How to Register a Car in Georgia
If you just moved to Georgia with a car, you’ll need to get an inspection and provide specific documents to your local County Tag Office.
Written by Jaya Anandjit
Reviewed by Georgina Grant
If you are a new Georgia resident, you have 30 days to register your vehicle by mail or in person at your local County Tag Office—but first, you’ll need a valid Georgia driver’s license and all applicable documents.
To register a new vehicle in Georgia, you’ll need to bring your Georgia driver’s license, proof of insurance, proof of ownership, and a few other documents to your local County Tag Office. Depending on your county, you may also be required to pass an emissions test to register a new vehicle or renew your Georgia car registration.
To streamline your registration process, the
car insurance
broker app Jerry
is here with a guide to registering your car in Georgia. We’ll even share tips to help you save on your Georgia car insurance costs
!Let Jerry find your price in only 45 seconds
No spam · No long forms · No fees
How to register a car in Georgia
The vehicle registration process is fairly straightforward whether you are a new Georgia resident or a first-time Georgia car buyer. To begin, you’ll need your valid Georgia driver’s license, proof of ownership, proof of insurance, and other applicable forms and payments.
If you just moved to Georgia
If you’re a new resident of the Peach State, you have 30 days to get your
Georgia driver’s license
and then register your vehicle.To get your license, you’ll need to visit the
Georgia Department of Driver Services
(DDS). At the DDS, you will surrender your out-of-state license and provide proof of identity, proof of Georgia residency
, and your Social Security number. Once you’ve received your Georgia driver’s license, you can begin registering your vehicle by mail or in person at your local
County Tag Office
. You will need the following documents to complete your registration:- Valid Georgia driver’s license or ID card
- Completed Form MV-1 Title and Tag Application
- Online or in person
- Emissions inspection certificate (if applicable)
- Proof of insurance
- Proof of ownership (ex: vehicle title, bill of sale, manufacturer's certificate of ownership)
- Payment for fees
- Payment for taxes
Depending on your county and the kind of car you drive, you may need to take your vehicle in for
Georgia emissions testing
. Additionally, registering car owners are required to pay one of two
Georgia car sales taxes
depending on when they purchased their vehicle. The first tax is the Annual Ad Valorem Tax (AAVT), which applies to vehicles purchased before March 1, 2013. If you are renewing your registration for a vehicle purchased before March 1, 2013, you’ll pay the AAVT when you renew before the last day of your renewal period—your birthday. The value of this tax adjusts based on your car's current value.
The second tax is the Title Ad Valorem Tax (TAVT), which applies to vehicles purchased after March 1, 2013, or if you moved to Georgia anytime after March 1, 2013. This is a one-time tax valued at 6.6% of the vehicle's fair market value for Georgia residents registering a car for the first time or 3% for new Georgia residents registering an out-of-state vehicle.
Registration fees may vary from county to county, but for most regular cars or lightweight trucks, the base fee is $20, plus an $8 fee for your new license plate.
Once you submit all documents and pay applicable fees and taxes at the County Tag Office, you’ll receive your
Georgia license plates
, and your registration will arrive by mail within two to three weeks.If you just bought a car
Suppose you just bought a car as a resident of Georgia. In that case, you’ll need to register and title your vehicle within seven business days from the purchase date if it was bought from a private party or within 30 days if you purchased the vehicle from a dealership. You must also complete a Form MV-1 Title/Tag Application.
How much insurance coverage do you need in Georgia?
If you’ve just relocated yourself and your car to Georgia, you’ll need an insurance policy that meets
Georgia’s minimum requirements
before you register the vehicle. Minimum car insurance in Georgia must include: - $25,000 per person ofbodily injury liability coverage
- $50,000 per incident of bodily injury liability coverage
- $25,000 per incident ofproperty damage liability coverage
Your policy will pass pre-registration if it includes these minimum coverage requirements, although it’s best to keep yourself protected by purchasing additional liability coverage, along with
comprehension
and collision coverage
.RECOMMENDED
Compare auto insurance policies
No spam or unwanted phone calls · No long forms
How to renew your Georgia vehicle registration
You must renew your vehicle registration annually and pass an emissions inspection if applicable.
In Georgia, your registration period lasts until your birthday. Failing to register before the deadline can lead to fines of up to $100, so it’s important that you renew in advance. If an inspection is necessary for your county or vehicle, it is recommended that you get it four to six weeks before renewal.
You can process your registration online through the
Georgia DRIVES
website, through the mail, in person at your County Tag Office, or at a Georgia MV Express Self-Service Tag Kiosk. You will need the following documents to renew your vehicle registration in Georgia:
- License plate number or VIN
- Driver’s license number
- Applicable registration fees
- Proof of insurance
- Emissions inspection certificate (if applicable)
How to replace a lost registration sticker or license plate
If you lose your license plate or vehicle registration sticker, don’t worry!
You can visit your local County Tag Office and complete Form MV-5 Application for a Replacement License Plate and/or Renewal Decal or Form MV-5 Application for a Replacement Registration Certificate.
If you are replacing a special prestige license plate, you will also need to complete Form MV-98 Special (Personal) Prestige License Plate Application.
The replacement fees are as follows:
- Registration replacement: $8
- Decal replacement: $8
- License plate replacement: $8
- Special prestige license plate replacement: $43
When applying for a replacement license plate, you may also need a copy of a police report if your plate was damaged or stolen. If you have the mutilated license plate or decal, you must also bring that, along with a completed Form T-200 Affidavit of Non-Receipt of an Original License Plate/Renewal Decal.
How to save on auto insurance in Georgia
Before you can register your car, you must purchase auto insurance that meets Georgia’s minimum requirements—but you’ll definitely want to include more than just the base coverage. Here’s how to skip the paperwork and phone calls but still save money.
Simply download the
Jerry
app and answer a few questions about you and your car to start comparing competitive quotes from over 50 top-rated insurance providers! In just 45 seconds, you’ll be shown rates from our team of
trusted insurance brokers
, who will handle everything from helping you cancel your old plan to getting your new plan started.On average, Jerry users save over $800 a year on car insurance!
“When usingJerry, I just put in a bit of information, and they found lots of different quotes for me. I was paying $305 a month for 2 brand-new cars, but now I’m paying $150 a month for both with full coverage!” —Robin U.
RECOMMENDED
Jerry automatically checks if you are paying the lowest price for your insurance, for free.
Instantly compare top insurance companies
No spam or unwanted phone calls · No long forms
What insurance do you want to compare?
This app is great, but the customer service is even better! Not to mention convenient! My husband and I got the lowest rate (much lower than the rates I was finding online through my own searches), quickly, and pretty much all through text message! Thank you so much for a hassle free experience 👍
Gabriella R.
Find insurance savings
4.7/5 Rating on App Store
FAQs
What are the requirements to register a vehicle in Georgia?
To register a vehicle in Georgia, you’ll need to apply with a valid Georgia driver’s license, a completed Form MV-1 Title and Tag Application, your proof of ownership, proof of insurance, an emission test certificate if required, and any applicable fees.
How much does it take to register a car in Georgia?
The exact fees for registering your vehicle will depend on your county and the value of your vehicle, but there is a flat rate fee of $20 for all vehicles weighing 14,000 pounds or less. There may be additional fees for processing and handling.
What is the cost to register a truck in Georgia?
The truck registration fee in Georgia depends on the type of vehicle. Some semi-trailers pay the regular $20 flat fee while other tractor trucks must pay an additional $12 fee. Three-axle.
Reduce your monthly car payments in minutes?
Find out if Jerry can reduce your payments by an average of $150/month
4.7You might also be interested
