Motor Vehicle Titles
All applications for title transfer must be signed with applicant’s full name, if required. All transfers of ownership must be completed within 30 days of the date the vehicle is assigned by the owner or a $20.00 penalty is levied at the time of transfer. The title fee is $75.75 (or $85.75 out of state) if electronically maintained by the State. An additional fee of $2.50 will apply if a paper title is to be mailed, or $10.00 if printed in office. For each lien recorded, there is a $2.00 fee. The purchasers name, selling price and odometer reading, must be completed, in the appropriate spaces provided.
Florida Vehicle Titles
To transfer a Florida title, the seller must complete the transfer information on the current title, including the purchaser’s name, the selling price, and the odometer reading at the time of sale. (A bill of sale may be submitted for proof of purchase price.) Sales tax will be collected if applicable.
Out-of-State Titles
An out-of-state title must be submitted as proof of ownership and if transfer of ownership is involved, it must be properly assigned indicating the new owner’s name and address. An application for Florida title must be completed and accompanied by verification of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and odometer reading. If you are applying by mail, please contact our office for more information. Title fees, lien fees and all registration fees must be paid, if applicable. Sales tax will be collected if applicable.
New Vehicles
All new vehicles are required to have a M.C.O. (Manufacturer Certificate of Origin) or MSO (Manufacturer Statement of Origin) which must be signed and notarized (if applicable) by a licensed dealer for transfer to the buyer. An application for Florida title must be properly completed with owner’s complete name and Florida address, date of birth, sex, drivers license number, complete description of vehicle and any lien to be recorded. If you are applying by mail, please contact our office for assistance. Sales tax will be collected if applicable. All title fees, lien fees and registration fees must be paid, if applicable.
Duplicate Titles
A duplicate title may be obtained by completing a DMV Form 82101. It must be signed and submitted to the Tax Collector, who forwards it to the state, with a $78.25 fee. The application must be signed by the lien holder if an outstanding lien exits.
Miscellaneous Title Applications and Transfers
Contact the Tax Collector’s Office for information on miscellaneous title applications and transfers such as Death of Owner, Court Orders, Change of Name, Repossessions, Rebuilt Vehicles, and Bankruptcy.
Sales Tax
Sales tax as required by Chapter 212, Florida Statutes is 6% of the purchase price, less trade in, if any. Gifts, trade down or even trade, order of court in divorce proceedings, inheritance, transfer to immediate family, change of name only, etc. , may be exempt from sales tax. Highlands County imposes a 1.5% county optional sales tax on the first $5,000.
Motorist Services
Motorist Services
Driving tests are provided in all of our offices.