How you register a car in Florida is by going in person to a Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicle (FLHSMV) office with your driver's license and proof of liability insurance.

Florida makes the process of registering your vehicle easy by offering a state-sponsored mobile app (MyFlorida) for renewals. As long as you have the requirements, registering a car in Florida should be a breeze.

Keep reading to learn how to insure and register a car in Florida. Enter your ZIP code to find cheap FL car insurance.

What You Should Know

• Step #1: Gather Paperwork — You need an ID, proof of insurance, and vehicle title
• Step #2: Verify VIN — New vehicle registration requires VIN and odometer verification
• Step #3: Visit FLHSMV — The local DMV processes registration
• Step #4: Pay Fees — It costs $225 to register new cars and $10.50 to renew
• Step #5: Receive Registration — Delivered by mail in 7-10 days

5 Steps to Register Your Car in Florida

Each state has different rules regarding the registration of vehicles, and Florida is no exception. To register your car in Florida, you must follow these steps.

Step #1: Gather Necessary Paperwork

What do you need to register a car in Florida? A form of ID is required, either a state-issued driver's license, military ID, or passport. If you don't have an FL driver's license, bring a utility or credit card bill as proof of address.

You also need to prove you meet the Florida minimum car insurance requirements with an up-to-date insurance policy. Get proof of insurance with your insurance card.

Finally, if you own the vehicle, you must have the title to register your car in FL. If you have an auto loan or are leasing the vehicle, print and fill out the Application for Certificate of Title With or Without Registration from the FLHSMV website.

Step #2: Verify VIN

New Florida residents or local drivers registering a new car must verify the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and mileage of the vehicle. If you don't drive often, check out rates from the best low-mileage car insurance companies.

Most dealerships will verify VIN and mileage before you drive off the lot, but you can also visit a military base, police station, or public notary to get this done.

Step #3: Visit Local FLHSMV

If it's your first time registering a car in FL, you will need to go in person to a Florida DMV location near you. This would be required if you currently don't have a Florida license plate to your name or there is no record of one in your name from the past.

For registration renewal and address changes, you can visit the FLHSMV website. Renewals can also be completed through the FLHSMV mobile app "MyFlorida," which you can download from the App Store or Google Play. Be aware that registration and insurance renewals are why car insurance rates increase in Florida.

Step #4: Pay Registration Fees

First-time registrants without a Florida license plate must pay $225. A new license plate costs $28 or $70 for a personalized plate. This table breaks down Florida DMV fees for registering a vehicle:

You can pay in person at the local FLHSMV with cash or credit card. Online and mobile app payments are subject to a $2-$4 processing fee.

Read More: What happens if you don't pay your car insurance premium for your vehicle?

Step #5: Receive Registration

What does a Florida car registration look like? When you properly register your car in Florida, you will receive all of this documentation:

• A license plate with a valid tag number
• A sticker that shows the expiration date
• A registration card and information, which should be placed safely in your car

If you don't have these elements, you run the risk of getting stopped by the police and getting a ticket. Cops know if a car has insurance and registration through your license plate, and your Florida plates must be replaced every ten years.

What You Need to Register a Car in FL

What do I need to register a car in Florida? If you need to go to the FHSMV to register your car for the first time, you will need to bring the following items with you:

• Proof of identity
• Proof of Florida car insurance
• Application for Certificate of Title With or Without Registration (HSMV form 82040 can be found on the FLHSMV website)

There may be some situations that require additional documentation. Make sure to bring all required items to successfully and legally register your car.

If you are military personnel or a veteran, be sure to visit the FLHSMV Military & Veteran section of the website. Compare the best military car insurance companies and discounts to find the right Florida car insurance policy.

What is Needed to Register an Out-of-State Vehicle in Florida

Can I register my car in a different state than where I live? Yes, but in order to do this in FL, the following are needed:

• Valid identification
• Current vehicle title
• Proof of Florida insurance
• Completed application for registration

If you have recently moved to Florida and have a car that was previously registered in a different state, you are required to register your car and transfer your plates and registration to Florida within 30 days.

How to Register a New Car in Florida

You have 10 days to register a new car or if you are a buying a car out of state. If you already live in Florida and have registered another vehicle, you can register the new car online.

Have identification, proof of insurance, and vehicle title or required forms. New vehicles must have the VIN and mileage verified. The dealership should provide you with this paperwork, so confirm before you drive off the lot.

Florida Car Insurance Requirements for Vehicle Registration

What do I need to register cars in Florida? Without proof of insurance, you are not legally permitted to register or drive your car in Florida.

How much car insurance do you really need? The Florida minimum car insurance requirements are:

• Propery Damage Liability: $10,000 per accident
• Personal Injury Protection: $10,000 per person

These minimum required coverage limits are incredibly low compared to other states, so it’s often recommended to purchase more coverage to receive better protection for yourself and your car.

While there are many providers available in Florida, consumers say these are the best and cheapest Florida car insurance companies. If you get caught with an unregistered vehicle or without proof of insurance, you could be required to pay a fine and could get your license suspended.

When and How to Register a Vehicle in Florida

The way you register a car in Florida is to bring an ID, proof of insurance, and the vehicle's title to the DMV nearest you. If you are renewing, you can find out how to register my car in Florida online through the FLHSMV website.

It is mandatory for every Florida resident to register their vehicle within 30 days of any of the following things occurring:

• You have a child enrolled in school in the state
• You are employed in Florida
• You have a physical address in the state

Having your car registered ensures that the vehicle is safe and legal to drive so that you will not put yourself or others at risk when you are on the road. If you're caught driving without insurance or vehicle registration in Florida, you could lose your license for up to three years.

It is important to register your vehicle, regardless of your state of residence, and to maintain the minimum insurance requirements. Enter your ZIP code to find out how much insurance you need in your city.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I register my car in Florida?

Gather your ID, proof of insurance, and the vehicle's title. Here is how to register your car in Florida:

• Verify VIN and Mileage: New vehicle and out-of-state registrations require a VIN and odometer verification.
• Visit Florida DMV: Take the required forms to your local DMV.
• Pay Fees: It costs $225 to register new cars in Florida and $10 to renew by mail or online.
• Receive Registration: Receive registration stickers in person at the FLHSMV or in 7-10 days by mail when you renew online.

What do I need to register my car in Florida?

What's needed to register a car in Florida is an ID, the vehicle's title, auto loan or lease agreement, and proof of Florida auto insurance. Use our free quote tool to find cheap FL auto insurance.

Do you need insurance to register a car in Florida?

Yes, you must carry the Florida minimum insurance requirements of $10,000 in property damage liability and $10,000 in PIP coverage to register your car. Learn how to buy car insurance to get the best price on your policy.

Can a car be registered online in Florida?

New cars and drivers who recently moved to Florida cannot register a car online. However, if you already live in Florida, you can renew your vehicle registration online. What is required to register a car in Florida online? Your ID, proof of insurance, and the vehicle's title.

What does Florida car registration look like?

What does car registration look like in Florida? Properly registering your car in Florida provides you with a license plate, an expiration sticker, and a registration card to keep in your vehicle.

How do I renew my Florida vehicle registration?

If you are not new to Florida and have already registered your car, you can renew your FL registration online or through the mobile app for a one or two-year period.

What is the cost to register my car in FL?

In Florida, new residents are required to pay an Initial Registration Fee of $225. You will also pay $28 for a new license plate. It costs $10.50 to renew your Florida vehicle registration. The monthly cost of car insurance also impacts registration fees since you need a policy before you register a car in Florida.

Can a snowbird register a car in Florida?

If you are a snowbird and only live in Florida for 3-6 months out of the year, it is likely that you will still need to register your vehicle, depending on how much of the year you live in Florida. Please contact your local FLHSMV office to find out how to register my vehicle in Florida as a snowbird.

Do I need to inspect my car every year in Florida?

No, you are not required to have your car inspected on an annual basis in Florida. The only thing that is required every year is registering your car and maintaining your insurance. However, it is always important to have your car inspected to make sure your car is safe to drive on public roads.

Is everyone required to register a vehicle in Florida?

Yes, everyone must register their vehicle in the state of Florida. If you own a heavy truck, please be aware that the process of registering the vehicle is different. There may also be exceptions for those who are serving in the military or need to file Florida FR-44 and SR-22 insurance. If you have any questions regarding the status of registering your car, contact the FHSMV.