Based on the selections you made on the Death Scenario Assistance Chart, the following document provides you with information on completing your Death Scenario transaction. This information can also be found in the State of Florida's procedure, TL-18 (flhsmv.gov/pdf/proc/tl/tl-18.pdf).
1. Required Documents
- Verification of ownership and lien status from the motor vehicle division of the current State of record must be submitted. This verification may be any of the following:
- A computer generated printout
- A letter on original letterhead stationary
- A photocopy of the current Out-of-State Certificate of Title
- A photocopy of the teletype printout or a statement which shows (1) the ownership, (2) the lien status and (3) the name of the law enforcement agency who provided the verification information
- Title Application - see Section 2 for more details
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- HSMV 82040 MV for Motor Vehicles
- HSMV 82040 VS for Boats
- HSMV 82040 MH for Mobile Homes (you will have to complete one application for each side)
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- An affidavit stating the title is lost or destroyed - see Section 2 for more details
- The VIN number must be verified (not required for a vessel or mobile home) - HSMV 82042 must be submitted or section 8 on the HSMV 82040 MV must be completed
- All liens must be satisfied (if applicable) - HSMV 82260
- A photocopy of the death certificate
- A photocopy of the Will (if applicable)
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Valid, unexpired U.S. driver license/ID card - We will also accept valid U.S. or foreign passports*, or Canadian driver license/ID cards.
*If presenting a foreign passport, the State of Florida requires one of the following unexpired documents to be presented as proof of legal presence:
- A passport issued by the government of another country with a stamp or mark from the United States Department of Homeland Security
- A Permanent Resident Card
- An Immigrant Visa
- An I-94
- Current, valid Florida insurance (required if registering the vehicle) - the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles does not require our office to view proof of insurance for motorcycles, trailers, boats, mobile homes, or off-highway vehicles
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- The 5-digit Florida Insurance Company Code must be listed, and the year, make and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the vehicle must match what is listed on your valid insurance document. The proof of insurance must list at least one owner’s name that will be recorded on the Florida title. If any of this information is missing or does not match, please contact your insurance company directly for a corrected insurance card.
Note: If processing for a trailer (1,999 lbs and under), refer to the Death Scenario Assistance - Trailers (1,999 lbs and under) publication for additional information.
2. Processing Information
- The remaining co-owner and the surviving spouse have two options:
- The co-owner and the surviving spouse may complete the Title Application to transfer it into the names of both the co-owner and the surviving spouse (in this case, the affidavit may be indicated on the Title Application) OR
- The co-owner and the surviving spouse may complete Release of Spouse/Heirs Interest Section of the Title Application releasing their interest to the new owner(s), and the remainder of the Title Application must be completed by the new owner(s). (In this case, the affidavit cannot be included on the Title Application.)
- The estimated cost to title and register a vehicle for the first time is $396.00 to $441.00. Our office accepts cash, check, debit cards, and credit cards. A $2.50 processing fee for debit cards and a 2.5% processing fee (with a minimum of $2.50) for credit cards will apply. Our office does not retain any portion of this fee.
- Fees may be reduced if you currently have, or previously had, a license plate in your name in Florida.
- Sales tax is required to be collected or sales tax exemption will need to be indicated on the paperwork - inform the processing associate of sales tax exemption.
Note: All documents are subject to verification.
3. Additional Information
You have the following options to process your transaction:
1. Manatee County Tag Agency: Refer to our customer publication for details (https://helpcenter.taxcollector.com/hc/en-us/articles/26676181151501)
2. Manatee County Tax Collector's Office: Appointments are required for all transactions! Visit taxcollector.com/appointments to schedule your appointment.
3. Title By Mail: You may be eligible to complete your title transfer by mail. For details, refer to our Title by Mail publication (https://helpcenter.taxcollector.com/hc/en-us/articles/26708753005325)
DPAC: Out-of-State Title > Title is NOT Available > Owned by Individual(s) > Title is in Multiple Names > All Signatures Required > No Indication of "With Rights of Survivorship" > Co-Owners are NOT Spouses > Not All Owners are Deceased > The Estate is NOT Administered > There is No Will/The Will Does Not Specify Recipient(s) > Surviving Spouse is Heir