Yes, prospective Non-Immigrant Visa holders (or applicants) from another country can purchase and register a vehicle in Florida before obtaining their U.S. visa and Florida driver’s license. However, registering and operating that vehicle in Florida involves specific legal requirements.
🇺🇸 Florida Vehicle Registration Requirements for Non-Immigrants
To register a vehicle in Florida, non-U.S. residents must provide proof of lawful presence in the United States. Acceptable documents include any of the following:
- A valid, unexpired foreign passport AND a valid, unexpired foreign Driver License, AND an unexpired Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record. (retrievable online), OR
- a USCIS original Approval Notice with I-94 Section attached (Form I-797 or I-797c), OR
- A current permanent resident card (green card) OR an unexpired immigrant visa issued by U.S. Dept. of State.
- NOTE: possession of an unexpired Employment Authorization Document (EAD-card) or Advance Parole Document (Travel Permit) IS NOT NECESSARILY PROOF of valid legal status in the United States.
Additionally, the following are required:
- Proof of ownership: Such as the vehicle’s title or a bill of sale
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) verification: Conducted by a Florida law enforcement officer, a Florida DMV employee, or a licensed Florida auto dealer
- Proof of Florida insurance: Insurance must be issued by a Florida-licensed insurer
- Valid identification: Such as a passport
You can also take the steps to register your vehicle in the name of a company entity, like a corporation (“Inc.” or “Corp.”), or a limited liability company (“LLC.”). There are additional steps to take at the vehicle dealership or at the local DMV office.
It’s important to note that Florida requires vehicles to be registered within 10 days of the owner either becoming employed, placing children in public school, or establishing residency in the state.