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Do you Need a Title to Drive a Golf Cart?

Dec. 10 2024 Miscellaneous By Riva Motorsports Miami team

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Golf carts give you freedom to roam across more than just golf courses. But depending on where you are and what type of road you're driving on, you often need a golf cart title. Having the right paperwork can make your next adventure more worry-free. Learn more about the answers to questions like "Does a golf cart need a title?" and "How do you transfer ownership of a golf cart?" before visiting Riva Motorsports Miami to find your favorite cart and take it home.

Why Would a Golf Cart Need a Title in Miami?

Do golf carts have titles? Like most vehicles, every golf has documentation establishing the current owner, the type of cart, and other details. You might not necessarily need one if you intend to use your golf cart only in a private community, on a golf course without title work requirements, or on your own private property. 


However, there are plenty of reasons to get your title and keep the paperwork updated: 


  • Prevent theft: While your answer to "Do golf carts need titles?" might be "no," the title includes clear details about the vehicle, such as identifying numbers, the make and model, and the history of ownership. If your golf cart gets stolen or there's a dispute about who it belongs to, you can cleanly prove it with a title document. 

  • Make repairs easier: Title documents can include the serial number, make and model, and specific naming conventions of your golf cart. Technicians can more easily look up the right replacement parts and best practices. 

  • Road driving: If you convert your golf cart to an LSV or plan to go on public roads, there are many more requirements you need to meet. At a minimum, this includes registering the vehicle with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, making sure it's compliant with road-readiness standards, getting insurance, and getting a plate.


Do golf carts have titles? Not all the time, but even if you think you won't need one, getting one—and transferring ownership to your name—is a great strategy in case your needs change. 


How to Get a Title for Your Golf Cart

How do you transfer ownership of a golf cart? The process itself is pretty simple. The buyer and seller need to agree on the terms through a Bill of Sale document, transfer the title if the cart is legally an LSV, and switch over the plate to the buyer's new plate. Transferring the title on your LSV is as simple as completing the online form, attaching it to the original title document, and sending the form to your nearest motor vehicle service center. 


The seller also needs to pay Florida's 6% sales tax and surrender the old plate. 


Getting a title for a golf cart instead of transferring an existing one can be a bit more complex. It starts with getting your golf cart road-ready or converting it into an LSV with mirrors, signals, and safety features. Then, you can complete the documentation your DMV tells you to fill out and bring the documents to your nearest motor vehicle service center. There, they can make sure your golf cart meets requirements, register your cart, and give you your title. 


Necessary Documents

The documents you will need to provide include: 


  • Proof of insurance

  • Your ID

  • The manufacturer's Certificate of Origin

  • The main document: the Application for Title, Form HSMV 82040

Street Legality of Golf Carts

Golf carts aren't street-legal on public roads without safety features. Yours might not even have a VIN. Do golf carts have VIN numbers? They often don't in Florida unless they are actively registered as an LSV. To determine the street legality of golf carts in your area of Miami, check with your local DMV or ask us.


View Our Current Inventory of New and Pre-Owned Powersports Equipments or Stop by Our Location Today

Ready to find your golf cart? Visit Riva Motorsports Miami to see our in-stock selection. You can also ask our team questions ranging from "Do golf carts have titles before they reach our store?" to "Can I get a title started today?" We're happy to help answer your questions and make sure you have everything you need for your next adventure.

Featured Image:Dolores M. Harvey/Shutterstock