How to Renew Motor Vehicle Registration in Florida?
Vehicle registration renewal is required for all Florida residents to maintain legal driving privileges. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) oversees the state's vehicle registration system through a network of regional offices, county tax collector offices, and licensed tag agents throughout the state.
Florida Vehicle Registration Renewal Requirements
Essential Documentation and Requirements
Florida vehicle owners must satisfy the following requirements when renewing their registration:
- Valid Florida Automobile Insurance: Proof of current Florida Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and Property Damage Liability (PDL) insurance meeting state minimum requirements
- Vehicle Identification: Current Florida license plate number or Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- Registration Certificate: Current Florida vehicle registration certificate or renewal notice
- Owner Information: Personal identifying information of the registered vehicle owner for online transactions
- Payment Method: Credit card, debit card, check, or cash (depending on renewal method)
- Insurance Verification: FLHSMV must be able to electronically verify valid insurance coverage during the renewal process
Renewal Timeline and Grace Period
- Flexible Renewal System: Florida allows vehicle registration renewal for periods of one to two years at the owner's discretion
- Early Renewal Window: Vehicle registrations may be renewed up to three months (90 days) in advance of the expiration date
- Birthday Expiration System: Vehicle registrations expire at midnight on the first registered owner's birth date (unless the owner is a business entity)
- No Required Grace Period: Florida law does not provide a mandated grace period for expired registrations
- Courtesy Notices: FLHSMV provides registration renewal notices as a courtesy service, but vehicle owners remain responsible for timely renewal regardless of notice receipt
- Toll Violation Restrictions: Effective July 1, 2022, individuals with registration stops associated with toll violations cannot renew their registration until satisfying outstanding toll obligations
Florida Registration Renewal Schedule
Florida operates on an individual owner birthday-based expiration system rather than a staggered alphabetical schedule. Each vehicle's registration expires on the first registered owner's birth date, creating personalized renewal cycles throughout the year.
Special Registration Categories:
- Business-Owned Vehicles: Registration expiration dates may vary from individual ownership patterns
- Military Personnel: Special provisions may apply for active duty service members and their dependents
- Heavy Commercial Vehicles: Subject to additional federal and state compliance requirements
- New Florida Residents: Must register and title their vehicle within 30 days of establishing residency, employment, or enrolling children in public school
How Much Is Car Registration Renewal in Florida in 2025
2025 Florida Vehicle Registration Fee Schedule
The following table shows the base registration fees established by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles:
| Vehicle Type | Weight Classification | Annual Registration Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Automobiles | Up to 2,499 pounds net weight | $14.50 |
| Automobiles | 2,500-3,499 pounds net weight | $22.50 |
| Automobiles | 3,500 pounds or more net weight | $32.50 |
| Motorcycles | All weights | $10.00 |
| Autocycles | All weights | $10.00 |
| Mopeds | All weights | $5.00 |
| Antique automobiles | All weights | $7.50 |
| Antique motorcycles | All weights | $7.50 |
Truck Registration Fees
| Vehicle Type | Weight Classification | Annual Registration Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Light trucks | Up to 1,999 pounds net weight | $14.50 |
| Light trucks | 2,000-3,000 pounds net weight | $22.50 |
| Light trucks | 3,001-5,000 pounds net weight | $32.50 |
| Goat trucks | All weights | $7.50 |
| Antique trucks | All weights | $7.50 |
Heavy Truck Registration Fees
| Vehicle Type | Weight Classification | Annual Registration Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Heavy trucks | 5,001-5,999 pounds | $60.75 |
| Heavy trucks | 6,000-7,999 pounds | $87.75 |
| Heavy trucks | 8,000-9,999 pounds | $103.00 |
| Heavy trucks | 10,000-14,999 pounds | $118.00 |
| Heavy trucks | 15,000-19,999 pounds | $177.00 |
| Heavy trucks | 20,000-26,000 pounds | $251.00 |
| Heavy trucks | 26,001-34,999 pounds | $324.00 |
| Heavy trucks | 35,000-43,999 pounds | $405.00 |
| Heavy trucks | 44,000-54,999 pounds | $773.00 |
| Heavy trucks | 55,000-61,999 pounds | $916.00 |
| Heavy trucks | 62,000-71,999 pounds | $1,080.00 |
| Heavy trucks | 72,000 pounds or more | $1,322.00 |
Specialized Vehicle Registration Fees
| Vehicle Type | Registration Classification | Annual Registration Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Recreational vehicles | Under 4,500 pounds | $27.00 |
| Recreational vehicles | Over 4,500 pounds | $47.50 |
| Recreational vehicles (5th wheel) | All weights | $27.00 |
| Recreational vehicles (camping trailer) | All weights | $13.50 |
| School buses | Commercial use | $41.00 |
| Wreckers | Standard classification | $41.00 |
| Hearses or ambulances | Emergency/funeral services | $40.50 |
| Special purpose vehicles | Various classifications | $44.00 |
Additional Mandatory Fees
All Florida vehicle registrations include multiple statutory fee components:
| Fee Component | Amount | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Original/replacement license plate fee | $28.00 | Standard license plate issuance or replacement |
| Initial registration fee | $225.00 | First-time registration without existing Florida plates |
| Commercial motor vehicle surcharge | $10.00 | Vehicles 10,000 pounds or more |
| Processing fee (online transactions) | $2.00 | MyDMV Portal convenience fee |
| Processing fee (mobile app with credit card) | $4.00 | MyFlorida app credit card transactions |
| Processing fee (mobile app with checking account) | $3.75 | MyFlorida app checking account transactions |
| Tax collector service fee | $6.25 | May apply at county tax collector offices |
Note: The $225 Initial Registration Fee applies only when the owner does not have a license plate or record of a license plate registered in their name for a vehicle of the same type. This fee does not apply to registration renewals, transfers, or exchanges.
How To Renew Vehicle Registration Online in Florida
Online Renewal Availability
Florida offers comprehensive online vehicle registration renewal services through the MyDMV Portal and the MyFlorida mobile application. Both platforms operate 24 hours daily and provide immediate processing for eligible vehicles.
Eligibility Requirements for Online Renewal
Eligible Services: Online renewal platforms support one-year and two-year registration renewals for motor vehicles, vessels, and duplicate registration requests.
Insurance Verification Requirement: FLHSMV must be able to electronically verify valid Florida automobile insurance coverage. If insurance verification fails, no registration will be issued through online systems.
Registration Stop Restrictions: Vehicles with active registration stops must be processed in-person at FLHSMV offices or by calling Customer Service at (850) 617-2000.
Online Renewal Process
Step 1: Access Online Services
- Visit the MyDMV Portal for web-based renewal services
- Download the MyFlorida mobile app via iTunes or Google Play for mobile renewal
- Create an account or log in using existing credentials
Step 2: Gather Required Information
- Personal identifying information of the registered vehicle owner
- Florida license plate number or Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- Current Florida automobile insurance policy information
- Credit card or checking account information for payment
- Renewal preference (one-year or two-year registration period)
Step 3: Complete Renewal Transaction
MyDMV Portal Process:
- Log in using personal identifying information
- Select vehicle registration renewal service
- Enter required vehicle and insurance information
- Choose registration renewal period (one or two years)
- Review fees and submit payment via credit card
- Download confirmation receipt for temporary use
MyFlorida Mobile App Process:
- Enter license plate number or VIN for vehicle identification
- Verify insurance information electronically
- Process up to five vehicles in a single transaction with one processing fee
- Select payment method (credit card or checking account)
- Receive digital registration document immediately
Step 4: Receive Registration Documentation
- Print confirmation receipt or save digital document for immediate use
- Physical registration certificate and decal mailed within 7-10 business days
- Email confirmation available through MyDMV Portal by selecting "Send Email Confirmation" option
- Place new registration decal in upper right-hand corner square of Florida license plate upon receipt
Alternative Renewal Methods
In-Person Renewal
Vehicle registration renewal is available at any FLHSMV service center statewide:
- Visit any motor vehicle service center with required documentation
- Present current registration certificate or renewal notice
- Provide valid Florida automobile insurance documentation
- Choose one-year or two-year renewal period
- Pay applicable fees using cash, check, money order, or credit card
- Receive new registration certificate and decal same day
Self-Service Kiosk Renewal
Florida MV Express kiosks provide convenient registration renewal at various retail locations:
- Locate available kiosks through the Florida MV Express website
- Provide registration renewal notice PIN or license plate number and first owner's date of birth
- Pay using credit card, debit card, or cash (where available)
- Receive immediate registration renewal with $4.50 convenience fee plus 2.3% processing fee
- Kiosks available at select Publix, Walmart, and other retail locations statewide
County Tax Collector and License Plate Agent Services: Many Florida counties provide motor vehicle services through tax collector offices and licensed tag agents. Services, fees, and hours may vary by location. Contact your local tax collector office for specific service availability and requirements.
Contact Information
Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
Neil Kirkman Building
2900 Apalachee Parkway
Tallahassee, FL 32399
Phone: (850) 617-2000
Customer Service Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM (EST)
Official Website: Florida DHSMV
24/7 Automated Phone Services: (850) 617-3000 - Available for license plate renewal status, driving record requests, and other automated services
