Florida law requires sellers to file form HSMV 82050. Filing this form with a motor vehicle service center will remove the seller’s registration from the vehicle and help the seller avoid any civil liability for the operation of the motor vehicle after the sale. Once filed, it becomes the buyers’ responsibility to apply for the title and registration before he/she can legally operate the motor vehicle. If the buyer fails to do this, and the seller does NOT file form HSMV 82050, the seller can be held liable for actions associated with the motor vehicle, even if they no longer own the vehicle. The form also documents the sale and is the legal receipt. Keep copies of the bill of sale (FLHSMV recommends having it notarized), certificate of title or other type of transaction document showing it was sold.

When applying for a Florida title for the first time on a used motor vehicle, Florida law requires the owner to sign a sworn statement, that the vehicle identification number (VIN) and the odometer reading on the vehicle are correct. Florida law requires the owner’s sworn statement to be notarized. If the verification is performed by someone other than a Notary, the VIN verification can be performed by a Florida Licensed Dealer, Law Enforcement Officer, Military Police Officer, or Florida Compliance Examiner/Inspector (Division of Motorist Services/Tax Collector employee).