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

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.

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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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

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

3. Bill of Sale

• 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

1. Meet buyer at the DMV
2. Provide completed title with transfer info
3. Submit Notice of Sale
4. Provide lien release if loan exists
5. Remove license plate

1. Bring title application
2. Pay sales tax and fees
3. Register car into your name

Gifting a Car

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

1. Bring signed-over title to the DMV
2. Submit title application
3. Provide proof of insurance
4. Pay title transfer fees
5. Register car into your name

Inheriting a Car

1. Provide death certificate
2. Submit copy of will or court order
3. Include title transfer documents

1. Bring required paperwork to the DMV
2. Pay title transfer fees
3. 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?

• 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:

• https://www.flhsmv.gov/motor-vehicles-tags-titles/liens-and-titles/faqs/
• https://www.rocketlawyer.com/family-and-personal/personal-property/buying-or-selling-a-vehicle/legal-guide/change-vehicle-ownership-transfer-a-title-with-the-dmv
• https://www.caranddriver.com/research/a32782143/gifting-a-car-to-a-family-member/
• https://www.reddit.com/r/florida/comments/497sem/im_trying_to_give_a_car_to_a_family_member/
• https://www.carregistration.com/blog/florida-flhsmv-title-transfer-guide/