Columbia county tax collector
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Find services, prepare for your visit, and save time online.
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You may call us at 386-758-1077 or you can send us a message.
Columbia County Tax Collector’s Office
WELCOME TO COLUMBIA COUNTY
New Florida Residents
Prepare for your Florida driver license, vehicle title and registration with the right documents and service information.
Plan your first transactions
Driver license
FLHSMV advises new residents who drive on Florida roads to obtain a Florida driver license within 30 days of establishing residency.
Vehicle registration
FLHSMV’s new-resident guidance lists 10 days for titling and registering vehicles after establishing residency. Employment or public-school enrollment can also trigger registration requirements.
Military members, certain students and other circumstances can have different rules. Call the office early if you are unsure which requirement applies to you.
FLHSMV new-resident information →
Start gathering documents before your visit
- Current out-of-state driver license or ID.
- Required identity, Social Security and residential-address documents.
- Vehicle title or registration and lender or lease information.
- Proof of Florida insurance for the vehicle transaction.
Driver licenses & identification cards
Review the Florida document requirements before scheduling. An out-of-state REAL ID does not replace the documents required for your first Florida credential.
Prepare identity and address documents
Bring the original or certified documents required for your situation, proof of your Social Security number when required, and two accepted proofs of your Florida residential address.
If your current name differs from your identity document, review the legal name-change documents you need. Requirements vary by citizenship or immigration status, credential type and transaction.
Check testing and appointment requirements
Your out-of-state license status and the type of credential requested affect the transaction. Contact the office about testing, teen-driver requirements or a commercial license before choosing an appointment.
Vehicle titles, registration & insurance
Arrange Florida insurance
Current proof of Florida insurance is required for a vehicle registration transaction. Ask your insurer for a Florida insurance card, policy or binder that lists the vehicle’s year, make and VIN. Bring proof for each vehicle you plan to register.
Gather proof of ownership
Bring the original out-of-state title when available. If the vehicle is financed or leased, contact the office before visiting with the current registration, lender or lessor information and vehicle identification number (VIN).
Bring valid identification for each owner and, for a financed or leased vehicle, paperwork showing the lien or lease and identifying the vehicle. Staff can explain how to request the title from the lender or leasing company and what can be processed while it is pending.
Plan for VIN and odometer verification
Out-of-state vehicle transfers generally require verification of the VIN and odometer. Review the VIN and odometer verification form (HSMV 82042, PDF) for exceptions and authorized verifiers. If you cannot bring the vehicle to the office, ask who can complete the verification where the vehicle is located.
Check signatures and transaction costs
All owners’ signatures or an appropriate power of attorney may be needed. Ask whether the power of attorney form (HSMV 82053, PDF) is appropriate if an owner cannot attend. If you bought the vehicle less than six months before bringing it to Florida, bring the bill of sale and proof of any tax paid. Qualifying tax paid to another state may reduce the Florida amount due.
Title, plate, registration and other charges depend on the transaction. A $225 initial registration fee generally applies if you do not have an eligible Florida plate in your name to transfer, unless you qualify for an exemption. This is separate from title, plate and registration charges.
Motor vehicle title application (HSMV 82040 MV, PDF)
Titles & ownership guide →
Vehicle registration guide →
Forms & resources →
Questions before you visit
Can I complete my first Florida credential online?
Plan for an office visit to establish your Florida driver license or ID record and present the required documents. Use the appointment page and document guide to prepare.
What if I do not have address documents in my name?
For a Class E license or Florida ID, you may use the Certification of Address form if you cannot provide two approved Florida address documents in your name. The person certifying your address must provide the supporting documents listed on the form. Commercial credentials have separate requirements.
Certification of Address: English (PDF) · Español (PDF).
What if my lender holds the out-of-state title?
Call with the current registration, VIN and lender contact information. Ask what must be requested from the lender and what can be completed while documents are being obtained.
What if I am moving with a boat, trailer or mobile home?
These have transaction-specific title and registration rules. Tell the office what you own and which state issued the documents so staff can direct you to the right requirements.
I bought a home. Where should I start with property taxes?
Use the New Homeowners guide to check the tax account, coordinate mortgage escrow and contact the Property Appraiser about homestead exemptions.
Information reviewed November 8, 2026. Requirements depend on residency, credential type and vehicle record; confirm your transaction with the office.
Services
Kids Tag Art
Kids Tag Art is a fundraising project that inspires elementary grade art students and raises money for the school's art program. A special thanks goes out to our Platinum Sponsor- Nutrien and our Gold Sponsors- Edward Jones, Baya Pharmacy, Walmart Transportation, First Federal Bank, & LKQ!
