Florida HSMV Form 82042 VIN & Odometer Verification Guide

Florida HSMV Form 82042 VIN & Odometer Verification Guide – If you are bringing a used vehicle into Florida or applying for a Florida certificate of title on a vehicle not currently titled in the state, you will almost certainly need HSMV Form 82042. Officially titled “Vehicle Identification Number and Odometer Verification,” this form is issued by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) and is a critical step in the titling process for most used motor vehicles.

This comprehensive guide explains everything U.S. residents need to know about Form 82042, including when it is required, who is authorized to complete it, how to fill it out correctly, and where to submit it. All information is based on official FLHSMV sources and current procedures.

What Is Florida HSMV Form 82042?

HSMV Form 82042 is the official Florida document used to verify two key pieces of information about a motor vehicle:

The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) physically located on the vehicle matches the number recorded on the form and ownership documents.
The current odometer reading and its status (actual mileage, in excess of mechanical limits, or not the actual mileage).

The form contains two main sections:

Part A – Owner’s Vehicle Identification Affidavit and Odometer Declaration (completed by the owner/purchaser, and often the seller).
Part B – Verification of the Vehicle Identification Number (completed by an authorized official after physical inspection of the vehicle).

The current version of the form is HSMV 82042 (REV. 01/15/21). You can download the official PDF directly from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles:

Download Official HSMV Form 82042 (PDF)

When Is Form 82042 Required?

According to FLHSMV rules, Form 82042 (or the equivalent VIN verification section on Form HSMV 82040) must be completed for:

All used motor vehicles not currently titled in Florida
Trailers (abbreviation “TL”) with a net weight of 2,000 pounds or more that are not currently titled in Florida

This requirement applies whether the vehicle is coming from another U.S. state or being titled in Florida for the first time after private purchase or out-of-state transfer.

When Is Form 82042 Not Required?

You do not need to complete Form 82042 when applying for a Florida title on any of the following:

New motor vehicles (regardless of whether purchased in Florida or out-of-state)
Mobile homes
Trailers or semitrailers with a net weight of less than 2,000 pounds
Trailer-type recreational vehicles (travel trailers and camp trailers)
Off-highway vehicles

Who Can Complete and Sign Form 82042?

Part A is completed by the vehicle owner or purchaser (and typically the seller for the odometer declaration). Only one purchaser/owner signature is required on the form.

Part B requires a physical inspection of the VIN (under the windshield and in the door jamb for vehicles manufactured in 1955 or later; motor number for pre-1955 vehicles). Authorized individuals who may complete Part B include:

Florida Notary Public
Florida Licensed Motor Vehicle Dealer
Law Enforcement Officer (from any state)
Military Police Officer
Florida Compliance Examiner/Inspector (Division of Motorist Services or Tax Collector employee)

Note: An out-of-state motor vehicle dealer may also provide VIN verification, but it must be submitted on the dealer’s official letterhead stationery rather than on Form 82042 itself.

Important: Any alteration or erasure on the completed form may void the document.

How to Complete HSMV Form 82042 Step by Step?

Part A – Owner’s Affidavit and Odometer Declaration

Enter the date of the physical inspection by the owner.
Record the full Vehicle Identification Number (or motor number for vehicles made through 1954).
Fill in the Year, Make, Color, Body style, and Previous State the vehicle was titled in.
Complete the Odometer Declaration section: enter the current mileage (no tenths), the date the odometer was read, and check the appropriate box indicating whether the reading reflects actual mileage, is in excess of its mechanical limits, or is not the actual mileage.
The owner/purchaser signs and prints their name under penalty of perjury. The seller also signs and prints their name in most private-sale situations.

Part B – VIN Verification

An authorized official physically inspects the VIN under the windshield and in the door jamb (or motor number for older vehicles).
The official certifies that the VIN on the vehicle matches the number recorded in Part A.
The official signs, prints their name, and completes the applicable identification fields (Notary commission, badge/ID number, dealer number, agency name, etc.).
If a Notary Public completes the verification, a notarial seal is typically applied.

Use only black or blue ink if completing the form by hand. Many applicants prefer to type information into the fillable PDF before printing to ensure legibility.

Where to Submit Form 82042?

Submit the completed Form 82042 to your local Florida County Tax Collector’s office or authorized license plate agency along with your title application (usually Form HSMV 82040) and other required documents. You can find your nearest office using the official FLHSMV locator:

Find Florida Tax Collector and Motorist Services Offices

Many offices require appointments, so check your local tax collector’s website in advance.

Relationship Between Form 82042 and Form 82040

Form HSMV 82040 (Application for Certificate of Title) contains its own VIN verification section (Section 8). In many cases, you can complete the VIN verification directly on Form 82040 instead of using a separate Form 82042. However, Form 82042 remains useful when:

The vehicle is still located out of state and cannot be brought to a Florida tax collector’s office
VIN verification needs to be completed at a different time or location from the title application
You prefer a standalone verification document

Both forms are accepted by Florida tax collectors when properly completed by authorized parties.

Tips for a Smooth Florida Title Transfer

Download and review the official form before your appointment or mobile notary visit.
Ensure the VIN is clearly visible and matches all ownership documents exactly.
Bring valid photo identification for all owners.
Have proof of Florida insurance ready if you will also be registering the vehicle.
Double-check that no alterations or white-outs appear on the form.
If the vehicle was previously titled in your name in another state, you still need a current odometer reading on Form 82042 or 82040.

Official Resources and Downloads

Always verify the latest requirements with your local tax collector’s office, as procedures can occasionally be updated. Completing Form 82042 accurately the first time helps avoid delays when obtaining your Florida title and registration.