In August of 2007, The Division of Motor Vehicles implemented Phase I of the Electronically Maintained Title (EMT) program.  This was a development and expansion of an existing DMV program for Electronically Maintained Liens (ELT).  Taken together, these two processes reduce the amount of paperwork involved with the issuance of titles, and speed up the title issuance process for vehicle owners, lienholders, and licensed dealers.

Electronically maintaining the title to your vehicle eliminates the risk of losing it and having to pay title fees to obtain a duplicate. It is also an effective fraud deterrent because potential thieves will not have access to your title.  Click here for some E-Title frequently asked questions and common scenarios relating to transactions involving vehicle and vessel owners, licensed dealers and lienholders.  (This web page is maintained and updated by the Florida Division of Motor Vehicles.)

If the lien on your vehicle has been satisfied and the title is electronically maintained, you may request that a paper title be printed at any time, for a $2.50 charge. Simply go to the Print My Title web page, maintained on the DMV website, and provide the information requested.  Titles are mailed to the address reflected on the owner’s motor vehicle record and are generally mailed within two (2) days of receipt of the request. If you wish to obtain a paper title immediately, many tax collector offices offer same-day title printing for $10.00.

You do not need to request a paper title prior to trading your vehicle with a Florida dealership.  The dealership has a special form they will have you sign, which takes the place of the title (HSMV82994), and they also have the ability to verify your title status online.

At the present time, if you are selling your vehicle, rather than trading it with a Florida dealership, you will need to request a paper title be printed in order to transfer ownership to the purchaser. Upcoming changes to the Electronically Maintained Title (EMT) process include the ability to transfer title during a casual sale when both seller and purchaser are present at the Tax Collector's office.