HMSV 82040

What is the HSMV 82040 Form?

The HSMV 82040 is Florida's official Application for Certificate of Motor Vehicle Title. This comprehensive form is used when you need to obtain or transfer a title for a motor vehicle in Florida. Whether you're registering a newly purchased vehicle, transferring ownership, or updating title information, the HSMV 82040 is the primary document you'll need to submit to your local tax collector office or license plate agency.

HSMV 82040 vs HSMV 82042: Understanding the Difference

Many vehicle owners confuse these two forms, but they serve distinctly different purposes:

HSMV 82040 is used for:

• Applying for an original certificate of title

• Transferring vehicle ownership with title application

• Off-highway vehicles (ATVs, ROVs, off-highway motorcycles)

• Situations involving liens, sales, gifts, or inheritance

• More complex title transactions requiring detailed vehicle information

HSMV 82042 is used for:

• Simple VIN verification and physical inspection only

• Statement of Physical Inspection of Motor Vehicle

• Primarily focused on confirming the VIN matches the vehicle

• Often used as a supporting document for other title work

Key Distinction: The 82040 is your comprehensive title application, while the 82042 is specifically for VIN verification. However, Section 8 of the HSMV 82040 includes VIN verification requirements, which is where notary services become essential.

Call: 1-877-540-6104 To Book A Mobile Notary for Florida VIN & Odometer Verification 

When You Need a Notary for HSMV 82040

The HSMV 82040 requires notary services specifically for Section 8: Motor Vehicle Identification Number Verification. This section mandates that a qualified professional physically inspects your vehicle and verifies the VIN matches your documentation.

Who Can Complete the VIN Verification?

Florida law allows the following professionals to certify Section 8:

• Florida Notary Public (most convenient option for private sales)

• Licensed Florida dealer

• Law enforcement officer

• Authorized FLHSMV employee

• Tax collector or license plate agency employee

Why Choose a Mobile Notary for VIN Verification?

A mobile notary service offers significant advantages when completing your HSMV 82040:

Convenience: The notary comes to your location, whether that's your home, workplace, or another agreed-upon meeting place. No need to drive your vehicle to a government office or police station.

Flexible Scheduling: Mobile notaries often offer evening and weekend appointments, accommodating your busy schedule rather than working around limited government office hours.

Complete Service: A professional mobile notary familiar with vehicle title work can review your entire HSMV 82040 for completeness, ensuring you don't face delays or rejections due to missing information.

Immediate Processing: Get your VIN verified and form notarized in one appointment, allowing you to submit your title application without delay.

Expert Guidance: Experienced mobile notaries understand Florida's title requirements and can answer questions about properly completing all sections of the form.

How to Complete the HSMV 82040: Section-by-Section Guide

Section 1: Owner/Applicant Information

This section captures detailed information about the vehicle's new owner(s). You'll need to provide:

• Florida driver's license or ID number

• Complete residential and mailing addresses

• Contact information (phone and email are voluntary but recommended)

• Joint ownership designation (OR vs AND) if applicable

Important: If you're establishing joint ownership, carefully consider whether to choose "OR" or "AND." This determines whether both owners must sign for future transfers or if either owner can act independently.

Section 2: Motor Vehicle Description

Provide complete details about the vehicle:

• Full 17-character Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

• Make, model, and year

• Previous title information if transferring from another state

• Physical characteristics (color, weight, body type)

Pro Tip: Have your vehicle registration or insurance card handy to ensure accuracy when entering this information.

Section 3: Brands, Usage and Type

Check all applicable boxes that describe your vehicle's status or history. Common selections include:

• Rebuilt (if previously salvaged and repaired)

• Flood (if flood-damaged)

• Custom or Kit Car

• Electric or Hybrid fuel type

This section creates important disclosures on your title that future buyers will see.

Section 4: Lienholder Information

If you're financing your vehicle, your lender's information goes here. Florida participates in Electronic Lien and Title (ELT) programs, so many lenders will hold your title electronically rather than receiving a paper certificate.

Section 5: Transfer Type

Indicate how you acquired the vehicle:

• Sale (include purchase price for tax purposes)

• Gift

• Inheritance

• Repossession

• Court order

The transfer type affects sales tax calculations and documentation requirements.

Section 6: Odometer Declaration

Federal and state law requires accurate odometer disclosure for most vehicles. You must:

• Record the current mileage reading

• Certify whether it reflects actual mileage, is not actual mileage, or exceeds mechanical limits

• Date the reading

Warning: Providing false odometer information carries serious penalties including fines and potential imprisonment.

Section 7: Dealer Sales Tax Report (If Applicable)

This section is completed by licensed dealers during vehicle sales. Private party sales typically skip this section.

Section 8: VIN Verification - Where You Need a Notary

This critical section requires physical inspection of your vehicle. A Florida notary public or other authorized person must:

• Physically inspect the vehicle in person

• Verify the VIN on the vehicle matches the VIN on your application

• Complete their professional information (name, stamp/seal, signature)

• Date the inspection

This is where mobile notary services provide maximum value. The notary comes to your vehicle's location, performs the inspection, completes the certification, and applies their official seal—all in one convenient appointment.

Section 9: Sales Tax Exemption Certification

If your transaction qualifies for sales tax exemption, document it here. Common exemptions include:

• Gifts between family members

• Inheritance transfers

• Transfers between spouses

• Even trades or trade-downs

Section 10: Repossession Declaration

Check this section only if you're a lienholder taking possession after default.

Section 11: Non-Use and Other Certifications

Certify specific circumstances such as:

• Lost or destroyed title

• Vehicle won't be operated until properly registered

• Other special situations requiring disclosure

Section 12: Application Attestment and Signatures

All owners and co-owners must sign under penalty of perjury that the information provided is accurate. This section also includes a statement that you physically inspected the VIN.

Section 13: Release of Spouse or Heirs Interest

Used when transferring title after an owner's death. Surviving heirs must release their interest to the new owner.

Required Documents to Submit With HSMV 82040

Along with your completed form, you'll typically need:

1. Proof of Identity: Florida driver's license or ID card

2. Proof of Insurance: Florida insurance policy meeting minimum requirements

3. Previous Title or Proof of Ownership: Out-of-state title, bill of sale, or manufacturer's certificate of origin

4. Proof of VIN Verification: Completed Section 8 with notary seal (or HSMV 82042 if completed separately)

5. Payment: Title fees, registration fees, and applicable sales taxes

Where to Submit Your HSMV 82040

Once completed and notarized, submit your HSMV 82040 to:

• Your county tax collector's office, or

• An authorized license plate agency

Find locations at flhsmv.gov/locations

Processing Times and Fees

Standard Processing: Most title applications process within 5-10 business days after submission.

Typical Fees (subject to change):

• Original title: $77.25

• Title transfer: $85.25

• Additional services may incur extra charges

Contact your local tax collector for current fee schedules.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Incomplete VIN Verification: Failing to have Section 8 properly completed by an authorized person is the most common rejection reason.
   
   

2. Incorrect Odometer Reading: Double-check your mileage entry. Errors delay processing and may raise fraud concerns.
   
   

3. Missing Signatures: All owners must sign Section 12. Missing signatures require resubmission.
   
   

4. Joint Ownership Errors: Not specifying OR vs AND can cause problems with future transfers.
   
   

5. Inadequate Documentation: Missing supporting documents like proof of insurance or the previous title will delay processing.
   
   

Why Use a Mobile Notary Service?

When completing your HSMV 82040, partnering with an experienced mobile notary provides:

Expertise: Professional notaries familiar with vehicle title work catch errors before submission, preventing costly delays.

Compliance: Proper notarization ensures your VIN verification meets all legal requirements.

Efficiency: Complete everything in one appointment rather than making multiple trips to different offices.

Peace of Mind: Know your application is correctly completed and ready for immediate submission.

Competitive Pricing: Mobile notary fees are typically reasonable, especially considering the time and frustration saved.

Schedule Your HSMV 82040 VIN Verification Today

Don't let incomplete paperwork delay your vehicle title. Our experienced mobile notaries specialize in Florida vehicle title services and can come to your location for convenient VIN verification and form review.

We understand the HSMV 82040 requirements and ensure your application is completed correctly the first time. Evening and weekend appointments available throughout Florida.

Contact us today to schedule your appointment and get your vehicle title process moving forward.

This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Requirements and fees are subject to change. Always verify current procedures with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles or your local tax collector.

Call: 1-877-540-6104 To Book A Mobile Notary for Florida VIN & Odometer Verification