Anne M. Gannon - Tax Collector, Palm Beach County
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HOME > Services > Motor Vehicles >

Frequently asked Questions about Motor Vehicles


Do I save money with the “Renew for 2” program?
No.  However, you do save valuable time spent in our office.  To avoid office visits completely, please visit our website payment center to renew car and boat registrations, local business tax receipts or pay property taxes.

What happens if I sell my car before my 2 year renewal is due?
Simple.  When you purchase a new vehicle, we will transfer the registration and plate to your new car as long as it is not expired.  If you are not purchasing a new vehicle, cancel your registration by returning the license plate to our office (no refunds will be issued).

What happens if I move out of Florida before my 2 year registration renewal expires?
No refunds are issued.  You may cancel your registration by returning the license plate to our office.

What do I do if I change insurance companies?
Just as with the one year renewal, when changing insurance companies, check the vehicle ID number on your new insurance card to ensure that it matches the vehicle ID number on your registration.  If it is correct, your new insurance company will update your information with the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.  If it is not correct, DHSMV will not recognize that you have insurance and send a suspension warning to you.  Contact your insurance company to correct the vehicle ID number on your insurance card, if necessary.

How do I get a disabled parking permit?
Call the Tax Collector's office at 561-355-2622 or click here for more information.

How do I purchase a personalized license plate?
Personalized license plates may be issued to any motor vehicle owner or lessee except a vehicle which requires "Restricted," "Apportioned," "Wrecker," or dual (two) truck license plates. Application for Personalized License Plate, Form HSMV 83039 may be submitted in person or by mail to your local tax collector’s office . Personalized license plate choices will be approved or rejected to ensure that obscene or objectionable choices are not processed. The cost is an additional $12 annual fee for each personalized license plate applied for. Applications may be submitted at any time during the year. The manufacturer has 45 calendar days (from the date the order is received by manufacturer, not the date the license plate was ordered in the local tax collector's office) to manufacture and ship the personalized license plate. License plates are issued for the current registration period unless application is made during the advance registration period (3 months preceding the owner's birth month or designated registration period). When application is made during the advance registration period and full registration tax is paid, the license plate will expire the following year. Click here for more information.

How many characters can be on a personalized license plate?
License plates with a center logo design such as the basic Florida license plate or the Save the Manatee license plate, may have up to 7 characters plus either a space or a hyphen. License plates with a left-side logo design such as collegiate and sports license plates, may have up to 5 characters with no additional space or hyphen. Apply at your local tax collector's office or click here for more information.

How do I purchase a military license plate?
These license plates are issued to individuals who meet a certain criteria. For example, to be eligible for a Medal of Honor license plate, the individual must submit proof from the U.S. Government that they were awarded the Medal of Honor. All military license plates, except Medal of Honor, are available at your local tax collector's office.

Medal of Honor applications and renewals must be sent to:
Division of Motor Vehicles
Neil Kirkman Building
2900 Apalachee Parkway
Direct Mail MS72
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0620

Military license plates can be issued for use only on the following type vehicles:
Automobile (Private or Lease)
Motor home or truck camper which are not "for hire" or "commercial" use
Trucks for private use with a net weight 7,999 lbs. or less

Click here to see available military license plates:

I am an amateur radio operator. How do I get an amateur radio license plate for my vehicle?
License plates may be issued on automobiles (private or lease), trucks weighing 7,999 pounds or less and all recreational vehicle type units. Cost is an additional $5 annual fee for each original Amateur Radio license plate and $1.50 each year thereafter. Application may be submitted at any time during the year with a copy of the amateur radio license issued by the FCC and proof of Florida insurance to your local tax collector's office. The manufacturer has 45 calendar days (from the date the order is received by manufacturer, not the date the license plate was ordered in the local tax collector's office) to manufacture and ship the license plate. License plates are issued for the current registration period unless application is made during the advance registration period (3 months preceding the owner's birth month or designated registration period). When application is made during the advance registration period and full registration tax is paid, the license plate will expire the following year. Apply at your local tax collector's office.

Can I transfer my existing Florida license plate to a new vehicle?
Yes, but only after completing an official transfer at the Tax Collector's Office. If you can provide proof that the vehicle from which you are taking the plate was in your name, and has been traded, sold or disposed of, the $100 Initial Registration fee will be waived. For any other questions regarding vehicle registrations or titles, contact the Tax Collector's Office at 561-355-2622 or click here for more information.

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