Georgia Vehicle Registration: Complete Guide

As of 2017, Georgia ranks eighth in the US with around 3.5 million registered automobiles. Registering your car, pickup truck or SUV helps the government track all vehicles operating in the state. Vehicle registration records in states across the US are valuable sources of information on the history of any car. If you are selling or buying a car, you need to get a vehicle history report to establish a car’s identity and history. Look up the VIN also to check if the car is not stolen or has hidden issues.

Georgia vehicle registration is basically similar to most states but specifics may differ. If you are buying from a dealership, you may be able to let them attend to the registration process for you.  All vehicle transaction processes are handled by the Georgia Motor Vehicle Division (MVD). To save time, go to DRIVES e-Services for the pre-application process.

VINCheck.info has compiled some basic steps or requirements to follow if you want to:

• register your car as a new resident
• register an out-of-state vehicle
• re-register a salvage vehicle
• change your address or name on your car registration documents.
• renew or replace your registration

How to Register Your Vehicle as a New Georgia Resident

Within 30 days of acquiring residency, new Georgia residents must apply for a title and register their vehicles at the County Tag Office in their respective local areas. You will be eligible for application once you already have a valid Georgia driver’s license or ID.

In most cases, you have to apply in person with the requirements below. To save time, you can start your MV-1 Motor Vehicle Title/Tag Application online before you visit the County Tag Office.

• Valid Georgia ID or driver’s licence
• Completed and signed MV-1 Title/Tag Application
• Proof of ownership
  • Original, valid out-of-state title (if vehicle was not bought and registered in GA)
  • Manufacturer’s statement of origin (for a brand new vehicle)
  • Registration from a non-title state or country
• Completed and signed Form T-17 Statement of Title Held by Lienholder, Security Interest Holder, or Leasing Company (if you have a loan or lease on your motor vehicle)
• Emissions inspection (if required)
• Proof of Insurance
• Fees
• Taxes (Title Ad Valorem Tax (TAVT), Annual Motor Vehicle Ad Valorem Tax or Georgia Sales and Use Tax)

How to Register an Out-of-State Vehicle in Georgia

The County Tag Office handles the processing of vehicle titling and registration for vehicles from out of state. You need the following documentations or requirements:

• Copy of Georgia driver’s license or ID
• Completed and signed MV-1 Title/Tag Application.
• Original valid title issued in your name or properly assigned to you.
• Valid registration certificate from the state of origin
• Completed and signed Form T-22B Certification of Inspection.
• Georgia liability insurance
• Emission Inspection Certificate (if applicable)
• If a 1986 or newer vehicle and the previous state or country does not issue titles, you must submit:
  • Form T-22B Certification of Inspection
  • Current out-of-state registration (tag receipt) from the appropriate out-of-state agency.
  • Certification from the appropriate motor vehicle agency that vehicle was not titled (for Massachusetts, Mississippi or Minnesota)
• Payment of all fees and/or taxes due

How to Register a Vehicle Imported from Another Country

For vehicles titled or registered previously in another country, the processing of title and registration are done at the car owner’s local County Tag Office.

• Completed and signed MV-1 Title/Tag Application.
• Original valid title issued in your name or properly assigned to you
• Out of country valid registration certificate (if applicable)
• Completed and signed Form T-22B Certification of Inspection.
• For a 1986 or newer vehicle and the previous country does not issue titles:
  • Completed Form T-22B Certification of Inspection by a Georgia law enforcement officer
  • Current out-of-state registration (tag receipt) from the appropriate out-of-state agency
• Georgia liability insurance reported by your Insurance Company and on record with the Department.
• Emission Inspection Certificate (if applicable)
• English translation of each document not printed in the English language.
• Copy of Georgia driver’s license or ID
• Payment of all fees and/or taxes due

How to Re-register a Salvaged Vehicle in Georgia

Here are the requirements to apply for a rebuilt title and vehicle inspection which must be submitted to Georgia’s approved private inspectors or stations. Only a licensed rebuilder can purchase a salvage or wrecked vehicle for the purpose of restoring or rebuilding. Rebuilding is only allowed for vehicles branded “Salvage” in Georgia or “Salvage,” “Flood,” “Water,” “Fire,” and “Total Loss” out of state.

• Inspection (prior to re-painting) by approved private inspectors or stations
• Original valid salvage title issued in the vehicle owner’s name or properly assigned to the owner
• Completed and signed Form MV-1 Title/Tag Application
• Completed and signed Form T-22R Request for Inspection of a Rebuilt Motor Vehicle
• Copy of Rebuilder’s License.
• Payment for applicable fees
• Unless the vehicle is from out of state and has a “Rebuilt” or “Restored” brand, make sure to have the following:
  • Completed and signed Form T-129 Labor and Parts Certification
  • One or more photographs of the vehicle in its salvaged/wrecked condition prior to repair
  • Receipts for new or used parts used to restore/rebuild the vehicle

All of the above requirements must be submitted to:

DOR/Motor Vehicle Division
Attn: Salvage Unit
P. O. Box 740384
Atlanta, Georgia 30374-0384

How Do I Change My Address with Georgia MVD?

There are two ways to change your vehicle registration address. In any case, make sure to have it corrected first on your Georgia driver’s license or ID card.

• At your local County Tag Office

• Through DRIVES e-Services (Make sure to have the following beforehand:)
  • License plate number or VIN number
  • Driver’s License number or Letter ID
  • Proof of Residency

How to Register a Newly Purchased Vehicle in Georgia

Register a brand new or used vehicle within 30 days of purchase in Georgia with the requirements below:

• Valid Georgia’s driver’s license or ID card

• Completed and signed Form MV-1 Title/Tag Application
• Proof of insurance
• Proof of ownership
  • Vehicle’s original valid title (buyer/seller information completed and assigned to you)
  • Bill of Sale if the vehicle is 1985 or older and does not require a title
  • Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MSO)

Present these documents or complete the registration by mail to your local County Tag Office

Georgia Vehicle Registration Renewal

The Georgia MVD sends a renewal notice by the beginning of your registration month. Contact your County Tag Office if you do not receive the notice or if the notice does not indicate your balance. To receive your notice via email, sign up to Go Green. If you fail to renew, you may be charged for applicable penalties.

Here are three options for renewing your vehicle registration:

• DRIVES e-Services (check if notice indicates this online service is available
  • License plate number or VIN number
  • Driver’s License number or Letter ID
  • All registration fees, taxes, and convenience fees (lookup Renewal Fee Estimate if you don’t have a notice
  • Passed emissions inspection results (in counties requiring emission testing)
• Self-Service Kiosks are available in selected counties for those who meet these specific conditions (documents are printed after successful renewal):
  • Your vehicle is registered in a participating county
  • You have a valid Georgia State driver’s license
  • You have the correct address on your renewal notice.
  • You have proof of liability insurance on file (if applicable)
  • You have a Vehicle Emission Inspection on file (if applicable)
• In-Person or Mail-in Renewal at your County Tag Office
  • Valid Georgia driver’s license or ID card (if you apply in person)
  • Renewal notice
  • Proof of Georgia liability insurance (if applicable).
  • Clearance for emission’s inspection.
  • Payment for all fees and/or taxes due

Georgia Vehicle Registration Fees

Fees to register your vehicle differ based on factors such as the type of vehicle you own, the type of plate you order (standard or specialty), ad valorem tax (varied by county and based on car market value).  Basically, fees will include the following

• • $20.00 license plate fee
  • $18.00 title fee
  • Title Ad Valorem Tax
  • Any penalties due

Check out the schedule of motor vehicle fees, fines and penalties and the ad valorem tax calculator to get an estimate of your total fees.

For inquiries or help on calculating the fees, contact:

• County County Tag Office’s Tag office
• GA MVD help desk at (855) 406-5221