Florida license plate transfers allow you to move your existing plate from one vehicle to another when you sell or trade your old vehicle. Florida plates stay with the owner, not the vehicle, when a car is sold. Transfers are processed at county tax collector offices statewide or online through the MyDMV Portal. Florida’s plate transfer fee is $4.50. Florida plates are replaced every 10 years at no charge, with $2.80 collected annually toward that replacement.
Does Florida Allow You to Transfer a License Plate to a New Vehicle?
Yes. Florida allows license plate transfers between vehicles of the same class owned by the same person under Florida Statute Section 320.0609. When you sell your vehicle, remove your plate and transfer it to your new vehicle at your county tax collector’s office. Florida also allows you to transfer your plate online through the MyDMV Portal in many cases.
How Do You Transfer a License Plate in Florida?
Florida plate transfers can be processed online through the MyDMV Portal or in person at any county tax collector’s office statewide.
- Remove your plate from the vehicle you are selling. Florida plates stay with the owner.
- Complete the Florida title transfer for the sold vehicle; both seller and buyer sign the title.
- Obtain the title for your new vehicle. For private-party purchases, the seller must sign the title over with all required fields completed.
- Visit your county tax collector’s office or use the MyDMV Portal at mydmv.flhsmv.gov to transfer your plate.
- Pay the $4.50 plate transfer fee plus any applicable taxes and fees on the new vehicle.
- If the new vehicle requires a different registration class, additional fees or adjustments may apply.
- Receive updated registration documentation for the new vehicle with your transferred plate.
What Documents Do You Need to Transfer a Plate in Florida?
Have these ready for a Florida plate transfer.
- Valid Florida driver’s license or state ID
- Title for the new vehicle, fully completed and signed by the seller
- Proof of Florida sales tax payment on the new vehicle (if applicable)
- Current registration documentation for the plate you are transferring
- Proof of current Florida PIP and PDL insurance for the new vehicle
- Payment for $4.50 transfer fee plus registration fees on the new vehicle
How Much Does It Cost to Transfer a License Plate in Florida?
Florida’s plate transfer fee is $4.50. Registration fees on the new vehicle are the larger cost.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Plate transfer fee | $4.50 |
| Registration fee on new vehicle (varies by weight) | $46.15 to $67.15 per year |
| Sales tax on new vehicle purchase (if not already paid) | 6% state plus county surtax up to 1.5% |
| Title fee | $75.25 electronic or $77.75 with paper title |
| Annual plate replacement contribution | $2.80 per year |
Can You Transfer a Personalized or Specialty Plate in Florida?
Florida specialty and personalized plates can be transferred to a new vehicle of the same class. Specialty plate annual use fees continue with the transferred plate. Contact your county tax collector or check flhsmv.gov for specific specialty plate transfer procedures. Some specialty plates may require additional documentation to confirm eligibility.
What Happens to the Old Registration When You Transfer a Plate in Florida?
When you sell your vehicle in Florida, the title must be properly transferred to the buyer. Remove your plate before completing the sale. The buyer must register the vehicle in their name at a county tax collector’s office and pay the applicable registration fees and sales tax. Filing a Notice of Sale at flhsmv.gov is recommended to document the date of sale and release your liability for the vehicle.
Can You Transfer a License Plate to Someone Else in Florida?
No. Florida plates cannot be transferred between different owners. Florida Statute 320.0609 limits plate transfers to vehicles owned by the same person or entity. When selling your vehicle, remove your plate; the buyer obtains a new registration.
What Happens If You Sell Your Car? Do the Plates Stay With the Vehicle?
Florida plates stay with the owner. Remove your plate when selling your vehicle. It is advisable to file a Notice of Sale at flhsmv.gov to document the transfer date. The buyer must complete title transfer and registration at a county tax collector’s office. You may transfer your plate to your new vehicle for $4.50.
Is There a Deadline to Complete a Plate Transfer in Florida?
Florida requires new residents to register their vehicles within 10 days of becoming a Florida resident. For existing Florida residents who purchase a new vehicle, complete the plate transfer and registration promptly. Driving a newly purchased vehicle without a valid registration after the temporary tag expires is a violation.
What Should You Do If You Don’t Want to Transfer the Plate?
If you sell your vehicle and do not purchase a replacement, you may keep your plate or surrender it to a county tax collector’s office or DHSMV office. File a Notice of Sale at flhsmv.gov to document the transfer and release your liability. You are not entitled to a registration fee refund in most cases.