How to Transfer a Car Title to a Family Member in Florida

On December 23, 2023
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Author - Steve Momot

If you want to gift or sell your car to a family member in Florida, you’ll need to legally transfer the title to as you would with any other vehicle transaction.

Must Read: How Much Is Gift Tax On a Car

In this article, I’ll cover everything you need to know about how to transfer a car title to a family member in Florida.

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Step	Action	Description	Documents Required
1	Check for Liens	Ensure there are no outstanding liens on the vehicle.	N/A
2	Obtain the Title	Get the vehicle title if it’s not already in hand.	Title or Application for Duplicate Title (82040)
3	Fill Out Title Transfer Section	On the title, complete the “Transfer of Title by Seller” section indicating “GIFT” as the selling price.	Vehicle Title
4	Complete Bill of Sale or Gift Affidavit	Although not mandatory, it’s recommended to complete a Bill of Sale (82050) or a sworn statement declaring the vehicle as a gift.	Bill of Sale (82050) or sworn statement
5	Go Together to DMV (Optional)	Both parties may go to a DMV office to ensure the proper transfer of ownership.	All required documents
6	Complete Title Application	The recipient must complete the Application for Certificate of Title (82040).	Application (82040), ID, Proof of Insurance
7	Pay Title Transfer Fees	Even for gifts, title transfer fees apply and must be paid by the recipient.	Payment for fees
8	Provide Proof of Insurance	The new owner must have valid auto insurance for registration purposes.	Proof of Insurance
9	Submit Documentation	The new owner must submit all documents to FLHSMV to complete the transfer.	Vehicle Title, Bill of Sale (82050), Application (82040), Proof of Insurance
10	Remove/Apply for License Plates	Remove old or apply for new license plates as they cannot be transferred.	N/A

Steps to transfer car title to family member in florida

Key Takeaways – Transferring Title to a Family Member in Florida

The title must move to new owner’s name within 30 days
Meet at the DMV together to transfer ownership
Provide properly signed-over title, bill of sale, insurance docs
Pay applicable title transfer and registration fees
Ensure the new owner can legally drive the car

When is a Car Title Transfer Required in Florida?

A title transfer is required any time vehicle ownership changes, which commonly happens when:

Selling or gifting a car to a family member
Inheriting a car from a deceased relative
Moving to Florida with an out-of-state vehicle

Florida law states the title must move to the new owner’s name within 30 days of taking possession of the car.

As the seller or donor, it’s your responsibility to provide the signed-over title to the recipient. As the buyer or recipient, you must ensure the new title gets transferred into your name so you can legally drive the car.

Key Documents Needed to Transfer a Car Title in Florida

To successfully change the title, the following documents will be required:

1. The Current Vehicle Title

This proves legal ownership of the car. It must be the original or a certified duplicate title if the original was lost. All liens must be cleared first.

Includes VIN, year, make, model
Has buyer/seller transfer info
Records odometer reading

2. Application for Title Certificate

The new owner fills this out to apply for title transfer.

Request for title into new legal owner’s name
Provides vehicle/owner ID details
Lists date of sale

3. Bill of Sale

This documents the sale price/gift transfer for ownership tracking.

Sale price or “$0 gift” for donations
Buyer and seller names
Vehicle details
Sale date

4. Lien Release

If a lender holds a lien on the title, they must first issue a lien release proving the loan balance was paid off.

5. Payment of Fees

Applicable DMV fees must be paid:

Title transfer fees
Sales tax on sale price
Registration/plate fees

Step-by-Step Guide to Transferring Title in Florida

Follow these key steps to ensure proper title transfer to your family member according to Florida laws:

Selling a Car Privately

As the seller:

Meet buyer at the DMV
Provide completed title with transfer info
Submit Notice of Sale
Provide lien release if loan exists
Remove license plate

As the buyer:

Bring title application
Pay sales tax and fees
Register car into your name

Gifting a Car

As the donor:

Pay any existing car loans first
Complete title transfer as $0 gift
Provide affidavit that car is donated
Remove license plates

As recipient:

Bring signed-over title to the DMV
Submit title application
Provide proof of insurance
Pay title transfer fees
Register car into your name

Inheriting a Car

As executor:

Provide death certificate
Submit copy of will or court order
Include title transfer documents

As inheritor:

Bring required paperwork to the DMV
Pay title transfer fees
Register car into your name

Where Can I Transfer a Title in Florida?

You and the family member will need to visit a local DMV or county tax office together to complete the title transfer in person in most cases.

Many offices now allow you to start the process online but still require an in-person visit to finalize it. Check your county’s website for specifics.

For convenience, you may use a private DMV service for assistance in submitting all the paperwork correctly on your behalf for an additional fee.

What Will It Cost to Transfer a Car Title to a Family Member?

Below are the most common fees assessed by the Florida DMV when transferring title to a family member:

In-state title transfer fee: $75.25 (electronic)
Out-of-state title transfer: $77.25
New to FL title fee: $225
Title paper copy: $2.50 per page
Lien recording fee: $2 per lien
Sale tax on sale price: 6% (waived on gifts)
Registration fee: $46 average (varies by car value)

Title transfer fees must be paid with certified check, money order, or credit card.

Closing Thoughts

Transferring title to a family member in Florida is very similar to selling a car outright. Following the proper steps outlined here makes the ownership transition smooth according to state laws.

Sources For This Article:

Steve Momot - Author

Steve, a seasoned expert in the automotive industry, formerly held a car dealer license in Florida. With extensive experience spanning across car trading and mechanical work, he founded Autohitch. His mission? To guide both buyers and sellers through the intricate maze of car purchasing, ensuring a seamless and informed experience. Outside of the automotive world, Steve has a passion for fishing and capturing the beauty of nature through photography.