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Do I have to return my Florida license plate when I move out of state?

Published in Florida Vehicle Registration 2 mins read

Yes, if you move out of state and register your vehicle in your new state of residence, you are required to surrender your Florida license plate.

Understanding Florida's License Plate Surrender Requirements

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles mandates the surrender of your license plate under specific circumstances. This is an important step to ensure your vehicle records are properly updated and to avoid potential issues related to ongoing registration or insurance requirements in Florida.

Key Scenarios for Plate Surrender

You are required to surrender your Florida license plate in several situations, as outlined by the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles:

  • Canceling Vehicle Insurance: If you cancel the insurance on your vehicle without immediately replacing it, you must surrender your license plate.
  • Selling Your Vehicle: If you sell your vehicle and do not transfer the license plate to a new vehicle you acquire, the plate must be surrendered.
  • Moving Out of State: When you move out of Florida and register your vehicle in your new state of residence, you are required to surrender your Florida license plate.

Failing to surrender your plate when required, especially when moving out of state, can lead to complications such as potential penalties or fees for not maintaining active registration or insurance in Florida.

How to Surrender Your Florida License Plate

Surrendering your Florida license plate is a straightforward process. You typically have a couple of options:

  • Mail: You can mail your license plate to a Florida Tax Collector's office. It's often recommended to send it via certified mail for proof of delivery.
  • In-Person: You can surrender your license plate in person at any Florida Tax Collector's office. This allows you to receive immediate confirmation of surrender.

Always ensure you follow the specific instructions provided by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles or your local Florida Tax Collector's office for the most accurate and up-to-date procedures. This ensures your record is properly updated and you are no longer responsible for the surrendered plate.