How to Get a Florida Assigned Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or Vehicle ID Number Verification

Did you know that your vehicle has a VIN?

It’s a unique number assigned to every car, truck, and motorcycle made in the United States.

If your Florida driver’s license is lost or stolen, you need this number for insurance purposes. To get one for yourself (or purchase it), call 1-800-222-6841 toll free from anywhere within the U.S., Canada or Puerto Rico between 8am and 7pm EST Monday through Friday.

To get a Florida VIN, you’ll need your vehicle’s make, model and year.

Florida has the Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (HSMV). Other states might call it something different, like the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV), Motor Vehicles Division (MVD), Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), Driver Services Department (DSD), Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA), Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS), Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV), Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC), Department of Licensing (DOL), Department of Public Safety (DPS), or Department of Transportation (DOT).

Florida Vehicle Titles

A Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a unique 17-digit code assigned to every vehicle by the manufacturer. This number serves as a way to identify each individual vehicle and is typically located on the dashboard, door jamb, or engine block.

How to get a VIN?:

If you’re purchasing a new vehicle from a dealership, the dealer will usually handle getting the VIN for you. However, if you’re buying a used car, you’ll need to get the VIN yourself. The best way to do this is to ask the seller for the car’s registration paperwork; this should list the VIN. If the seller doesn’t have this paperwork or is unwilling to provide it, you can also find the VIN on the car itself. It should be located on either side of the dashboard near where it meets windshield (on newer cars) or on top of driver’s side door pillar (on older cars).

What is a title?:

A title is proof that you own a vehicle. In Florida, all vehicles must have titles in order for them to be registered with the state. Titles also serve as legal documents that can be used in court if there are any disputes over ownership of a vehicle.

How to get a title?:

If you’re buying a new car from a dealership, the dealer will usually handle getting the title for you. However, if you’re buying a used car, you’ll need to get the title yourself. The best way to do this is to ask the seller for the car’s registration paperwork; this should list the VIN. If the seller doesn’t have this paperwork or is unwilling to provide it, you can also find the VIN on the car itself.

What Documents Do I Need to Register a Vehicle Identification Number in Florida?

The first step in registering a Vehicle Identification Number in Florida is to prove that you own the vehicle. The easiest way to do this is to bring the title of the vehicle with you when you go to register. If you don’t have the title, you can also bring a registration certificate from another state or country, or a notarized bill of sale.

Proof of identity:

In order to register a Vehicle Identification Number in Florida, you will need to show proof of your identity. A driver’s license or passport will suffice.

Proof of insurance:

Before you can register a Vehicle Identification Number in Florida, you must show proof that your vehicle is insured. Your insurance card should list your policy number and effective dates, and it should be signed by an authorized representative of your insurance company.

Payment for registration:

The final step in registering a Vehicle Identification Number in Florida is paying the registration fee. The fee for registering a car is $225, and the fee for registering a truck or SUV is $400.

How Do I Get an Inspection for My Car in Florida?

All motor vehicles, trailers and semi-trailers that are registered in Florida must pass a safety inspection once a year. The only exception is if the vehicle is six years old or newer and has a valid manufacturer’s warranty.

Inspection locations:

There are more than 4,000 authorized inspection stations throughout Florida. To find the one nearest you, visit the website of the Florida Highway Patrol.

Inspection cost:

The cost of a safety inspection is $10.00.

Registering a Motor Vehicle Previously Titled/Registered Out-of-State in Florida

-The vehicle must be brought to a Florida county tax collector’s office or license plate agency

-The out-of-state title

-Proof of insurance

Documents needed:

-A completed Application for Certificate of Title With/Without Registration (HSMV form 82040)

Fees: The fees for registering a vehicle in Florida vary depending on the county in which you reside. However, the average fee is around $100. How to apply:

1) Bring the required documents to a Florida county tax collector’s office or license plate agency.

2) The tax collector’s office will then issue you a temporary registration certificate and license plates. The registration is valid for 30 days.

3) You will then need to have the vehicle inspected by a certified emissions inspector (if applicable). Once the inspection is complete, you will need to bring the certification to the tax collector’s office in order to have your registration extended.

Can You Get a New VIN Number for a Car in Florida?

1. The car must be at least 10 years old.

2. The car cannot have a salvage title or be a rebuilt vehicle.

3. You must own the car outright—no loans or leases.

4. You must have a Florida driver’s license.

5. The car cannot have been previously registered in Florida with a VIN number that is less than 17 digits long (newer cars have VINs that are 17 digits long).

Process:

1) Go to your local county tax collector’s office with the required documents listed above and fill out an application for an Assigned Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).

2) Pay the $15 fee and receive your new VIN sticker and registration certificate to affix to your vehicle.

Using Florida VIN or Vessel Records to Check for Liens

The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) provides a free service to check for any outstanding liens on a vehicle. This can be done by visiting the DHSMV website and entering the vehicle identification number (VIN).

Why check for liens:

It is important to check for liens on a vehicle before purchasing it, as this will ensure that the vehicle is not encumbered by any debts. If there is a lien on the vehicle, it means that the previous owner has not paid off their loan and the lender still has a claim on the vehicle.

What to do if there is a lien:

If you find that there is a lien on the vehicle, you will need to contact the lender and arrange for payment of the outstanding debt before you can purchase the car.

Should You Buy a Vehicle without a VIN in Florida?

If you purchase a vehicle without a VIN in Florida, you could be taking on a number of risks. For one, the vehicle could be stolen. Additionally, if the vehicle has been in an accident, it may not have been properly repaired and could pose a safety hazard. Finally, if the vehicle has outstanding liens or other financial encumbrances, you could find yourself responsible for paying them off.

Alternatives:

If you’re considering purchasing a vehicle without a VIN in Florida, there are a few alternatives to consider that may help you avoid some of the risks involved. One option is to purchase a salvage title vehicle. These vehicles have usually been through an insurance claim process and have had their VINs removed by the insurance company. However, they can still be registered and driven on public roads. Another alternative is to purchase a kit car or replica car. These vehicles are often built from scratch using parts from other vehicles and don’t require a VIN to be registered. Finally, you could also consider purchasing a used car from out of state where laws regarding VINs may be different than in Florida.

Do all Florida Vessels Require Titling and Registration?

All motorized vessels must be titled in Florida, including:

• PWCs

• Sailboats

• Canoes

• Kayaks

• Jon boats

Do You Need a Title at All? Can You Get a Title Without a VIN?

In order to get a title for your vehicle in Florida, you will need the following:

-The vehicle’s assigned identification number (VIN)

-A completed Application for Certificate of Title With/Without Registration

-Payment for the required fees

Conclusion

Now that you know how to get a Florida assigned vehicle identification number (VIN), you can begin the process of registering your vehicle in the state of Florida. Be sure to have all of the required documents and information on hand to make the process go as smoothly as possible.