Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ and Answers – Southern Title & Lien

Here are answers to some of the most common questions we receive about our Florida title services. Our goal is to handle the paperwork and DMV process for you from start to finish.

1. What types of title services do you offer?
   We handle Florida motor vehicle, vessel, mobile home, and trailer titles, including bonded titles, deceased owner transfers, antique/ancient vehicle titles, storage lien filing services, lien removal services, and court-ordered titles. We manage your case from start to finish so you don’t have to deal with the DMV.
2. Can you help me if my title is lost or missing?
   Yes. We help determine if a duplicate or electronic title can be converted to a paper title, or if alternative proof of ownership or a court order is required, then prepare all forms and submit them to the DMV on your behalf.
3. What if the vehicle owner is deceased?
   We follow Florida DMV deceased owner procedures to transfer titles from a deceased owner. Whether there’s a will, probate, or no estate administration, we prepare the required affidavits and forms to secure a title for the rightful heir or buyer.
4. Can you get a title if I only have a bill of sale?
   Yes, but only in certain situations. If standard transfer is not possible, we may process a bonded title or court order, depending on the vehicle’s history, your documentation and what the vehicle qualifies for us to be able to do.
5. Do you help with court-ordered titles?
   Yes. We work with a Florida attorney who can prepare the court pleadings, exhibits, and affidavits to file and obtain the court order required by Florida law. All Court Orders would be filed in your county of residence or Business.
6. What is a bonded title?
   A bonded title is issued when ownership can’t be proven with a regular title. Florida requires you to purchase a surety bond 2x’s equal to the vehicle’s value, and after three years the “bonded” brand can be removed.
   Florida also caps the year a vehicle can get a bonded title. For 2025, the Florida DMV caps eligibility at model year 1996 as the oldest vehicle year allowed for a bonded title.
   That means in 2025, bonded titles are only issued for vehicle model years 2010 through 1996.
   They must meet other requirements, like being privately purchased, under 8,000 lbs, with no liens, and not newer than 2010 for odometer exemption purposes.
   If you’re dealing with something older than 1996, Florida will not issue a bonded title — you’d need to use the alternate proof of ownership or Court Order Title process instead.
7. Do you help with mechanic liens or towing lien services?
   No. We refer those types of liens to another company as of January 1, 2025. Please call D & N Titles at 727-851-4697.
8. Can you reverse a Certificate of Destruction?
   Florida will not reverse a certificate of destruction without a Court Order Title. We can assist in obtaining one through our court-order title process.
9. What if my title is electronic?
   If an electronic title is in your name, we can request a printed version for transfer or to proceed with other title actions. Electronic title must be free and clear of any liens.
10. Do you handle US Coast Guard documented vessels?
    Yes. We can assist you with transferring, deleting USCG documentation or filing a maritime lien on the vessel for an unpaid balance owed to you. We will need the vessel’s official number, hull ID, or vessel name to assist you.
11. Do I need to be a Florida resident to get a Florida title?
    Yes, unless you are titling a vehicle to a Florida-based business or meet specific exemptions.
12. How long does it take to get my title?
    Once we have all documents, processing generally takes 7–10 business days. Court-ordered titles can take 3 to 6 months, depending on court schedules.
13. How much will it cost?
    Costs depend on the title service needed and whether court filings, bonds, or publication fees are needed. A title clerk will provide you with a quote when they call you.
14. Will I owe sales tax on my title transfer?
    Sales tax applies in most purchases unless you qualify for an exemption (e.g., inheritance to a surviving spouse). We calculate tax including your county’s discretionary surtax with the quote.
15. Can you prepare all my DMV forms?
    Yes. We complete all FLHSMV forms for you, ensuring accuracy so your title application is accepted by the DMV.
16. Do you offer same-day or expedited titles?
    We do not offer expedited title services. The standard turnaround for printed titles is 7–10 business days.
17. Can you help if my lienholder went out of business?
    Yes. If your lienholder cannot be reached, we can help you pursue lien removal or a Court Order Title lien release.
18. Do you help with antique or ancient vehicle titles?
    Yes. We process antique/ancient motor vehicle and vessel titles, ensuring you meet Florida’s age, condition, and documentation requirements.
19. Can you help dealers with title problems?
    Yes. We work with Florida and Out of State Dealers on client title transfers, lost titles, electronic titles and more!
20. Do I have to visit the DMV if I hire you?
    No. We handle all submission, tracking, and follow-up directly with the DMV or tax collector’s office nearest our Largo, FL location. Call us at 727-286-7150 to get started today.