Vessel titles are required and serve as proof of ownership in Florida. Title and registration fees are separate charges. A Florida Title Transfer is needed when a vessel currently titled in Florida changes/transfers ownership to a different Florida owner.
If you have sold your vessel, notify our office via mail or drop box within 30 days. This will limit civil liability for operation of the sold vessel or boat. Submitting this form will allow our office to update the DMV database to reflect the title record as “SOLD.” Please note: The ownership status is not changed until the purchaser applies for and is issued a new Certificate of Title in their name.
Vessel Title Transfer
Make a reservation to visit a service center. Ownership documentation is required for processing. See checklist below for required documents.
Vessel Title Checklist
Out-of-State Title
You must have ALL of the following:
- Out-of-state title certificate or the last boat registration (if previous state did not issue titles to boats)
- Completed and signed application for Certificate of Title (82040 VS: Application for Certificate of Vessel Title)
- Bill of sale that shows purchase of the boat and/or trailer
- Valid passport or U.S. driver license/ID card
- Certified weight slip for the boat trailer (if the registration does not list the weight of the trailer)
Florida Title Transfer
You must have ALL of the following:
- Completed and signed application for Certificate of Title (82040 VS: Application for Certificate of Vessel Title)
- Bill of sale that shows purchase of the boat and/or trailer
- Valid passport or U.S. driver license/ID card
- Florida Certificate of Title with the “Transfer of Title by Seller” (section accurately completed)
- Certified weight slip for the boat trailer (if the registration does not list the weight of the trailer)
Brand New Title
You must have ALL of the following:
- Completed and signed application for Certificate of Title (82040 VS: Application for Certificate of Vessel Title)
- Bill of sale that shows purchase of the boat and/or trailer
- Valid passport or U.S. driver license/ID card
- Original Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MCO) for the boat and/or boat trailer properly assigned to purchaser
Exceptions
You do not need a vessel title for:
- Non-motor-powered boats less than 16 feet
- Boats used exclusively on private lakes and ponds
- Federally documented boats
- Boats owned by non-Florida residents temporarily in Florida waters for less than 90 days
Note: For a full list of title exemptions, please visit www.flhsmv.gov