[Ruger2506]

Originally Posted by MrLonzo

When buying a new car in Florida, the final price generally includes registration and title. I just learned the title is kept electronically by the Florida DMV even after the car is paid off.

Do people normally request a paper copy of the title? Without that, how can the owner prove ownership? Or is proof of ownership not required except when selling it, in which case the transaction goes electronically through the DMV?

I'd say request a hard copy. You are really going to trust a gov't computer system and gov't employees? Not this guy.

[Ruger2506]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

Correct, except that there is always an electronic title, even if there is no loan. I have an electronic title, and I have never had a loan. I would recommend getting a paper title anyway. I paid $10 for my "paper" title, scanned it, and it is stored on my Google drive.

The only potential problem is that, if you sell the vehicle using only the paper title, the DMV will still show you as the owner of the vehicle. I guess this is because, unless the purchaser applies for a new title, the DMV has no way to know who actually owns the vehicle. The purchaser may have sold the vehicle to someone else.

That's why you get a detailed receipt showing the sale to protect you. Then if the gov't says you still own the auto, you can prove you do not. I'm not wasting time going to the DMV with the buyer.

[Topspinmo]

I wonder how electronic title works if move to another state and register or sell vehicle with only paper registration in hand? Seems kind of stupid not getting paper title in had for such expensive item that requires transfer if moved to another state?

[McClendons]

Fl has used electronic titles for years, and I've never heard a problem. I know they've worked great for me. I do know of people that have had paper titles lost or stolen, and that can cause issues. E titles are "free", you can always pay for a paper title if you sell on your own, it can be requested on line. I've never had anyone ask for a title (traffic stop etc), except when selling. Your registration shows enough for that. Very rare cases people "need" paper titles today, and no downsides

[ron32162]

You can request a hard copy for a fee. Just traded in a older jeep last week with a electronic title It went smooth.

[Elixir34]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

In Florida, the "official" title is electronic, not paper.

I was told by the FL DMV that once I bought a printed copy of the title, they no longer would be maintaining an electronic version of it.

[HJBeck]

You should get a Title document several weeks after closing on the deal. It will state that you have a mortgage on the vehicle. After you pay off the mortgage you will get another one with no mortgage lien shown on it.

[Sgt Ed]

Originally Posted by MrLonzo

When buying a new car in Florida, the final price generally includes registration and title. I just learned the title is kept electronically by the Florida DMV even after the car is paid off.

Do people normally request a paper copy of the title? Without that, how can the owner prove ownership? Or is proof of ownership not required except when selling it, in which case the transaction goes electronically through the DMV?

DO NOT GO ELECTRONIC. I had a business in Tampa that occasionally had to use the title system. If you want something really screwed up let the government handle it. Try and trade in an electronic title car when you buy a new car, try and junk out a electronic title vehicle and the list goes on. Try and sell a car with an electronic title. NO WAY FOR ME.

[MrLonzo]

Originally Posted by HJBeck

You should get a Title document several weeks after closing on the deal. It will state that you have a mortgage on the vehicle. After you pay off the mortgage you will get another one with no mortgage lien shown on it.

I received neither of those after recent purchase of a new car from a dealer.

[retiredguy123]

Originally Posted by MrLonzo

I received neither of those after recent purchase of a new car from a dealer.

I would contact the DMV to find out if the dealer ever recorded the sale.

[vintageogauge]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

This is what it says on my title:

"Note: The submission of this form, accurately completed, to a tax collector's office, license plate agency or to the address above will allow the title clerk to update the DMV database to reflect the title record as "sold". However, the ownership status will not change until the purchaser applies for and is issued a certificate of title."

So, you can do what you said, but unless the purchaser comes with you, the ownership status will still list you as the vehicle owner. If the purchaser comes with you, you really don't need a paper title because the clerk can use the electronic title to record the sale. My issue is that the purchaser can sign the title, take the vehicle, and never apply for a new title.

That's been like that forever but if he shelled out 20 or 30 thousand for a car why would he not want to legally own the car and why would he take a chance of driving without insurance and with no plates or non-matching plates? When I sell my cars I always keep it insured until the buyer sends me proof that it was transferred and I never let them leave with my license plate.

[retiredguy123]

Originally Posted by vintageogauge

That's been like that forever but if he shelled out 20 or 30 thousand for a car why would he not want to legally own the car and why would he take a chance of driving without insurance and with no plates or non-matching plates? When I sell my cars I always keep it insured until the buyer sends me proof that it was transferred and I never let them leave with my license plate.

Correct, but a lot of people buy a vehicle to resell, and they don't actually get their own title before they resell it.

[Nancy@Pinellas]

We recently bought a new car. Two weeks later our title came in the mail. No problem here.

[BostonRich]

I recently bought a car from a dealership and was told the title was all electronic now. I was surprised that a couple of weeks later the state mailed me a paper copy.

[ElDiabloJoe]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

...
This is stated on the Florida title. Personally, I would not want to depend on the purchaser to apply for a new title before the DMV will change the ownership status. Very complicated.

I agree. What if the new purchaser gets into an accident and caused a fatality. The initial review of documents will indicate YOU as the vehicle owner. Expect to be named in lawsuits until it gets cleared up. Not worth the headache and scare in my opinion, would rather be responsible to immediately release liability of the vehicle myself rather than hoping / waiting for the new owner to change the ownership status with DMV.