Register a vehicle in Georgia

Online or in person

No, visit your County Tag OfficeDOR says you need to visit the County Tag Office to apply for a Georgia title and register. Register within 30 days of moving to Georgia, or within 7 business days of buying from a private seller. Fines up to $100 for missing the deadline.

Cost

$18 title fee, $20 registration feePlus Title Ad Valorem Tax (TAVT), a one-time tax paid when the vehicle is titled: 3% of fair market value for new residents; the current TAVT rate is 7.0% of fair market value. Any penalties due are extra.

You leave with

Georgia license plateIf you buy from a dealer, a Temporary Operating Permit from the dealer covers the 30 days you have to register.

Your plan

1. Gather your documents

   • Valid Georgia driver's license or ID card · all that apply
     New residents must have one before they can register their vehicles.
   • MV-1 Title/Tag Application · all that apply
     Completed and signed. All names and spellings must be consistent across all documents.
   • Proof of ownership · all that apply
     Original valid title properly assigned to you, with the assignment on the back completed and signed by buyer and seller and any liens released. For a vehicle 1985 or older that needs no title, a bill of sale, plus a completed Form T-22B Certification of Inspection if it was not previously registered in Georgia.
   • Proof of Georgia automobile liability insurance
     Show accepted documents (bring 1)

     • Insurance filed electronically by your insurer into the Department's database
     • Insurance binder showing liability coverage
   • Emissions inspection certificate · all that apply
     If applicable. DOR's new-resident page says residents of Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, Coweta, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry, Paulding and Rockdale counties are required to have emissions inspections before registering.

2. Find your County Tag Office

   Register where you live. DOR says your local County Tag Office is the best resource for most registration, license plate and titling questions.

   County Tag Offices ↗

3. Apply for title and plate

   Complete the title application and license plate registration at your County Tag Office within 7 business days of the purchase date.

   Casual sale instructions ↗