Custom-Built Car Registration in Florida

In the state of Florida, it is illegal to drive an unregistered vehicle. Drivers are required to register their vehicles at the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV), as this protects the owner in case of vehicle theft, and allows the state government to keep unsafe drivers off the road more effectively. If you’re new to Florida, you will be given 10 days to register your vehicle. As a rule, you will be required to register it once you begin working in the state, have established residency, or have sent your child to a school in Florida.

Though the process is simple for models built by major car manufacturers, there is a slightly different procedure you will have to follow for custom-built cars, as they lack the same identification factors.

What Is a Custom-Built Vehicle?

In Florida, a custom-built vehicle is defined as a vehicle that has been reconstructed using either old or new parts. Depending on how they are assembled, custom-built vehicles can also be called assembled or kit vehicles. Some of these vehicles are made out of homemade frames, while some are custom-made from frames titled out of the state.

Just like any other vehicle in the state, custom-built cars need to be registered and titled before they can be legally driven. Whether you brought the custom-made car from another state or had it custom made in Florida, you will be referred to the County Tax Collector’s office for registration.

Registering Your Customer Built Vehicle

To register a custom-built car, you have to go to the County Tax Collector’s office and complete the Application for Registration of a Custom Vehicle. You will have to pay the license tax and processing fees and submit an affidavit indicating that the vehicle meets the safety and equipment standards of the state. Once you have registered and titled your custom-built car, you will be provided with your license plate and registration stickers. The registration sticker should be placed on the upper right corner of your license plate. As the vehicle owner, you have the option to have the standard license plate or have it customized.

It’s that simple to register a custom-built vehicle in Florida. Once you’re done with the process, you can freely (and legally) drive around and show off your cool new personalized car. Enjoy the ride.