OUT OF STATE TITLE CHECKLIST 

We want to make your visit to the Manatee County Tax Collector’s Office a pleasant experience. This is general information to assist you in transferring your out-of-state title to Florida.

APPOINTMENTS

Avoid waiting by scheduling an appointment.  You will receive a coupon for a free car wash.  Call our office for details at (941) 741-4800. Appointments can be made for title transfers and most driver license transactions.

  
TO EXPEDITE SERVICE AND AVOID ADDITIONAL TRIPS TO OUR OFFICE:

THE FOLLOWING ITEMS ARE REQUIRED TO TRANSFER OUT-OF-STATE VEHICLE TO FLORIDA

• Original out-of-state title. If title is being held by an out of state lienholder or lease company, call our office for more information.

• Proof of Florida insurance (the card/policy must state “Florida”) for the vehicle you are titling.

• The vehicle must be present to complete the VIN verification (a courtesy done by our office, weather permitting).

• If you have owned the vehicle less than 6 months, you must provide proof of sales tax paid.

• All individuals listed on the title must be present and possess a photo DL/ID issued by any state.

• If completing transaction by power of attorney, a photocopy of the applicant's state issued driver license, identification card or passport is required along with the original power of attorney form.  The person appointed power of attorney must also present a state issued driver license, identification card or passport.

Click here for a detailed breakdown of fees.

IDENTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

All individual(s) must submit a copy of one of the following with the application for title:  

• A driver license or ID card w/photo issued by any US state or territory.
• A Canadian driver license or ID card.
• A US passport.
• An out-of-country passport.

When a title is being transferred into the name of a business, proof of the validity of the business must be submitted and may be a copy of the following:

1. For a Florida registered business:

• Proof of Occupational License.

• A current IRS tax return (one page that shows the business name). For example, if prior to April 15, 2006, a 2004 tax return would be acceptable. If after April 15, 2006, a 2005 tax return would be required. If an extension was filed, proof must be submitted.

• Active Corporation or fictitious name documents filed with the Secretary of State.

• Dept. of Business & Professional Regulation License or Dept. of State License.

• Proof of registration with the Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services.

• Department of Revenue Sales Tax Registration/Exemption Certificate.

• IRS Heavy Use Tax (for Dump Trucks and Heavy Trucks) Form 2290.

• Current year Manatee County Personal Property Tax bill or receipt.

2. For an out-of-state registered business:

• A current IRS tax return (one page that shows the business name). For example, if prior to April 15, 2006, a 2004 tax return would be acceptable. If after April 15, 2006, a 2005 tax return would be required. If an extension was filed, proof must be submitted.

• Valid State business document or Occupational License.

The following are unacceptable types of verification for businesses:

• A bank or checking account with the business name on it.

• A bill in the name of the business.

• Mail addressed to the business.

 ACCEPTABLE METHODS OF PAYMENT

Our office does not accept any type of credit card for payment. You may pay by cash, debit card, check or certified funds. Starter checks will not be accepted! All checks submitted to our office in payment of any transaction must have the following information on the check:

• Full Name (must be imprinted on the check; we cannot accept starter checks).

• Street Address (No P.O. Box) - If you cannot not provide our office with a physical address, we will not be able to accept your check.

• Home, Cell, and/or Work Phone #”s.
  
  
• Driver License or State-issued ID card number, with State of issuance.