Coconut Creek, Florida, is known for its lush parks, butterfly gardens, and peaceful neighborhoods, making it a welcoming destination for newcomers. If you’ve recently moved to this charming city and brought your car from another state, registering your out-of-state vehicle is an important step to take soon after settling in.

Florida law requires that vehicles operated on its roads be properly registered and titled within the state. Doing so keeps you legally compliant and also connects your vehicle to Florida’s records, protecting you from potential fines or complications later on.

Who Needs to Register?

If you’ve established residency in Coconut Creek, which can happen when you obtain a Florida driver’s license, enroll a child in school, sign a lease or purchase a home, or start working in the state, you are expected to register your out-of-state vehicle within 30 days of becoming a resident.

Even if you don’t consider yourself a full-time Floridian, if you plan to keep and operate your car here for an extended period, it still needs to be registered. Florida takes vehicle compliance seriously, so taking care of this quickly is recommended.

What You’ll Need To Register an Out-of-State Car

Before beginning the registration process, gather the following documents:

  • Out-of-State Title: If the vehicle is owned outright, you’ll need the original title from your previous state. If the car is financed and the lender holds the title, additional steps may be necessary to notify the lienholder and complete registration.

  • Proof of Florida Insurance: Florida requires all registered vehicles to carry a minimum of $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and $10,000 in Property Damage Liability (PDL) coverage, issued by a Florida-licensed insurer.

  • Florida Driver’s License or ID: A valid Florida license or ID card is required to prove your residency and identity.

  • VIN Verification: If your vehicle has never been titled in Florida, the Vehicle Identification Number must be physically verified by an authorized party, such as a licensed dealer, notary, or law enforcement officer.

  • Odometer Reading: If your vehicle is less than 10 years old, you’ll also need to report the current odometer reading as part of the title transfer process.

How the Registration Process Works

Once all your documents are ready, you can submit your application through an authorized service provider. The application will be reviewed, and upon approval, you’ll receive your official Florida license plate, registration sticker, and registration certificate, making your car road-legal in the Sunshine State.

If you’re not familiar with Florida’s rules or would simply rather avoid the hassle of navigating forms and deadlines, Auto Tags of Florida is here to help. Their experienced team handles the entire process for you, ensuring your paperwork is correct, your documents are filed properly, and your car is registered without unnecessary delays.

For newcomers to Coconut Creek, letting Auto Tags of Florida take care of your out-of-state registration allows you to focus on enjoying your new home: exploring the parks, visiting the butterfly gardens, and settling into your community, while they take care of the paperwork.