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LicensePlates Florida

Obtain a License Plate in Florida

Eligibility for Florida License Plates

Florida requires vehicle registration within 10 days of establishing residency, starting work, or enrolling children in a public school. Florida Statute § 320.38 establishes this timeframe.

  • Residency: Any person who becomes a Florida resident, gains employment, or enrolls a child in a public school must register all vehicles within 10 days. No residency period applies after this trigger.
  • Vehicle: Passenger cars, trucks, motorcycles, mopeds, trailers, and recreational vehicles can receive license plates. Vehicles with a rebuilt or unrepairable title cannot receive standard registration until the title brand is resolved through a rebuilt inspection.
  • Applicant: The application is submitted by the owner or lessee. Florida accepts a valid driver’s license or state-issued ID as proof of identity. Out-of-state vehicles require a VIN inspection on form HSMV 82042 before titling.
  • License Plate Categories: Standard plates have three designs (county name, “Sunshine State,” and “In God We Trust”). Over 100 specialty plates have annual use fees according to Florida Statute § 320.08056. Military plates require proof of service; Disabled veteran plates require VA documentation. Personal information related to numbers is protected by the Driver Privacy Protection Act, 18 U.S.C. §§ 2721–2725.

How to Get a License Plate in Florida?

First-time issuance of license plates is done through county tax collector offices and private tag agents, not through the state’s central DMV office. Florida does not require safety or emissions inspections for registration.

  • Bring a completed Application for Certificate of Title With/Without Registration (form HSMV 82040), proof of identity for all owners, and proof of Florida insurance.
  • Vehicles with out-of-state titles need a VIN inspection (form HSMV 82042) performed by a law enforcement officer or authorized agent before the title can be transferred.
  • Pay the title fee, initial registration fee of $225, and annual license tax on-site. The office issues your license plate, sticker, and registration certificate on the spot.
  • One rear license plate is required for passenger vehicles according to Florida Statute § 316.605. Truck tractors also have a front license plate.

Renewals occur annually or biennially. Registration expires at midnight on the owner’s birthday. MyDMV Portal handles online renewals; the fees below cover what the portal or cashier collects.

How Much Does a License Plate Cost in Florida?

The base registration tax is moderate, but the initial $225 fee and title costs add up for first-time registrants. Florida Statute § 320.08 sets each item.

  • Passenger cars pay $14.50 (under 2,500 pounds), $22.50 (2,500 to 3,499 pounds), or $32.50 (3,500 pounds and over) in annual license tax. Motorcycles cost $10.00; mopeds, $5.00.
  • A $28.00 license plate fee applies to each original or replacement plate.
  • The initial registration fee of $225.00 is charged to first-time registrants without an existing Florida license plate on record. Transfers from a previous Florida plate avoid this fee. (FLHSMV Fee Schedule.)
  • Title fee: $77.25 for a new vehicle, $85.25 for a used vehicle, $75.25 for a transfer or duplicate. A late title fee of $20.00 applies if filing is delayed.
  • Specialty plates add $15 to $25 annually in use fees, depending on the plate. Personalized plates cost an additional $15.00 annually.
  • Late renewal penalties range from $5.00 to $250.00, depending on the license tax category, according to Florida Statute § 320.07(4).

Can I Get a License Plate Online in Florida?

Online service covers renewals only. First-time registrations and title transfers must occur in person at a county tax collector’s office or private tag agent.

MyDMV Portal accepts payments for one-year and two-year renewals using a credit card or bank account with a $2.00 processing fee. License plates and a new registration certificate arrive by mail within 7-10 business days. The MyFlorida mobile app offers the same renewal service with a processing fee of $4.00 (credit card) or $3.75 (bank account).

For in-person transactions, Florida routes everything through county tax collectors and licensed private tag agents in all 67 counties. The FLHSMV service center directory lists offices by county. Self-service kiosks are also available at select locations for registration renewals.

If Florida can renew your registration online, it’s the quickest route; the county office handles anything the portal cannot accept.

Notice

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