Motor Vehicle Out of State/Country Title Transfer

• To register a vehicle previously titled out-of-state, please bring the following documents to the Tax Collector's office:

  • Out-of-state title. If the vehicle is already titled in your name but is financed, and the title is being held by the lienholder, click here for required documents.
  • If recording a lien, the lienholder’s name, address and date of lien are required. If lienholder is an individual, a copy of their valid state issued driver license must be included.
  • If your vehicle is leased, a copy of the lease agreement and your current registration is required. If your out-of-state registration is not current, contact your lienholder for a photocopy of the front and back of the vehicle title to submit.
  • If there is no lien on the vehicle OR you are coming from a non-title holding state, the original title must be presented
  • Each applicant, or their appointed power of attorney, must be present and show valid identification (state issued driver license/identification card, passport or Canadian driver license/identification card). If a power of attorney is appointed, the original or certified copy of the signed appointment must be presented at the time of application along with a copy of the applicant’s valid identification.
  • If you are presenting an out-of-country passport as your identification document, the passport must be unexpired and have one of the following:
    • (a) A stamp or mark affixed by the United States Department of Homeland Security onto the passport to evidence and authorize lawful presence in the United States; or
    • (b) An unexpired I-94, or current permanent resident card, or unexpired immigrant visa, issued by the United States Department of Homeland Security.
  • Vehicle must be present for a vehicle identification number (VIN) verification (weather permitting).If the vehicle is not available, a list of individuals authorized to complete the form can be found here.
  • Payment of sales tax equal to that of Florida state and local tax.  A credit may be allowed with proof of a like tax paid in another state. An out-of-state title already issued in your name is not subject to sales tax with proof that the vehicle was purchased and used 6 months or more in another state.
  • 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.
  • If transferring a license plate, submit the previous registration, license plate, or decal number.

• To title a motor vehicle that was purchased while out of the country you must bring the following to the Tax Collector’s office:

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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’s license from this state or any other state in the US, a valid passport, or a Canadian driver’s license or identification card. If power of attorney has been appointed and owner has an out of state driver’s 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.
  • If you are presenting an out-of-country passport as your identification document, the passport must be unexpired and have one of the following:
    • (a) A stamp or mark affixed by the United States Department of Homeland Security onto the passport to evidence and authorize lawful presence in the United States; or
    • (b) An unexpired I-94, or current permanent resident card, or unexpired immigrant visa, issued by the United States Department of Homeland Security.
  • 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.
  • If the vehicle has never been titled in the United States the (VIN) verification and odometer reading must be verified by a DMV compliance examiner ONLY (custom papers and the motor vehicle must be taken to the local DMV for a VIN inspection prior to applying for title). Their location is: 5701 E. Hillsborough Ave. Suite 2228, Tampa, Florida 33610.
  • EXCEPTION: Any Florida resident on active military duty out of state (applying for Florida title on a used vehicle with proof of ownership from a foreign country), may have their VIN verified by any out of state law enforcement officer or military law enforcement authority.