Paying for car tag at the Sumter County Sheriff's Office.

[Taltarzac725]

Since my father had passed in December of 2020 they require a lot more paperwork to renew a tag. Kind of an unforeseen headache.


I had tried to pay in person and did not have the right red tape. I had renewed it by mail in the years between 2021 and 2024.

The person I spoke with said I needed --

Original Florida title.
Copy of death certificate.
Exact mileage of car.
Florida insurance card.
Tag number.


These documents were for Surviving Spouse.

[retiredguy123]

It all sounds reasonable to me. If someone died, you need a new title with a different name on it, so you need those things. By the way, I think you do this at the DMV, not the sheriff's office.

[Taltarzac725]

It all sounds reasonable to me. If someone died, you need a new title with a different name on it, so you need those things. By the way, I think you do this at the DMV, not the sheriff's office.

I received stuff in the mail which said you renewed your car tag for the next year or two by going to the various Sumter County offices. One of these is the Sheriff 's Office. The main office is in Bushnell and another office is at the Villages Sumter Service Center on Powell Road.


The Title was in my father and mother's name. I just think it is odd that it took them more than four years to catch up.

[retiredguy123]

I received stuff in the mail which said you renewed your car tag for the next year or two by going to the various Sumter County offices. One of these is the Sheriff 's Office. The main office is in Bushnell and another office is at the Villages Sumter Service Center on Powell Road.


The Title was in my father and mother's name. I just think it is odd
The best place to get these things done is at the tax collector's office at Powell Road and Rt 466A. I don't know if the sheriff has an office there, but the sheriff is not responsible for issuing vehicle titles or tags. This is a state function, not a county function. The office on Powell Road is the most efficient office I have ever seen. I highly recommend going there. Note that the website says that you must be a Sumter County resident to use this office, but actually, they will process state functions for any Florida county resident: Sumter, Lake, or Marion.

[Taltarzac725]

The best place to get these things done is at the tax collector's office at Powell Road and Rt 466A. I don't know if the sheriff has an office there, but the sheriff is not responsible for issuing vehicle titles or tags. This is a state function, not a county function. The office on Powell Road is the most efficient office I have ever seen. I highly recommend going there. Note that the website says that you must be a Sumter County resident to use this office, but actually, they will process state functions for any Florida county resident: Sumter, Lake, or Marion.

I have been there a number of times.

[retiredguy123]

I have been there a number of times.
To me, it wouldn't make any sense to go anywhere else.

[Taltarzac725]

Title & Registration - Randy Mask - Sumter County Tax Collector (https://www.sumtertaxcollector.com/auto.html)


More information.

Forms - Randy Mask - Sumter County Tax Collector (https://www.sumtertaxcollector.com/forms.html)

[biggamefish1]

Just be sure to go to the tax collector in the county you live in

[retiredguy123]

Just be sure to go to the tax collector in the county you live in
If you are getting a vehicle title and tag, you can go to the tax collector's office on Powell Road, regardless of which county you live in. I live in Lake County, and I got everything done related to my vehicle at the Sumter County Tax collector's office. These are state functions, and this office is the most efficient Government office I have ever visited.

[Topspinmo]

I live in Marion county and used to go the Sumter county tag agency on 466 and Morse blvd. Couple years ago they told me I had to go to Marion county agency which one on 441 across from Walmart which in Marion county.

[manaboutown]

Since my father had passed in December of 2020 they require a lot more paperwork to renew a tag. Kind of an unforeseen headache.


I had tried to pay in person and did not have the right red tape. I had renewed it by mail in the years between 2021 and 2024.

The person I spoke with said I needed --

Original Florida title.
Copy of death certificate.
Exact mileage of car.
Florida insurance card.
Tag number.


These documents were for Surviving Spouse.

This is not red tape. It is simply required documentation due to the death of an owner of a vehicle.

[retiredguy123]

I live in Marion county and used to go the Sumter county tag agency on 466 and Morse blvd. Couple years ago they told me I had to go to Marion county agency which one on 441 across from Walmart which in Marion county.
That is a different office than the one on Powell Road. The lady I spoke with at the Sumter County Powell Road location told me that they will process people from any county, even though the website says they won't. I have always used the Powell Road location and they have never asked me what county I live in.

[jimkerr]

Since my father had passed in December of 2020 they require a lot more paperwork to renew a tag. Kind of an unforeseen headache.


I had tried to pay in person and did not have the right red tape. I had renewed it by mail in the years between 2021 and 2024.

The person I spoke with said I needed --

Original Florida title.
Copy of death certificate.
Exact mileage of car.
Florida insurance card.
Tag number.


These documents were for Surviving Spouse.

This is what I would expect. Nothing is abnormal.

[Taltarzac725]

This is what I would expect. Nothing is abnormal.

I am just wondering if I had paid by credit card from home and paid the extra fees involved would that have saved me from all this? It had worked like this the previous years.

[Rzepecki]

Since my father had passed in December of 2020 they require a lot more paperwork to renew a tag. Kind of an unforeseen headache.


I had tried to pay in person and did not have the right red tape. I had renewed it by mail in the years between 2021 and 2024.

The person I spoke with said I needed --

Original Florida title.
Copy of death certificate.
Exact mileage of car.
Florida insurance card.
Tag number.


These documents were for Surviving Spouse.

Why wouldn’t you want to go through the process and title the vehicle in the SS’s name? When the SS passes, it would be a much bigger headache.

[Taltarzac725]

Why wouldn’t you want to go through the process and title the vehicle in the SS’s name? When the SS passes, it would be a much bigger headache.

That's true . But I am basically trying to get things done on a day-to-day basis. I thought the easiest way would be to go in person to the Tax Collector 's Office. Now I have a few days of hassle because my Dad died in December of 2020? There is something wrong with this picture. He died 4.5 years ago.

[Cliff Fr]

Sounds like you should have gone in person and done this 4 years ago

[Cliff Fr]

That's true . But I am basically trying to get things done on a day-to-day basis. I thought the easiest way would be to go in person to the Tax Collector 's Office. Now I have a few days of hassle because my Dad died in December of 2020? There is something wrong with this picture. He died 4.5 years ago.

So you've been renewing the tag on your deceased father's car for 4.5 years? And I assume driving the car too?

[MrFlorida]

Sounds reasonable to me.

[Taltarzac725]

Sounds reasonable to me.

Their system really needed an upgrade, I guess. My Mom is on the car's title but has advanced Alzheimer's. I often use the car to get her groceries as well as for her various doctor appointments. I am her 24/7 caregiver but do have Right at Home people coming in to help. Kind of pricey but worth it.

Her husband was her anchor and her Alzheimer's grew quite a bit worse after he passed in December of 2020. But the caregivers have worked wonders especially a wonderful Filipina from Trusted Home Care. We did switch companies though when the Filipina had to take care of herself first.

[TomSpasm]

Since my father had passed in December of 2020 they require a lot more paperwork to renew a tag. Kind of an unforeseen headache.


I had tried to pay in person and did not have the right red tape. I had renewed it by mail in the years between 2021 and 2024.

The person I spoke with said I needed --

Original Florida title.
Copy of death certificate.
Exact mileage of car.
Florida insurance card.
Tag number.


These documents were for Surviving Spouse.

I just went thru this yesterday at the Annex on 466. I went in to report the death of my wife and to change the title and registration on the car. I was shocked to learn that because there is a lien on the car (I have a car loan), no changes can be made to the title or registration. That seems ridiculous, but that's what I was told. Anyone know any different?

[Taltarzac725]

I just went thru this yesterday at the Annex on 466. I went in to report the death of my wife and to change the title and registration on the car. I was shocked to learn that because there is a lien on the car (I have a car loan), no changes can be made to the title or registration. That seems ridiculous, but that's what I was told. Anyone know any different?

Unfortunately that sounds right. I do think that the lady yesterday asked if there were any liens on our car.

[bilcon]

It all sounds reasonable to me. If someone died, you need a new title with a different name on it, so you need those things. By the way, I think you do this at the DMV, not the sheriff's office.

DNV has an office in the Sheriff's substation office on 466

[Aces4]

I just went thru this yesterday at the Annex on 466. I went in to report the death of my wife and to change the title and registration on the car. I was shocked to learn that because there is a lien on the car (I have a car loan), no changes can be made to the title or registration. That seems ridiculous, but that's what I was told. Anyone know any different?

I am not an attorney but might that be in the event the loan defaults and they can then repossess the vehicle to recover their investment? (It's called covering their butt..)

[mtdjed]

That's true . But I am basically trying to get things done on a day-to-day basis. I thought the easiest way would be to go in person to the Tax Collector 's Office. Now I have a few days of hassle because my Dad died in December of 2020? There is something wrong with this picture. He died 4.5 years ago.

It seems to me that you are trying to transmit the blame to someone else. If your father had a car registered to him and he passed, then the ownership of the car must legally pass to whomever owns the car. The new owner is responsible for initiating that action. If you are the new owner, you should have initiated that action 4.5 years ago.

Hopefully, you have the insurance updated correctly. I am guessing that the car has been illegally driven for the past 4.5 years.

[Taltarzac725]

It seems to me that you are trying to transmit the blame to someone else. If your father had a car registered to him and he passed, then the ownership of the car must legally pass to whomever owns the car. The new owner is responsible for initiating that action. If you are the new owner, you should have initiated that action 4.5 years ago.

Hopefully, you have the insurance updated correctly. I am guessing that the car has been illegally driven for the past 4.5 years.

The title is in the name of my mother and father. It is her car. My Dad could not drive due to poor eyesight. I can do things for my mother within limits. She also cannot drive due to Alzheimer's. She had not been allowed to drive since 2018 or so. That was a family and physician decision.

I am not the owner of the car. Our insurance is up-to-date. The title fees before 2025 were also paid. And are paid up to my Mom's birthday.

All these personal attacks are sad.

[G.R.I.T.S.]

Yes. All the items I needed to transfer my friend’s car.

[Slainte]

Since my father had passed in December of 2020 they require a lot more paperwork to renew a tag. Kind of an unforeseen headache.


I had tried to pay in person and did not have the right red tape. I had renewed it by mail in the years between 2021 and 2024.

The person I spoke with said I needed --

Original Florida title.
Copy of death certificate.
Exact mileage of car.
Florida insurance card.
Tag number.


These documents were for Surviving Spouse.

Don’t they have a form such as ‘Affidavit of Heirship For a Motor Vehicle’ ?
They may not get a request very often. I’d check at the DMV section by Burnsed/Powell. They were very helpful there & may have a quick solution.

[Taltarzac725]

Don’t they have a form such as ‘Affidavit of Heirship For a Motor Vehicle’ ?
They may not get a request very often. I’d check at the DMV section by Burnsed/Powell. They were very helpful there & may have a quick solution.

The car would belong to my parents' estate. We will have to deal with that when the time comes. We do have a lawyer. My Mom is still doing well with the good care of Right at Home. I am the main caregiver though. I use her car to get her to various appointments.


I do have a law degree but am not licensed to practice law in Florida.

[retiredguy123]

I just went thru this yesterday at the Annex on 466. I went in to report the death of my wife and to change the title and registration on the car. I was shocked to learn that because there is a lien on the car (I have a car loan), no changes can be made to the title or registration. That seems ridiculous, but that's what I was told. Anyone know any different?
That sounds correct and not ridiculous. Why should your wife's estate be removed as a debtor? The lienholder has a right to make a claim against her estate.

[jacRI]

I am just wondering if I had paid by credit card from home and paid the extra fees involved would that have saved me from all this? It had worked like this the previous years.

Since you are not currently on the car title how were you able to get the vehicle insured? Was there an executor appointed for your father's estate?

[retiredguy123]

Since you are not currently on the car title how were you able to get the vehicle insured? Was there an executor appointed for your father's estate?
I assume that the OP's mother is listed as the insured driver. But, if the OP is actually the primary driver, it could become an issue if the OP is involved in an accident.

[dougjb]

I am absolutely enamored by the DMV offices in The Villages. I use the one at Morse and 466. When I get there to renew my license, update my car registration, get new tags, etc. I may have to wait for as long a 60 seconds before being called. Every single one of the clerks at the office are highly professional, friendly and helpful! They all deserve to be commended.

Compare this to getting my tags renewed where I used to live in Broward County. One time there, I had to wait on a line that was...no kidding...two hours in length that stretched outside in the blaring South Florida sun before getting what I needed done. The clerks there were not as well trained and, to be blunt, not as friendly. But, I don't blame the clerks. If I had a never ending line of partrons with short fuses (after waiting in line for so long) I would be a bit brusque as well. It wasn't the clerk's fault, it was the powers that be that had such few clerks working.

Again, the local clerks at 466 and Morse deserve to be praised. I sure hope Randy Mask is reading this! Now, how about giving these hard working government employees a raise! They deserve it!

[CoachKandSportsguy]

The title is in the name of my mother and father. It is her car. My Dad could not drive due to poor eyesight. I can do things for my mother within limits. She also cannot drive due to Alzheimer's. She had not been allowed to drive since 2018 or so. That was a family and physician decision.

I am not the owner of the car. Our insurance is up-to-date. The title fees before 2025 were also paid. And are paid up to my Mom's birthday.

All these personal attacks are sad.

Taltarzac,

mentioning your failure may be viewed as a personal attack, but also might be a point to reflect upon. The Road Less travelled is always harder with more paperwork and costs and frustrations, not shortcuts due to simplicity.

I was in the same position, father passed, mom had dementia. My suggestions are:
1) file for legal guardianship, and or sole trustee of her trust/financials,
2) get rid of the car, she can't drive, more of a hassle than not, as you are finding out.
3) if you are filing her income taxes by signing for her in turbo tax, that is "technically" illegal, and could be questioned by the IRS. .

My mom donated her car to a cancer car donation. . there was a max write-off, and the car was worth more, but my mom wanted to donate, so that did away with the car legally. Personally I would sell the car after getting the proper legal status.

Once my mom was in hospice, then I did file her taxes manually with required copies of documentation. . so I paid for TT tax legal representation just in case . . .

your position is a high paperwork, high frustration position , so scan all documents, store on a page solid state thumb drive and don't save in the cloud. Lots of time consumption involved, but will be easier with the legal status mentioned above.

good luck, but its up to you, not anon posters

[retiredguy123]

Taltarzac,

mentioning your failure may be viewed as a personal attack, but also might be a point to reflect upon. The Road Less travelled is always harder with more paperwork and costs and frustrations, not shortcuts due to simplicity.

I was in the same position, father passed, mom had dementia. My suggestions are:
1) file for legal guardianship, and or sole trustee of her trust/financials,
2) get rid of the car, she can't drive, more of a hassle than not, as you are finding out.
3) if you are filing her income taxes by signing for her in turbo tax, that is "technically" illegal, and could be questioned by the IRS. .

My mom donated her car to a cancer car donation. . there was a max write-off, and the car was worth more, but my mom wanted to donate, so that did away with the car legally. Personally I would sell the car after getting the proper legal status.

Once my mom was in hospice, then I did file her taxes manually with required copies of documentation. . so I paid for TT tax legal representation just in case . . .

your position is a high paperwork, high frustration position , so scan all documents, store on a page solid state thumb drive and don't save in the cloud. Lots of time consumption involved, but will be easier with the legal status mentioned above.

good luck, but its up to you, not anon posters
I agree. Another option is for the OP to buy the car from her mother, prepare a bill of sale, and get a new title in the OP's name.

[Taltarzac725]

Taltarzac,

mentioning your failure may be viewed as a personal attack, but also might be a point to reflect upon. The Road Less travelled is always harder with more paperwork and costs and frustrations, not shortcuts due to simplicity.

I was in the same position, father passed, mom had dementia. My suggestions are:
1) file for legal guardianship, and or sole trustee of her trust/financials,
2) get rid of the car, she can't drive, more of a hassle than not, as you are finding out.
3) if you are filing her income taxes by signing for her in turbo tax, that is "technically" illegal, and could be questioned by the IRS. .

My mom donated her car to a cancer car donation. . there was a max write-off, and the car was worth more, but my mom wanted to donate, so that did away with the car legally. Personally I would sell the car after getting the proper legal status.

Once my mom was in hospice, then I did file her taxes manually with required copies of documentation. . so I paid for TT tax legal representation just in case . . .

your position is a high paperwork, high frustration position , so scan all documents, store on a page solid state thumb drive and don't save in the cloud. Lots of time consumption involved, but will be easier with the legal status mentioned above.

good luck, but its up to you, not anon posters

We have good tax people and a good attorney. And my Mom and Dad had hired a law firm to handle the various contingencies should they pass with me as a survivor. We have a very large binder from them and work closely with a thoughtful banker. The banker is aware of stuff.

The title in my parents' name should be fine up to when I have to get it changed.

Other than on this thread, I have not any grief from the car. I mostly only use it to transfer my Mom from her home to the hospital, doctor, dentist, etc. and back again. One lovely Right at Home worker did get my Mom to the dentist instead of me. I went along as she drove but do feel more comfortable when I drive.


The woman at the Sheriff's Office was also professional. She just said I needed to get such-and-such documents to get the Title up-to-date. No where did she say I should have to do anything else. I just found it odd that they did not catch that my father had passed. You would think they would have that kind of information in their system.

The car has been fully insured as long as we have had it. And the insurance people are aware that my father passed. We did send Death Certificates to whomever was by law require to get one.

[CoachKandSportsguy]

I agree. Another option is for the OP to buy the car from her mother, prepare a bill of sale, and get a new title in the OP's name.

I agree with that option as well. . .

[Taltarzac725]

Statutes & Constitution
:View Statutes
:

Online Sunshine (http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0700-0799/0732/Sections/0732.402.html)

This is interesting.

[Taltarzac725]

We have good tax people and a good attorney. And my Mom and Dad had hired a law firm to handle the various contingencies should they pass with me as a survivor. We have a very large binder from them and work closely with a thoughtful banker. The banker is aware of stuff.

The title in my parents' name should be fine up to when I have to get it changed.

Other than on this thread, I have not any grief from the car. I mostly only use it to transfer my Mom from her home to the hospital, doctor, dentist, etc. and back again. One lovely Right at Home worker did get my Mom to the dentist instead of me. I went along as she drove but do feel more comfortable when I drive.


The woman at the Sheriff's Office was also professional. She just said I needed to get such-and-such documents to get the Title up-to-date. No where did she say I should have to do anything else. I just found it odd that they did not catch that my father had passed. You would think they would have that kind of information in their system.

The car has been fully insured as long as we have had it. And the insurance people are aware that my father passed. We did send Death Certificates to whomever was by law require to get one.

We are all squared away. I will have to talk to the lawyer at some future date but hopefully that is a long way away. I found the woman at the Sumter County Sheriff's Office who helped me particularly efficient and professional.