Your car must have the appropriate car title(s) and car registration documents to operate on Florida's roads. Driving in Florida without these two documents is considered a criminal offense that could attract sanctions. So it's best to always have valid copies with you.
Most car owners don't know the differences between a car title and a car registration. Whether you have a vague idea or none at all, the list below helps to differentiate between a car title and a car registration. Let's get right to it!
Purposes
Car title and car registration have different purposes. A car title proves your legal right as the owner of the car. It indicates when necessary that you are the owner of the vehicle. While your car registration signifies that your car has gone under inspection by the FLMVH and is fully registered and allowed to be driven in Florida.
Criteria
The criteria for obtaining a car title in Florida is to provide applicable documents like your petition for the title, driver's license, loan information, registration fees, and proof of insurance and ownership amongst other essentials. For car registration, you need to have paid your required Florida taxes and registration fees, tendered proof of identity, proof of Florida Insurance, and a completed Application for Certificate of Title With/Without Registration.
Issuing bodies
The issuing body for both documents is the same but for car registration in Florida, you can get it online, through the physical collection from a local service center, or via mail. To get your car title, you can also apply online through the department's website - MyDMV Portal, or visit your nearest local tax collector's office to get it processed. Either way, ensure that you have the required documents for your applications to be approved.
Information carried
A car title as earlier stated is to indicate you are the owner of the car so it usually contains the name of the owner and lienholder (if any), issuance date, title type, vehicle indicator number, car specifications – model, year e.t.c. On the other hand, car registration in Florida comes with three materials/documents – a registration decal or sticker, a metal license plate, and car registration. Remember to keep these documents damage-free and well.
Renewal
Wondering if these documents expire? Well, it differs too. A car title is always valid until certain situations prove otherwise. If at all your car title misplaces or gets damaged, you can always apply for a duplicate. Don't forget that car registration in Florida is required to be renewed every one or two years. This may be renewed up to three months in advance before it expires. Your Florida car registration expires at exactly noon on the next birthday date listed on the registration information.
You need to know the difference between a car title and a car registration document so that you don't mix it up when you need it. If you've not gotten any or both, be sure to gather all your necessary documents and contact Auto Tags of East Broward to help you make the process easier and faster!
If you need to get a car title or speed up your title transfer process in Florida, Auto Tags of East Broward offers consultation, registration, and title services that are in line with the regulations of the FLHSMV. Don’t waste your time at the Broward County DMV when you can stop by East Broward Auto Tags. We specialize in Broward tag renewal, Broward tag and title, and we are a premier Broward County tag agency. Stop by or give us a call to learn how to get started. You can start your online renewal here or learn more about what we do on this page.
To learn more about the difference between car titles and registration, check out these resources for yourself: