How Do I Return Florida License Plates By Mail?

How Do I Return Florida License Plates By Mail? To return Florida license plates by mail, send them with a written cancellation request to your local tax collector’s office.

Returning your Florida license plates is a crucial step when you no longer need them.

Whether you’re moving out of state, selling your car, or retiring a vehicle, failure to return the plates could lead to fines, penalties, or complications with your vehicle record.

Many people overlook this process, assuming it is unnecessary once they stop using their vehicle. [How Do I Return Florida License Plates By Mail?]

However, returning your license plates ensures that the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) updates its records accordingly.

If you’re looking for a convenient way to handle this, mailing your license plates is an excellent option.

This guide provides all the information you need to return your Florida license plates by mail efficiently and correctly.

What Are Florida License Plates?

License plates are more than just identification for your car; they are essential for compliance with state regulations.

In Florida, every registered vehicle must display a valid license plate to be legally operated on public roads.

Types of Florida License Plates

Florida offers a wide variety of license plates tailored to different needs and preferences, including:

• Standard Plates: These are the default plates issued for most vehicles. They feature Florida’s iconic design with the state outline and a bright orange in the center.
• Specialty Plates: Specialty plates allow drivers to show support for specific causes, organizations, or sports teams. They usually come at an additional cost.
• Personalized Plates: Drivers can customize these plates with their choice of letters and numbers, as long as the combination is available and appropriate. [How Do I Return Florida License Plates By Mail?]
• Military Plates: Special plates honor military service members and veterans, including plates for different branches of the armed forces or specific honors like the Purple Heart.

No matter the type, every plate is tied to a specific vehicle and owner. When that connection is no longer needed, the plate must be returned or recycled.

Why Would You Need to Return Florida License Plates?

There are several situations where returning your license plates becomes necessary. Below are the most common scenarios:

1. Selling Your Vehicle

When selling your vehicle, Florida law requires that you remove the license plate before transferring ownership. [How Do I Return Florida License Plates By Mail?]

The plate either gets transferred to a new vehicle under your name or must be returned to the FLHSMV. This ensures that the new owner cannot use your plate, which could create liability issues for you.

2. Moving Out of State

If you’re relocating to another state, you’ll need to register your vehicle there. Most states require surrendering any out-of-state plates during registration.

Returning your Florida plates prevents them from being misused and ensures your vehicle record is updated.

3. Vehicle No Longer in Use

If your vehicle is totaled, scrapped, or otherwise taken off the road, you must return the license plates. [How Do I Return Florida License Plates By Mail?]

Keeping them could result in unnecessary charges, such as renewal fees, even though the vehicle is no longer operational.

4. Switching to a Different Plate Type

You might decide to switch to a specialty or personalized plate for aesthetic or sentimental reasons. In such cases, your old plate needs to be returned to avoid confusion or potential misuse.

How to Return Florida License Plates by Mail

Returning your Florida license plates by mail is a simple process if you follow the proper steps. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Prepare Your License Plate

Start by removing the license plate from your vehicle. Clean it if necessary, ensuring it’s in a presentable condition. [How Do I Return Florida License Plates By Mail?]

If the plate has been lost, stolen, or destroyed, don’t worry—you can still complete the process by submitting an affidavit explaining its status.

Step 2: Write a Cancellation Request

Draft a written request to cancel your license plate. This document should include the following information:

• Your full name
• Current address
• Contact information (phone number and/or email)
• License plate number
• Vehicle details (make, model, and VIN)
• Reason for returning the plate (e.g., sold vehicle, moved out of state, etc.)

This written request serves as formal documentation for your intent to cancel and recycle the plate.

Step 3: Include Necessary Documentation

Along with your written request, you’ll need to provide additional documentation to support your submission. This typically includes:

• Copy of a Valid Photo ID: This verifies your identity and ensures the plate is being returned by its rightful owner.
• Affidavit (if applicable): If the plate is lost, stolen, or destroyed, fill out an affidavit explaining the circumstances. Most tax collector offices provide a template or form for this purpose.

Step 4: Mail the Plate and Documents

Once your cancellation request and supporting documents are ready, place them in an envelope with the license plate. [How Do I Return Florida License Plates By Mail?]

Mail the package to your local tax collector’s office. Using a trackable mailing service is highly recommended. It provides proof of delivery and allows you to monitor the status of your package.

What Happens After You Return Your License Plates?

After your local tax collector’s office receives your license plate, they will process the cancellation. This involves updating the FLHSMV’s records to reflect that the plate is no longer in use.

Once this is complete, you’ll receive confirmation of the cancellation, either via mail or email, depending on your chosen method of communication. [How Do I Return Florida License Plates By Mail?]

It’s important to keep this confirmation for your records. It serves as proof that you’ve fulfilled your obligation and can be useful if any discrepancies arise in the future.

Tips for a Smooth Process

Here are some additional tips to ensure a hassle-free experience when returning your Florida license plates by mail:

• Verify the Mailing Address: Check the website of your local tax collector’s office to confirm the correct mailing address. Different offices may have unique procedures, so it’s essential to follow their specific guidelines.
• Use a Trackable Mailing Service: For added security, consider using a service like USPS Certified Mail or a private courier with tracking capabilities. This way, you’ll have proof of delivery and can avoid any disputes about whether your plates were received.
• Keep Copies of All Documents: Retain copies of your written request, ID, and affidavit. These documents could be useful if you need to reference your submission later. [How Do I Return Florida License Plates By Mail?]

Final Verdict

Returning your Florida license plates by mail is a straightforward and convenient process. It helps you stay compliant with state regulations, prevents misuse of your plates, and avoids potential penalties.

Whether you’re selling your car, moving out of state, or switching to a new plate, following the steps outlined in this guide will ensure your plate cancellation is handled efficiently.

See Also: What Happens If You Don’t Return License Plates In VA?

FAQs

Can I return plates in person instead of by mail?

Yes, you can visit your local tax collector’s office to return plates in person. This is a good option if you prefer immediate confirmation of cancellation.

What if I’ve already moved out of Florida?

You can still mail your Florida plates from another state. Just ensure all required documents are included in your package. [How Do I Return Florida License Plates By Mail?]

Is there a fee for returning plates by mail?

There is no fee for the cancellation process itself. However, you’ll need to cover the cost of mailing the package, especially if you opt for a trackable service.

How long does it take to process the cancellation?

Processing times vary depending on the volume of submissions at your local tax collector’s office. Generally, it takes a few weeks for the cancellation to be completed.

What happens if I fail to return my license plates?

Failure to return your plates can result in penalties, including fines or difficulties when registering a new vehicle in Florida or another state.

Conclusion: How Do I Return Florida License Plates By Mail?

Returning your Florida license plates is a simple yet vital task that ensures your vehicle records are accurate and up-to-date.

By following the mail-in process, you can conveniently complete this obligation without needing to visit an office in person.

Taking these steps not only keeps you in compliance with state laws but also protects you from potential liabilities. [How Do I Return Florida License Plates By Mail?]