How to Apply for Tag Renewal in Florida?

Are you looking for ways to apply for tag renewal in Florida? Vehicle tags are vital to keeping your ride on the road, and any violation or untimely renewal can cost you heavily in fines. It might also end up with your license seized.

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) requires tags to be renewed every 1-2 years. You can also renew a registration up to three months before the expiration date.

Currently, the FLHSMV offers various ways for tag renewal in Florida. So let’s check them out.

Renew Online

Gone are those days when you had to ask for a leave and stand in long queues. The FLHSMV has drastically improved its online infrastructure, and now users can easily renew a vehicle or register online. It provides access to the MyDMV Portal, where you can apply for one or two-year registration renewals for motor vehicles as well as vessels. Furthermore, you can also apply for a duplicate registration if you have lost your previous one.

However, in order to initiate the registration process, you need to provide a few details. The FLHSMV portal will ask you for your last name, street address, Social Security Number (SSN), Birth date, Driver’s License Number, and License plate number. After that, the portal will only give you access if all the details have been authenticated. It will then refer you to the payments page, where you have to use your credit card to pay the registration amount. The portal accepts Mastercard, Visa, American Express, and Discover only.

Following the payment, you will receive the receipt via mail within 7-10 business days, which can be used until the registration arrives. But in order to get the receipt, you must click on the ‘Yes’ button, enter an email address, and click on ‘Send Email Confirmation’. You will be charged an extra $2 processing fee for that.

All in all, the online process is smooth and hassle-free; however, in order to avail of FLHSMV’s online infrastructure, you must have your auto insurance information updated with them.

Renew With the Mobile App

If online renewal via the FLHSMV website isn’t convenient enough for you, the organization also has its own MyFlorida app, available on both iTunes and Google Play. It offers similar services like the website, where you can apply for One or Two-year registration renewals for motor vehicles/vessels. You will need to provide the license plate or vehicle identification number (VIN), or hull identification number(HIN). Furthermore, you shouldn’t have any registration stops associated with toll violations. If this happens to be the case, immediately reach out to the FLHSMV office or call Customer Service at (850) 617-2000 for information regarding the stop.

Once you have satisfied the toll violations, the app will take you to the payments page, where you can use Mastercard, Visa, or American Express credit card to pay for the renewal. It is an incredibly safe payment gateway, and you don’t need to worry about fraud or theft.

After the transaction is done, you will receive a digital document to use until the actual registration arrives via mail. A $4 processing fee will be imposed on customers paying with a credit card.

FLHSMV’s mobile application offers one of the fastest and most convenient ways for tag renewal in Florida. Over the years, the total number of people using the MyFlorida app has soared, thanks to the smartphone revolution. You don’t need to stand in crowded lines anymore.

Renew in Office

If you are not much of an online person or prefer doing things in person, you can visit the local county tax collector’s office for your tag renewal. Currently, FLHSMV doesn’t operate any more DMV field offices since pretty much everything is done online. You will have to carry several documents, including a renewal reminder or current registration card, FL driver’s license, and proof of auto insurance. And as far as payment is concerned, it is better to contact your county tax collector’s office and ask about the payment preferences. A few of them might even accept cash as a form of payment.

Renew at FLOW

One of FLHSMV’s best initiatives to date is the FLOW (Florida Licensing on Wheels) program. Under the program, the state of Florida provides convenient access to various services, including renewing vehicle registration via 14 mobile credentialing units at group events. You need to carry the supporting documents such as your VIN or HIN, license number, and SSN to the FLOW event. You will be issued your new registration on the same day. All you have to do is remain updated about the FLOWs’ whereabouts and when it will be held in your area.

Moreover, the FLOW also provides additional services such as License and ID credentialing services and purchasing specialty plates. It also works alongside the Florida Highway Patrol, offering critical safety services such as emergency contact information registration and conducting safety campaigns.

Renew via Mail

Applying for tag renewal can only be availed if the renewal reminder has the instructions to do so. This option may not be available to all Florida drivers. We don’t recommend going for the mailing system since there are a host of other convenient ways to renew a tag, including applying via the website or mobile app.

Last Words

So now we know the various ways by which you can have your tag renewed in Florida. FLHSMV’s online interface offers a smooth and hassle-free way to go about your business. You just have to make sure you do not have any registration stops in order to complete the renewal process. That includes clearing any violations associated with tolls.

And if you are new to Florida and want to use FLHSMV’s infrastructure, you will have to register and title your vehicle in the state. Moreover, it needs to be done within 30 days of either becoming employed, placing children in public schools, or becoming a resident of the state.

Only then can you avail the services of the FLHSMV and will be considered a Florida driver.