Buying a used car in Florida may come with potential problems such as odometer fraud and VIN cloning. Buyers must exercise due diligence prior to purchasing a car. With so many resources online, researching a vehicle has never been easier especially if you go to the right sources. The good news is that vehicle data does not have to cost you anything. For example, you can request a Florida license plate lookup or VIN check to get a free vehicle history report.

Using a Florida license plate as a search index, VinCheck.info can give you a free comprehensive vehicle report with the following information:

•   Market Value
•   Vehicle Specifications
•   Equipment Details
•   Fuel Efficiency
•   Safety Rating
•   Inspection Checklist
•   Current Warranty
•   Auto Insurance
•   NMVTIS Vehicle Report

What is a Florida License Plate?

Florida license plates are metal plates used to identify a registered vehicle and associate it with its registration records. The assigned number is a combination of numbers and letters. Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) issues license plates to all registered vehicles in the state. Also known as tags, the plates are affixed on the rear of Florida vehicles.

The FLHSMV offers two main types of license plates:

Standard license plates, mandated by Florida Statutes (Section 320.06), are available on any of these plates: the “In God We Trust” plate, the “Sunshine State” plate, and the “County Name” plate (only in some counties). The plates feature a graphic image of the state outline and the state’s official website, myflorida.com.

Specialty license plates are plates supporting various organizations and personalized plates for special interests. You can apply for a specialty license plate for approval by the Florida DMV. If you want to apply for personalized plates, you can check what is available at the Florida DMV website.

How Can I Register a Vehicle and Get a Florida License Plate?

Every vehicle operating on Florida roads must be registered and have an updated license plate. When a license plate is issued, a regular validation decal is also issued.
Dealerships usually handle the title and registration paperwork. If you are buying from a private seller, you need to apply for vehicle title and registration which can be done at the same time.

Within 30 days of the sale from local sellers or relocation to Florida, register your vehicle at the Florida DHSMV office with these requirements:

• Proof of identity
• Proof of car insurance
• Proof of completed VIN inspection and odometer reading (for a new resident)
• Completed application for Certification of Title (HSMV Form 82040)
• Payment for applicable fees according to Florida HSMV
• Vehicle title with the transfer section completed by the seller

How Can I Transfer a Florida License Plate?

You may transfer a Florida license plate from your previous vehicle if you’re registering it in the same name. A license plate cannot be given or transferred to someone else. Section 320.0609(1)(a), Florida Statutes, requires that the registration license plate and certificate of registration shall be issued to and remain in the name of the owner of the vehicle registered. However, a personalized license plate may be relinquished to someone else.

How Can I Get a Replacement for a Damaged or Stolen Florida License Plate?

If your Florida license plate or decal is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can apply for replacements. If the license plate or decal was stolen and you have reported this to a law enforcement agency, there will be no charge for the replacement. Submit an application for a replacement license plate or validation decal to the local county tax collector’s office or license plate agency for processing.

How Do I Find Out Who Owns a Vehicle in Florida?

A license plate lookup, designed to get vehicle information, is mostly intended for vehicle research. It’s not a tool for acquiring personal information. Access to the owner’s name and address is not available here at VINCheck.info. The Driver’s Privacy Protection Act (DPPA) limits access to personal details. In compliance with the DPPA, the Florida DMV automatically blocks personal information in all motor vehicle and driver license records. If you have valid reasons that apply under the DPPA and state rules, you may be able to request owner information via a Florida DMV license plate check.

More Resources for Florida Drivers:

• Florida Driver Licenses & ID Cards
• Florida Vehicle Registration
• Renewing of License Plates in Florida
• Florida Vehicle Titling Information
• Florida Motor Vehicle Registration Fees
• Florida Driver’s Handbook

Buying a used car in Florida?  Don’t make a costly mistake. Run a Free License Plate Lookup for your Florida-registered vehicle!

1. Check for accidents. Every year, approximately 400,000 vehicle accidents are reported by the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.
2. Check for title brands. Flood, hail-damage, and salvage titles are examples of critical title brands.
3. Check for special purpose designations, including taxi-use, rental-use, or police-use.
4. Check for thefts. Lookup a Florida license plate to check for an active theft or previously recovered theft record.

Run a Free Florida License Plate Lookup to uncover the full-story of your Florida-registered vehicle.