The Motor Vehicle Title by Mail Packet Checklist is the cover page and checklist the Escambia County Tax Collector provides for people who want a Florida certificate of title processed by mail or through an office drop box. It lists the identification, application, ownership, insurance and payment items the packet must contain. On this page you can fill out the form online on FillingPDF and download or print the completed PDF; the official PDF is published by the Tax Collector at escambiataxcollector.com.
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What is Motor Vehicle Title by Mail Packet Checklist – For processing title transactions by mail?
The Motor Vehicle Title by Mail Packet Checklist is the Escambia County Tax Collector's cover sheet and checklist for obtaining a Florida certificate of title by mail or drop box, listing every document the packet must contain.
The first page collects your name, mailing address, city, state and ZIP, daytime phone number and email address. The rest of the form walks through the items the Tax Collector requires: proof of identification (and proof of the business, when the title goes into a business name), the Application for Certificate of Title (Form HSMV 82040), proof of ownership, a bill of sale or dealer invoice where required, current registration if you are transferring a Florida license plate, proof of Florida insurance, and payment. A closing Title Packet Checklist lets you confirm each item before you send the packet.
The checklist is not the title application itself. The application is Form HSMV 82040, and the checklist refers to other forms by number: Form HSMV 82053 for a power of attorney and the License Plate Chart, Form HSMV 83140, for calculating fees. The office states that having every document ready before mailing or dropping off the packet lets it complete the transaction in a timely manner.
Who needs to file Motor Vehicle Title by Mail Packet Checklist – For processing title transactions by mail?
People who want to title a vehicle in Florida through the Escambia County Tax Collector without visiting a counter use this checklist and send the packet by mail or drop box.
- Individuals: every person to be listed on the title submits a copy of an accepted identification document.
- Businesses: if the title goes into a business name, the packet needs proof that the Florida registered business is valid, plus proof of authorization of an agent. A person signing as agent of a business notes the agent's position with the business.
- Applicants using a power of attorney: the transaction may be completed under Form HSMV 82053, with a copy of the driver license of both the applicant and the person appointed.
- Out-of-state titles: the form says section 8 of Form HSMV 82040 must be completed, but only by a law enforcement officer, military police or a Florida certified notary. An out-of-state motor vehicle dealer may not complete it.
The insurance requirement excludes out-of-state coverage: insurance from an out-of-state insurer is not sufficient, and the Insurance Affidavit may be used only with a current Florida insurance policy.
When to file Motor Vehicle Title by Mail Packet Checklist – For processing title transactions by mail
Send the packet when you are ready to title the vehicle and have every required document in hand; the form asks you to confirm that before mailing or using a drop box, so the transaction can be completed in a timely manner. It sets no calendar deadline of its own.
Timing details the form does give: allow 5 to 7 business days for processing once the office receives the packet. Completed paperwork comes back by USPS first class mail unless you include a prepaid overnight envelope and label or air bill. A bill of sale or dealer invoice is required for new purchases and for vehicles titled in the proper owner's name for less than six months, but not for vehicles titled or registered in the owner's name for six months or longer. The form also notes that fast title transactions require an additional signature.
Documents you need
- Copy of identification for every person to be listed on the title: photo driver license or ID card issued by any US state or territory, valid US passport, Canadian driver license or ID card, or valid out-of-country passport.
- For a transaction completed by power of attorney: Form HSMV 82053, plus a copy of the driver license of both the applicant and the person appointed power of attorney.
- For a title in a business name: a copy of proof the Florida registered business is valid, such as corporation or fictitious name documents, a DBPR or Department of State license, or a Department of Revenue sales tax registration or exemption certificate.
- For a title in a business name: proof of authorization of an agent. A bank account, a bill or mail addressed to the business is not acceptable verification.
- Application for Certificate of Title (Form HSMV 82040), two pages, sections 1 through 6 completed and section 12 signed by all applicants, with a mandatory physical Florida address in section 1.
- For an out-of-state title: section 8 of Form HSMV 82040 completed by a law enforcement officer, military police or Florida certified notary, or a letter on an out-of-state dealer's letterhead stating the dealer physically verified the VIN.
- Proof of ownership, original only: Manufacturer's Statement of Origin (MSO) for new cars, or the Florida or out-of-state certificate of title for used cars. Photocopies are not accepted.
- Odometer disclosure: on the back of the MSO or a separate original statement for new purchases; for used cars 10 years or newer, the odometer and date read on the title assignment.
- Bill of sale or copy of dealer invoice for new purchases and for vehicles titled in the proper owner's name for less than six months.
- Copy of current registration, or the Florida license plate number written on page one of the cover page, only if you are transferring a Florida plate registered to the owner(s).
- Proof of Florida insurance from a Florida-licensed company, or a completed Florida Insurance Affidavit, which requires a current Florida policy or agent.
- Payment: check or money order in US funds payable to Scott Lunsford, Tax Collector, showing full name, street address, daytime phone with area code, date of birth and driver license or ID number; or the Customer Payment Information form.
How to fill out Motor Vehicle Title by Mail Packet Checklist – For processing title transactions by mail
Complete the cover page contact fields
Enter your name, mailing address, city, state and ZIP, daytime phone number and email address at the top of page one.
Gather identification for each applicant
Prepare a copy of one accepted ID for every person to be listed on the title. For a power of attorney, include Form HSMV 82053 and a driver license copy for both people.
Add proof of business, if applicable
If the title goes into a business name, attach a copy of one accepted proof of the registered business and proof of authorization of the agent.
Complete Form HSMV 82040
Fill in sections 1 through 6, including the mandatory physical Florida address in section 1. For an out-of-state title, section 8 must be completed by an eligible officer or notary.
Sign section 12 of the application
Every applicant signs section 12. An agent of a business also notes the agent's position with the business.
Prepare proof of ownership and odometer
Include the original MSO for a new car or the original title for a used car, with seller and purchaser lines signed and odometer disclosure completed where required.
Include bill of sale and registration
Add a bill of sale or dealer invoice if required. If transferring a Florida plate, attach the current registration or write the plate number on page one.
Provide proof of Florida insurance
Enclose proof of coverage from a Florida-licensed company, or complete the Florida Insurance Affidavit in its entirety if you have a Florida policy.
Calculate fees and choose payment
Use the License Plate Chart (Form HSMV 83140) to calculate fees. Enclose a check or money order payable to Scott Lunsford, Tax Collector, or the Customer Payment Information form.
Review the checklist and download the PDF
Tick each item on the Title Packet Checklist, then download or print the completed PDF from FillingPDF and assemble the package described under How to submit.
How to submit Motor Vehicle Title by Mail Packet Checklist – For processing title transactions by mail
You can submit the packet by mail, by overnight or certified delivery, or in an office drop box.
- By mail: Scott Lunsford, Tax Collector, PO Box 1312, Pensacola, Florida 32591.
- Overnight physical mailing addresses: Scott Lunsford, Tax Collector at one of these offices: Downtown Office, 213 Palafox Place, Pensacola, Florida 32502; Marcus Pointe Office, 6451 North "W" Street, Pensacola, Florida 32505; or Molino Office, 6440 Highway 95-A North, Suite A, Molino, Florida 32577.
- Drop box: drop boxes are located at all open service center locations.
Payment can be a check or money order in US funds payable to Scott Lunsford, Tax Collector, or a credit card using the Customer Payment Information form. A convenience fee applies to major credit cards; the same form can process an electronic check with no additional convenience fee. Ask the Tax Collector for fee amounts and use the License Plate Chart (Form HSMV 83140) to calculate what you owe.
The office highly recommends overnight or certified mail so you can track it; the sender is responsible for confirming delivery with the mail provider. For overnight return of the finished transaction, include a prepaid overnight envelope and label or air bill. FillingPDF lets you fill out and download the PDF; submission follows the channels above.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Sending photocopies of the Manufacturer's Statement of Origin or the certificate of title; the form says copies cannot be accepted and only originals are.
- Leaving out the mandatory physical street address in Florida in section 1 of Form HSMV 82040.
- Submitting Form HSMV 82040 without every applicant's signature in section 12, or an agent signing without noting the agent's position with the business.
- Having an out-of-state motor vehicle dealer complete section 8; only a law enforcement officer, military police or a Florida certified notary may complete it.
- Offering a bank account, a bill or mail in the business name as proof of a business; the form lists these as unacceptable.
- Relying on insurance from an out-of-state insurer; coverage must come from a company licensed in Florida.
- Completing the Insurance Affidavit without a current Florida policy or agent.
- Writing a check without full name, street address, daytime phone number with area code, date of birth and driver license or ID number, or making it payable to someone other than Scott Lunsford, Tax Collector.
- Omitting the separate odometer disclosure on a new purchase or a vehicle 10 years old or newer.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Motor Vehicle Title by Mail Packet Checklist?
It is the Escambia County Tax Collector's cover page and checklist for titling a vehicle in Florida by mail or drop box. It lists the identification, application, ownership, insurance and payment items the packet must contain and collects your contact details.
Where do I mail my Escambia County title packet?
Mail it to Scott Lunsford, Tax Collector, PO Box 1312, Pensacola, Florida 32591. For overnight delivery use a physical office address: Downtown Office, 213 Palafox Place, Pensacola 32502; Marcus Pointe Office, 6451 North "W" Street, Pensacola 32505; or Molino Office, 6440 Highway 95-A North, Suite A, Molino 32577.
Can I drop off the title packet instead of mailing it?
Yes. The checklist says you can mail the completed packet or drop it in an office drop box, and that drop boxes are located at all open service center locations.
How long does a title by mail take in Escambia County?
The form says to allow 5 to 7 business days for processing once the office receives your packet. Paperwork is returned by USPS first class mail unless you supply a prepaid overnight envelope and label or air bill.
How do I pay for a title by mail?
Pay by check or money order in US funds payable to Scott Lunsford, Tax Collector, or by credit card on the Customer Payment Information form. A convenience fee applies to major credit cards; an electronic check on that form carries no additional convenience fee.
Can I send a copy of my title or MSO?
No. Proof of ownership must be the original Manufacturer's Statement of Origin for a new car or the original Florida or out-of-state certificate of title for a used car. The form states that photocopies will not be accepted.
Is out-of-state car insurance accepted for a Florida title?
No. Insurance from an out-of-state insurer is not sufficient; it must come from a company licensed in Florida. The Insurance Affidavit can be used only with a current Florida policy or agent.
Can I fill out this checklist online on FillingPDF?
Yes, you can fill out the PDF online on FillingPDF and download or print it. FillingPDF is an independent service and does not submit your packet or title application; you send it through the Tax Collector's mail or drop box channels.
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