Out of State Title Transfer – What you need to know

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 processing your out-of-state title transfer.

Don’t want to spend time waiting?  Schedule an appointment!  You will receive a coupon for a free car wash.  Call our office for details at (941) 741-4800.

Required Items to Transfer an Out of State Title:

• The original title: Both the buyer and seller must properly complete the “Transfer of Title by Seller” section on the title.  It must include printed names and signatures of buyer(s) and seller(s), odometer reading and date read (unless exempt), selling price, and date of sale.  NOTE: Cross-outs, white-out, alterations, or erasures may void the title.  (Click here for example of a Florida title; each state will be different, but the general fields will be the same.) If your vehicle is leased and/or has a lien on it, please visit our Registration Only page.
• Proof of current Florida insurance: The card, policy, certificate, or binder must state the insurance is in Florida and must list the specific information for the vehicle you are titling.  Insurance cannot be expired, post-dated, or from any other U.S. state or territory.
• Proper method of payment: Title transactions in our office can be paid for with cash, check, certified funds or debit card.  Credit cards and “starter” checks are not accepted.
• Identification: All purchasers* must bring with them a valid US driver license / ID card.  If you don’t have a US driver license / ID card, we can also accept a US or foreign passport, or Canadian driver license / ID card. 
• VIN Verification: The VIN number must be verified on all vehicles coming from another state to Florida.  To save time, consider printing off the VIN Verification Form and having it completed before coming to our office.  Florida notaries and law enforcement officers may certify this form.  If it’s not completed in advance, our office can verify the VIN as a courtesy (you must bring the vehicle to the office) when you come in for the transfer, weather permitting.
• Sales Tax: If you have owned the vehicle for less than 6 months, proof of sales tax paid must be submitted with your transfer paperwork.  A dealer invoice or title/registration, which specifically lists sales tax paid, are the most common ways to prove this.

* Businesses are required to submit documentation showing they are a valid business.  Out of state businesses must submit a valid IRS tax return or occupational license to prove validity.  Florida businesses can submit a printout from SunBiz.  If the individual acting on behalf of the business is not listed as an officer, director, or registered agent on SunBiz, or if it is from out of state, the individual in our office for the transfer must also submit, on letterhead, a letter that authorizes them to act on behalf of the business.