So, you’ve poured your passion and countless hours into building a kit car, sourcing all the right Kit Car Parts, and now you’re eager to hit the Florida roads. The thought of navigating the registration process might seem daunting, especially with whispers of difficulties. However, registering your kit car in Florida is absolutely achievable. I recently went through the process myself and successfully obtained a title and registration for my Goblin, and I’m here to share the insider tip: register it as ASPT, or “assembled from parts.” This approach mirrors the process for titling a “kit car” and simplifies things considerably.
The first step is to gather your paperwork and schedule appointments. Begin by contacting your local DMV to request their list of approved weight stations. You’ll need to get your vehicle weighed as part of the process. Simultaneously, prepare two crucial forms: the HSMV 84490 Statement of Builder (make sure to check the ASPT box) and the HSMV 82040 Application for Certificate of Title With/Without Registration. It’s wise to make copies of blank forms for practice and to avoid errors on the official submissions.
Next, schedule an appointment at your local REGIONAL DMV. It’s important to note that not all DMVs are equipped for this type of inspection. You need a regional DMV that handles rebuilt and home-built titles. This initial appointment is primarily for document verification and to schedule your vehicle inspection.
Now, for a potential hurdle I encountered, and many others have as well: my local DMV (Tampa Hillsborough) initially wasn’t sure how to classify a Goblin. They took my paperwork and sent it to Tallahassee for review. Online forums are full of stories of denials at this stage, and I admit, I considered pursuing Montana registration instead. However, within a week, I received a call from Tallahassee giving me the green light! They approved my paperwork and instructed me to secure insurance for the vehicle specifically for the inspection day. Rally insurance proved to be very helpful in this regard. With insurance in place, I scheduled my vehicle inspection.
The vehicle inspection itself was straightforward. The most challenging part was locating the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the engine block – for reference, it’s on the oil filter housing. Once the VIN and the frame serial number were verified, I was issued a state-assigned VIN and, crucially, a title!
Registering your kit car in Florida is definitely possible. By requesting a title as “assembled from parts” (ASPT) and following these steps, you can legally enjoy your custom-built vehicle on Florida roads. If you have any questions about my experience or the process, feel free to ask!
