Originally Posted by MrLonzo (Post 2426161)

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?

Originally Posted by retiredguy123 (Post 2426412)

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.

Originally Posted by retiredguy123 (Post 2426184)

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

Originally Posted by MrLonzo (Post 2426161)

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?

Originally Posted by HJBeck (Post 2426487)

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.

Originally Posted by MrLonzo (Post 2426504)

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

Originally Posted by retiredguy123 (Post 2426336)

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.

Originally Posted by vintageogauge (Post 2426508)

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.

Originally Posted by retiredguy123 (Post 2426299)

...
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.