What you should know
In Florida it is mandatory to replace the plates every ten years.
The cost to get the license plate for the first time is $225. Replacement costs $28.
The process is carried out in person, and online or by mail in some cases.
In Florida you must obtain new plates if you buy a car, if you move to this state with your vehicle, or if the mandatory replacement period is about to expire. (10 years). You must also make the request in case of loss or deterioration of plates.
The agency in charge of everything related to vehicle titling and registration is the FLHSMV (Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles).
The general requirements to obtain new license plates in Florida are as follows:
If the car was previously registered in another state, you must also present:
- Invoice with the data of the purchase-sale operation.
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) inspection and odometer reading (Form 82042).
Requirements for replacing plates
The replacement of the plates every ten years is done together with the renewal of the car registration, which expires on your birthday. If you do the procedure in person you must bring:
- Reminder sent by the FLHSMV or current car registration certificate.
- Proof of car insurance.
- Florida driver's license.
- Proof of payment of fees.
- Car license plates, since you must hand them over.
Requirements to replace lost or damaged plates
In the event that you have lost your plates or they have been damaged, the requirements to request new plates are as follows:
- Complete Form 83146.
- Attach a copy of the registration certificate.
- Pay the corresponding fee.
- Return the plates if they are in your possession.
How much does it cost to get a license plate in Florida?
The cost of the first license plate in Florida is $225 for standard tags, but there are other associated amounts. When the plates are replaced after ten years, or due to their deterioration or loss, the price is different.
Below we detail the amounts for each of the cases in which new plates are requested in Florida.
If you bought the car in Florida
If you are requesting new plates for the first time Because you purchased a car in the state of Florida, the amounts to be paid are the following:
- $225 for first registration and new plates.
- Title fees: $77.25 if the car is new and $88.25 if it is used.
- $2 processing fee.
Besides, You must have paid the tariffs, which in Florida are 6%. Additionally, there are local rates, the highest being Hillsborough County, which amounts to 2.5%.
If you purchased the car in another state
In the event that you are requesting new plates because you are moving to Florida, the amounts to pay are the same.
There is an exception regarding taxes, since you only have to pay the difference between the tariff paid and the 6% of Florida. This tax Only applies to vehicles that are less than 6 months old with the same owner.
Another expense to consider is the VIN inspection fee.which ranges between $10 and $40 depending on the county where you live and where you do it.
Mandatory plate replacement
When you are going to replace your plates after ten years, you will pay only $28 for new labels if they are standard. Additionally, you will have to pay the cost of the annual registration renewal that depends on how many pounds your car weighs:
- Less than 2,500 pounds: $14.50
- Between 2,500 and 3,500 pounds: $22.50
- 3,501 pounds or more: $32.50
Damaged or missing plates
The cost to pay is $28 if you are replacing your plates because they were damaged or lost. Surcharges may apply in some counties. If they have been stolen, they will replace them free of charge.
How to get new license plates in Florida
You can carry out the procedures in person at the FLHSMV offices or at one of the label agencies. You also have the option online or by mail in some cases.
By Internet
The request to replace plates every ten years can be done online through the MyDMV Portal. You can also download the MyFlorida app.
Retrieved from flhsmv.gov
- Enter the MyDMV Portal
- Select “Spanish” in the top bar to change the language.
- Press “Rapid Motor Vehicle Renewal”.
- Click on “Start Here” and select “An Individual”.
- You must fill out an online application indicating some personal and vehicle information.
- Press “Continue”.
- The FLHSMV will check if you have a current insurance policy to continue with the process.
- You will then pay the fee through the system and they will mail you the new plates.
You must return current plates to FLHSMV PO Box 545100 in Orlando to avoid penalties.
In person
When you get your plates for the first time, it is mandatory to do it in person. You must make an appointment and attend with the documents at the FLHSMV, or at one of the authorized agencies or kiosks. If it is a replacement, in-person mode is an option.
By mail
This mode is used to replace plates when they have been lost or damaged.. You must send the receipts and the corresponding amount to the main FLHSMV service center in your county, as well as the license plates if you have them.
Types of license plates in Florida
In Florida you have several license plate options at your disposal, which we describe and illustrate below.
Standard plates
For standard plates there are three alternatives: with the name of the county (not all counties have it), the “Sunshine State” plaque” (state of the sun) and the plate “In God We Trust” (In God We Trust).
Retrieved from commons.wikipedia.org
Special plates
In Florida there are more than 100 possibilities for special license plates. They commonly refer to environmental causes. They cost $15 annually, in addition to the registration renewal costs, and the FLHSMV makes contributions to these organizations.
Extracted from Creative Commons
personalized plates
This type of plate allows you to create exclusive designswith images and combination of characters to suit the user, within certain standards and after consultation with the FLHSMV. An additional $15 annual fee is payable upon registration renewal..
Extracted from Wikipedia
Military plates
They are designed to distinguish those who serve the country militarily. There are various models such as the Air Force Cross, the Navy Cross, or World War II Veterans, among many others.
Extracted from Creative Commons
Temporary plates
These plates are granted by the FLHSMV so that the vehicle can circulate while the final ones arrive. They are the same as the standard ones and are generally valid for thirty days.
Special, personalized and military plates can only be requested at the FLHSMV in person.