To register a vehicle and obtain license plates, owners need a valid vehicle registration from the FLHSMV. In Florida, you must register your vehicle in person.
According to Chapter 230 of the Florida Statutes 2022, “An initial registration fee of $225 must be paid when the owner has no license plate or previously registered vehicle license plate record (in Florida) to transfer to the newly acquired vehicle.”
In other words, if you have old license plates, you can transfer the plates and associated registration to your newly purchased vehicle. If you do not have a prior license plate and registration to transfer, you will be starting from scratch and will pay the $225 registration fee.
The initial registration must be done in person at a local FLHSMV service center at the time of titling by submitting the following documents:
- A completed Application for Certificate of Title With/Without Registration (Form HSMV 82040).
- Florida driver’s license (license or non-driver ID card).
- Florida car insurance.
- Information about your vehicle, such as the vehicle identification number, make, and model.
After you submit the paperwork and pay the Florida license plate fees, you will either need to pick up your license plates or wait for them to be mailed. Along with the completed title and registration transfer, to complete the registration process, you will need to provide proof demonstrating you own the vehicle, such as a bill of sale or Certificate of Title.
In Florida, as in other states, you will not be able to register a vehicle if you do not have a valid insurance policy.
Don’t have insurance yet?
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles website offers helpful information about licensing requirements, along with instructions on how to register your license plates.
