Florida HSMV Form 84003 – Obsolete License Plate Disposal – The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) requires proper documentation whenever license plates are surrendered, cancelled, become obsolete, or are defaced. HSMV Form 84003, officially titled “Receipt and Certificate of Disposal for Obsolete License Plates,” is the official record used by tax collectors, license plate agents, driver license offices, dealerships, and other authorized sources to track these plates through final destruction.
What Is Florida HSMV Form 84003?
HSMV 84003 is a two-part official form issued by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. It serves as both a receipt for plates received from an agency and a certificate confirming that those plates have been destroyed in accordance with department procedures.
The current revision is HSMV 84003 (09/2023). It is listed on the official FLHSMV forms page and is used statewide by authorized motor vehicle agencies.
Download the official form here:
Florida HSMV Form 84003 – Receipt and Certificate of Disposal for Obsolete License Plates (PDF)
Who Uses Form HSMV 84003?
The form is completed by the agency or entity that is surrendering or processing the plates. Common sources listed on the form include:
- Tax Collector / License Plate Agent (with Agency #)
- Driver License Office
- Dealership (with County Location)
- Other authorized source
After the plates are received by the designated vendor or company (typically PRIDE), a vendor employee certifies that the plates have been destroyed according to FLHSMV procedures.
When Is Form 84003 Required?
According to FLHSMV Procedure RS-43 (Surrender of a License Plate by Owner), all surrendered, cancelled, obsolete, or defaced license plates must be listed on Form HSMV 84003. These plates are then packaged for pickup by PRIDE together with an original or copy of the completed form.
Key situations that generate plates requiring Form 84003 include:
- Owner surrenders a plate when cancelling insurance
- Owner sells or disposes of a vehicle and does not transfer the plate
- Plates that become obsolete or are defaced during normal agency processing
- Plates received from dealerships or other authorized sources
A copy of the completed Form 84003 must be retained by the surrendering Tax Collector, License Plate Agent, or DMS office for 12 months (or until the year-end audit is finalized by the FLHSMV Bureau of Accounting).
How to Complete Florida HSMV Form 84003?
The form is straightforward and divided into clear sections:
- Source of Plates – Identify the Tax Collector/License Plate Agent (and Agency #), Driver License Office, Dealership (and County), or Other Source. Authorized employee signatures are required.
- License Plate Listing – Enter Beginning License Plate Number, Ending License Plate Number, and Total for each range or group of plates. Calculate the Grand Total.
- Vendor Receipt Section – The receiving vendor/company records its name and the date the plates were received.
- Certificate of Disposal – The vendor employee certifies that the plates have been destroyed in accordance with Department procedures and signs with the date of disposal.
Once completed, the form (or a copy) is submitted with the plates to PRIDE. Agencies also send a copy to the FLHSMV Revenue Audit Section.
How to Submit the Completed Form?
The form itself provides these official submission options:
- Fax: (850) 617-5219
- Mail: Division of Motorist Services, Neil Kirkman Bldg., MS #24, Tallahassee, FL 32399
- Email: [email protected]
Always retain a copy for your agency records as required.
Why Proper Disposal of Florida License Plates Matters?
Florida license plates remain the property of the state. Failure to surrender a plate when required can lead to financial responsibility suspensions and potential liability if the plate is misused. Using Form 84003 creates an official chain of custody from the surrendering agency through final destruction by the approved vendor (PRIDE).
This process helps protect Florida vehicle owners from identity-related issues and ensures accountability for all plates removed from circulation.
Official Download and Additional Resources
Always download Form 84003 directly from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles to ensure you have the current version:
Download HSMV Form 84003 (PDF)
Related official resources:
- FLHSMV Official Forms Page
- FLHSMV Procedure RS-43 – Surrender of a License Plate by Owner
- Find Your Local Tax Collector or License Plate Agency
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a fee to use Form 84003?
No. The form itself is free. There is also no fee for an owner to surrender a Florida license plate.
Can individual vehicle owners fill out Form 84003?
No. Form 84003 is an agency/vendor form used after plates have already been surrendered to a tax collector, license plate agent, or other authorized office. Individual owners simply surrender their plate in person or by mail and receive a cancellation receipt.
How long must agencies keep a copy of Form 84003?
The surrendering Tax Collector, License Plate Agent, or DMS office must retain a copy for 12 months (or until the year-end audit is completed and finalized).
What happens to the plates after Form 84003 is completed?
The plates are packaged with the form and picked up by PRIDE for destruction. The vendor employee then certifies the destruction on the form.