steps and provide the necessary documentation. We hope that these commonly asked questions give you a better idea of what to expect when transferring a title in the great state of Florida. If you are looking for Broward auto tags and titles, look no further than Auto Tags of East Broward. At East Broward Auto Tags, we specialize in Fort Lauderdale tag renewals, Broward County DMV needs, and all things Fort Lauderdale auto tags. We are the best Fort Lauderdale tag agency around. Check out our website here or learn more about our online renewals here.
To learn more about the basics of Florida car titles, check out these sources below: Resource 1 | Resource 2