Car registration: Can VIN verification be done out of state?

[frayedends]

We have a complex moving situation but the short story is: We are moving 2 cars. First car likely in June/July. Second car not until September. We want to change our residency from Massachusett to Florida, register both cars in Florida and update insurance.

Florida has this form that requires VIN to be physically checked. I'm wondering if anyone has had that done by police in a different state and brought it to Florida? I can't seem to find any info online.

[escapethecold]

We are from MA. One vehicle is in MA with a FL plate. Last November I took the vehicle to my town's MA police dept with the form. An officer ran the vin through national stolen vehicle system, checked the vin plate for alteration, recorded mileage and signed the form. In December went to Sumter County tax office on 466A with form and other vehicle. In less than 1 hour we walked out with FL licenses, plates for both vehicles and registered to vote in FL. Make sure you have proof of a FL auto insurance policy and proof of residency in FL (homeowner's policy/deed)

[villagetinker]

OP, call the DMV in Pinellas Plaza, and they will go over the specific requirements, and answer your questions.

[CarlR33]

OP, call the DMV in Pinellas Plaza, and they will go over the specific requirements, and answer your questions.Better advice than mine because every situation is different based on residency criteria and dates, etc. but it’s fun to see the various comments and interpretation, etc.

[scubawva]

Get the answer from the official source. Call or visit the DMV. Simple, easy, accurate.

[frayedends]

Florida must have a great DMV. In Massachusetts if someone said “call the dmv” for answers it would be hilarious. I can’t imagine you’d ever get a person on the phone.

In any case I was thinking someone might come along that’s done this before.

The residency thing is interesting. Multiple issues I’d have. 1: the car won’t be operating in Florida so the requirement to change registration isn’t really applicable.
2: Even if it’s allowable to keep my Mass registration, I won’t have a Massachusetts address. That could complicate my insurance situation should something bad happen.

[JOERILLA]

We have a complex moving situation but the short story is: We are moving 2 cars. First car likely in June/July. Second car not until September. We want to change our residency from Massachusett to Florida, register both cars in Florida and update insurance.

Florida has this form that requires VIN to be physically checked. I'm wondering if anyone has had that done by police in a different state and brought it to Florida? I can't seem to find any info online.

To answer your question...YES, any police officer in any state can fill out the VIN verification form for you. Takes about 30 seconds for them to check the VIN on the car and sign their name and badge # We used to do it all the time.

[vintageogauge]

Please do not follow the above advice. Florida law requires that once you establish residency here the Florida registration must be obtained within 10 days, not whenever your out of state expires.
Now, will you likely get pulled over, unlikely. But that is the law here is very clear.

The definition of when you establish residency is not when you arrive rather when you satisfy any of several criteria you can find via the Google

New Resident - Welcome to Florida! - Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (https://www.flhsmv.gov/new-resident/)

They "want to change residency". They haven't changed it yet so send the car down and let it sit until you change everything.

[VAtoFLA]

When I registered, the lady at the DMV walked out into the parking lot and verified the Vin on the vehicle.

[Thetwisted2]

We have a complex moving situation but the short story is: We are moving 2 cars. First car likely in June/July. Second car not until September. We want to change our residency from Massachusett to Florida, register both cars in Florida and update insurance.

Florida has this form that requires VIN to be physically checked. I'm wondering if anyone has had that done by police in a different state and brought it to Florida? I can't seem to find any info online.

Take the completed you received from Fl Dmv to your local Police dept along with the vehicle and they will verify and sign, return it to Fl Dmv

[Creengr]

I had same the apprehensions. Its easy. Just call local police office and make arrangements to meet an officer. They will know what you are referring to.

[Berwin]

Florida must have a great DMV. In Massachusetts if someone said “call the dmv” for answers it would be hilarious. I can’t imagine you’d ever get a person on the phone.


My experiences with several tax collection offices (DMVs) in Marion County have been positive. Florida may have some pain in the a$$ rules and fees but their employees have always been friendly and helpful.