A vehicle’s title establishes ownership. Its registration, also called “tags,” proves that the car is registered with the state and can be driven legally on public roads.
Tags and titles are necessary documents when buying or selling a vehicle. While Florida drivers must renew their vehicle registrations every year or every two years, transferring a title happens only when buying or selling a vehicle.
What Is a Car Registration?
Your vehicle’s registration proves that you’ve gone through the process of getting cleared to drive the vehicle on public roads. Florida doesn’t require drivers to have their cars inspected to get them registered. 
Initial registration fees apply if you don’t have a license plate registered in your name to transfer to a newly acquired vehicle. You may have to pay a delinquent fee if you fail to register your new vehicle or renew your registration within the allotted timeframe.
How to Register Your Car in Florida
Vehicles in Florida must have a valid registration to operate on roadways. To complete the registration process, Florida residents must bring the following to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV):
- Proof of valid auto insurance that meets Florida’s minimum liability coverage requirements
- Proof of identity
- Completed Application for Certificate of Title With/Without Registration
Florida residents must provide personal identifying information to renew a vehicle registration online. The DMV will verify valid insurance on the vehicle.
What Is a Car Title?
A car title is a state-issued legal document with information about the vehicle and its owner used to establish ownership. Car titles include the following information:
- Vehicle make, model and year
- Vehicle identification number (VIN)
- Owner’s full name and address
- Odometer reading on the issue date
- Issue date
- Signatures of a state official, buyer and seller
The new owner must transfer the title when purchasing a new or pre-owned vehicle. A vehicle can’t be sold without a valid title.
The vehicle legally belongs to the person or people listed on the title and can’t be sold without their signatures. If you finance or lease a vehicle, the lienholder’s name appears on the title, and they take possession of it until the vehicle is paid off.
Keep your car’s registration and proof of insurance in your vehicle at all times. If you have your vehicle’s title, store it in a secure location (not in your car).
How to Get Florida Auto Insurance
Contact Automatic Insurance in Deerfield Beach, Florida, to get appropriate insurance coverage that meets Florida’s minimum liability requirements.
This blog is intended for informational and educational use only. It is not exhaustive and should not be construed as legal advice. Please contact your insurance professional for further information.