buying a used car- dmv vs private tag agency (sale, transfer)

[ducerek]

Hi, I am planning to buy a used car. I live in Broward. I am wondering if anybody know if there is a large difference in fees between going to the dmv offices or going to a private tag place (besides the sale tax)? I called the DMV but no one picks up. For some reasons I don't seem to be able to find the exact fees listed on their website. I'm gonna need to get everything done, title and registration, license plate. The car has a clean title so I think it's pretty much standard fees?

The private tag agency said it's about $500 plus tax. Also they ask me if I already have a tag-what does that mean? Isn't the answer always no since you have to get a new tag if you are the new owner?

Sorry if I sound misinformed. Many thanks for any help!

[k350]

Florida charges a one time fee for someone getting a tag, so for example, move from out of state and get the car tagged here, it is like a $225 (not sure really) fee. After that, you never, ever have to pay this fee again, unless you go and get a second car and get a tag for the first time. Even if you move from the state then come back, you still will never pay the fee.

Other than that, the tags are not much, under a 100 a year if I recall correctly.

I do think think that $500 quote is remotely accurate, the private tag agencies are pretty heavy regulated because they work in cooperation with the gov as an authorized tax collector.

[ducerek]

thank you. so basically the tag is the sticker on the license plate that needs to be renewed every year right? so if the seller's tag isn't expired yet then I don't need to pay for it?

So basically the fees are about the same between private companies and the DMV correct? Then I don't really need to bother going to the DMV then.

[k350]

Originally Posted by ducerek

thank you. so basically the tag is the sticker on the license plate that needs to be renewed every year right? so if the seller's tag isn't expired yet then I don't need to pay for it?

So basically the fees are about the same between private companies and the DMV correct? Then I don't really need to bother going to the DMV then.

No, you get a new tag, the plate, issued to you, and you keep this with every car you get, I think they make you replace it every ten years or so, forget, just due to wear and tear. The person who sells the car will transfer the tag to their new car, or if they are moving out of state or not getting another car, suppose to turn the tag in.

It can be renewed for one or two years, in which you will get a sticker to put on it.

The fees are the same between the DMV and private place, assuming the private place is a legit place and not some scam type, third party place.

I a few years ago got a new plate by going to a private place, it was the same price, I do not even think there was a fee for using the place, if there was, it was something like $2.50 or trivial number like this, but do not even think they charged anything extra.