Any member of the United States Armed Forces, his or her spouse or dependent child, who is not a Florida resident but is in this state while in compliance with military orders, can maintain their out-of-state license plates, if current. If you choose to purchase Florida license plates, the following items must be submitted for the first issuance and updated documentation must be presented each year for renewal.

1. Copy of military orders assigning the applicant to a Florida military duty station.
2. An out of state driver license. A “Valid in Florida Only” driver license is acceptable in lieu of an out of state driver license.
3. Copy of the out-of-state vehicle title. If a non-resident military member has out-of-country proof of ownership, they must first obtain a title in their home state. However, the out-of-country proof would be acceptable if the member is applying for a Florida certificate of title.
4. If there is an outstanding lien, a letter on letterhead from the lien holder stating there is an outstanding lien on the described vehicle.
5. Current proof of Florida property damage and PIP insurance. Company name, insurance identification code, and policy number is required.
6. The vehicle identification number on your vehicle and odometer reading (if applicable) must be verified on a state form HSMV 82042 by one of the following: a law enforcement officer, Florida notary, DMV inspector, a Tax Collector employee, a Florida licensed car dealer, or Military Police Officer. This form is available online, at any Tax Collector’s office or at most new car dealerships in the area. Please contact the service department of the dealership to verify the availability and fees.
7. An accurately completed form HSMV 82002, Initial Registration Fee Exemption Affidavit. This form is available online or at any Tax Collector’s office.
8. Sales tax equivalent to Florida’s tax and local sales taxes may be required if registering within six months of titling your vehicle. If you purchased the vehicle within the last six months, submit a bill of sale or invoice listing the vehicle purchase price, sales tax paid, and any trade-in allowance.

1. Military title & registration or out of country title and registration that reflects the complete motor vehicle information (year, make VIN, expiration date) and ownership information. If the vehicle was purchased while out of the country, Florida sales tax will be due on the declared value of the vehicle at the time of applying for title. You may review the frequently asked question regarding sales tax below to determine if you qualify for an exemption. No credit is allowed for any sales or use tax paid to a foreign country.
2. If the vehicle has never been titled or registered and there is a loan on the vehicle, the lien holder may have the original Manufacturers Certificate of Origin. In order for our office to title the vehicle we must have the original Manufacturers Certificate of Origin. Florida sales tax will be paid on the purchase price less any trade at 6% plus a 1.5% discretionary tax up to $75.00. A bill of sale must be furnished showing the price paid to the dealership.
3. Each person, whose name appears on the ownership documents, or their appointed power of attorney, must be present to sign a new application for title. Bring a valid driver license from this state or any other state in the US or Canada. If power of attorney has been appointed and the owner has an out of state driver license, a copy is needed at the time of transfer. If you are the appointed power of attorney, the original or certified copy of the original signed appointment must be presented at the time of application.
4. If purchasing a license plate for a motor vehicle, proof of Florida property damage and PIP insurance must be submitted. Company name, insurance identification code, and policy number are required.
5. A copy of your military orders may be necessary when purchasing a license plate.
6. All used vehicles coming into Florida from a foreign country, including dealer transactions, must have the vehicle identification number (VIN) and odometer reading verified by a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Compliance Examiner ONLY. Custom documents and the motor vehicle must be taken to the local DMV for a VIN inspection prior to applying for title. The local DMV office is located at 5701 E. Hillsborough Ave. Suite 2228, Tampa, Florida 33610.

To complete your transaction, you have three convenient options. We highly recommend using our online portal for a quick and easy process. By choosing to go online, you can avoid waiting in lines and eliminate the risk of delays that can occur when mailing your documents. Our online system is designed to be user-friendly and efficient, ensuring that your transaction is completed smoothly and promptly.

Alternatively, you can mail your documents to our office, or visit us in person at one of our branch locations.. Whichever method you choose, we’re here to assist you every step of the way.

While you have the option to purchase a Florida license plate when stationed here, the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Relief Act of 1940 authorizes non-resident service members to display a current license plate from their home state.

You have three convenient options to renew your registration. You can renew online, by mail or by having a trusted friend or family member renew for you at one of our branch locations. 

We highly recommend using our online portal for a quick and easy process. By choosing to go online, you can avoid waiting in lines and eliminate the risk of delays that can occur when mailing your documents.

As a reminder, you have to present the following information each time you renew:

1. An out-of-state mailing address (which will be shown on the Florida Vehicle Registration Certificate) for the military member.
2. Proof of your military status. You can present one of the following options:
   • A copy of the military orders.
   • A military ID (If an ID is presented as proof of military assignment, it must not contain the word ”retired”).
   • An affidavit from the military member confirming their member’s military assignment to another state and the date of assignment.

3. An affidavit stating the vehicle is being maintained in the member’s state of military assignment and will not be driven in the state of Florida (Except in a transient visitor status)
4. Proof of insurance (If proof is submitted in a language other than English, it must be accompanied by a written translation into the English language.)

Florida offers a variety of military related plates. Some are available to everyone and some are reserved to only those who have met certain criteria in order to be issued such plates. More information can be found here.

Yes, Sales tax will be collected on the fair market value of the motor vehicle. Active members of the United States Armed Forces, or their spouse, who import their motor vehicle from a foreign country may be exempt from use tax with proof that each of the following conditions has been met:

• The vehicle was purchased and used in a foreign country six months or longer before being imported into Florida.
• The vehicle is being titled or registered in Florida for personal use by the active member and/or their spouse.
• Member provides proof of active military status. If the vehicle is being titled or registered to include the member’s spouse, verification of the spouse’s relationship to the active member is required.