Florida Vehicle Registration and Insurance Inquiry
Hello everyone,
I recently relocated to Florida from Wisconsin and need to register my financed vehicle here. My car is still registered in Wisconsin, and I currently hold a Wisconsin driver’s license.
During my research, I discovered that Florida mandates vehicle registration within 10 days of establishing residency. One of the steps involves transferring the title to Florida. Since my car is financed and I do not possess the title, I have requested my lienholder to initiate the transfer. However, I was informed that this could take 4–6 weeks to process.
I have a couple of questions:
1. Am I allowed to drive my car with out-of-state registration after the 10-day period has passed?
2. Can I switch my insurance to a Florida policy while my registration remains in Wisconsin until the title transfer is finalized?
I would greatly appreciate any advice or guidance. Thank you!
Hi there!
Welcome to Florida! Here are some answers to your questions regarding vehicle registration and insurance:
Driving with Out-of-State Registration: Florida law requires that you register your vehicle in the state within 10 days of establishing residency. However, if your registration is still in Wisconsin, you may be allowed to drive for a short period after the 10 days while your title transfer is being processed. However, it is best to check with local authorities or the DMV to ensure you remain compliant and avoid potential fines or issues.
Switching Insurance to Florida: You can typically switch your insurance to a Florida policy even if your vehicle’s registration is still in another state. Just be sure that the insurance covers you properly based on Florida’s laws. It’s a good idea to inform your new insurance provider about your situation so they can guide you appropriately.
Recommendations:
– Contact your lienholder again to expedite the title transfer process. Sometimes they can provide temporary documentation that might help with registration in Florida.
– Visit a local Florida DMV office soon to clarify any specific requirements they might have. They can help guide you on how to handle your car’s registration and help clear up any confusion based on your unique situation.
– Keep a copy of your correspondence with your lienholder and any documentation related to your registration and insurance for reference.
Best of luck with your move and settling in Florida! If you have any more questions, feel free to ask.