Florida: Car Registration
Legal formalities are often confusing. 4dmv.com realizes the need for motorists in the State of Florida to have the proper information when registering your vehicle. Both new residents to the State of Florida and residents who have just gained ownership of a vehicle must register their vehicle through the Florida DHSMV. Finding the proper way to go about registering your vehicle is not always easy. The State of Florida sets specific guidelines and regulations that each owner of a vehicle must follow. There is an allotted amount of time which you have to register your vehicle, there are forms to fill out and there and there are costs incurred. 4dmv.com has compiled all the information you need to legally register your vehicle in the State of Florida.First-Time Registration:
There are two instances when you will need to register your car:
- If you have just purchased the vehicle or if the vehicle has been given to you
- If you are a new resident of the State of Florida
In cases where you have just gained ownership of the vehicle, registration should be done immediately.
In cases when you have just moved to the State of Florida you are allotted 10 days prior to becoming an official resident of the state or from the time in which you enroll your children into the public school system or from the time you start new employment in the state. Florida does not impose additional fees should you fail to follow the time allotted to have your vehicle registered, however, once you pass the specified timeframe of 10 days you will receive a ticket should you be pulled over.
Vehicle Insurance
The State of Florida requires proper insurance on all vehicles and must be purchased prior to registering your vehicle. The company in which you purchase your insurance from must be licensed to sell in the State of Florida. Should you be interested in comparing insurance quotes, 4dmv.com has compiled a network of reputable, affordable insurance companies that are available in their insurance center and provide free online quotes.
Preparing the Paperwork
When purchasing a vehicle the purchase is done through a dealer or through a private party. The convenience of purchasing a vehicle through a dealer is that the cost of registration and the filing of paperwork are done through the dealer as this is included in the selling price of the car.
When purchasing a car through a private party or are given a car the burden of registering the vehicle is on you and knowledge of the proper information to apply for a new title in your name is necessary.
It is necessary to have the required paperwork prior to entering the tax collector’s office to register your vehicle:
- The vehicle’s title
- For vehicles that are not titled in the State of Florida the VIN verification for the vehicle will be required
- Proof of insurance on the vehicle
4dmv.com provides necessary information and advice on the purchase of both new and used vehicles. For example if you are considering purchasing a used vehicle then there are steps that you will want to take to ensure that you are purchasing a vehicle that is not or will not go sour, such as obtaining a vehicle history report. You can access all our information through our easy to read guides on the site.0
Calculate Fees
When you register your vehicle, there are fees that will need to be paid. These fees will range depending on factors such as the car weight, county fee and taxes and whether the fees are paid annually or biennially. Motorists can expect to pay from $46.15 to $141.30 in fees charged by the state.
Going to DMV
When you are ready to go to your county tax collector’s you can first call the department to see if they will schedule an appointment, saving you long waits in one.
For residents of Florida that are out of the state when it comes time to register it is still possible to register your vehicle you must however figure out the fees that will be incurred and fill out a title of registration. In order to figure out the fees charged you can use the License Plate Rate Chart. Once you have filled out the Certificate of Title application and have the fees simply mail both to your local license plate agency or Florida tax collector‘s office.
License Plates
Each state, including Florida has the availability of specialized plates. For motorists that like to make a statement on the road, or share their spirit in regards to their favorite interests this is a great means to do so. In Florida you also have the option of ordering customized vanity plates provided there is no profanity. Frames are also available to choose from which will customize your car.
Plates have a life of six years and will be provided to you in the office if they are regular plates. Should you order specialized plates you will receive them to your home address about 45 days from the date of your purchase.
Affix Your Stickers
Stickers will also be distributed at the tax collector’s office. Prior to attaching the stickers to your plates make sure the plates are clean.
Get a Tax Deduction
Congratulations! You are now a legal driver in the State of Florida. Now, it is time to consider safety measures that will ensure your safety on the road. A roadside assistance program is one such measure. Each motorist is faced with the possibility of a breakdown, a flat, running out of gas and so on. With a roadside assistance program you are assured the help you need no matter where you break down. When you find yourself on the side of the road at late hours of the night, it is no time to be walking to the nearest telephone or gas station. A roadside assistance program brings you the help you need no matter where you are at and no matter what time of day or night. There is also after market auto warranty that is available, which is money well spent.
These are just the tip of the iceberg! There is the service of your vehicle to consider and having the information of a reputable, reliable service mechanic is vital. Other safety measures include gadgets such as a hands free headset. For families with young children you must be aware of the seatbelt laws, the position laws pertaining to children in the front and back seat and the child safety seat laws.
Lastly, make sure your trunk is filled with all the emergency gear you will need in an emergency. This does not just include first aid supplies but flairs, a tow rope, duct tape and so on.
When you find yourself in an emergency situation being prepared can save your life or the lives of those you love.