How Much Does It Cost To Register a Car in Georgia From Out of State
Transferring vehicle registration from another state to Georgia requires adherence to regulations established by the Georgia Department of Revenue. Individuals establishing residency in Georgia must complete vehicle registration within 30 days of relocating to the state. This requirement applies to all motor vehicles previously registered in other jurisdictions, regardless of whether the new resident has obtained a Georgia driver's license.
Base Registration and Title Fees
Georgia imposes multiple fees for vehicle registration and title transfers administered through county tag offices. The Georgia Department of Revenue Motor Vehicle Division establishes standardized fee structures applicable throughout all Georgia counties.
Registration Components:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| License plate fee | $20.00 |
| Alternative fuel vehicle license fee (non-commercial) | $210.87 (annual) |
| Alternative fuel vehicle license fee (commercial) | $316.40 (annual) |
The alternative fuel vehicle fee applies to vehicles operating exclusively on alternative fuels, including electric vehicles, pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 40-2-151.
Title Fees
Georgia requires a certificate of title issuance for motor vehicles and certain trailers. Title processing involves multiple fee components assessed at the county level. Detailed title fee information is available through the Georgia Department of Revenue.
| Transaction Type | Fee Amount |
|---|---|
| Certificate of title application | $18.00 |
| License plate issuance | $20.00 |
| Lien processing fee | $18.00 |
| Replacement title | $8.00 |
Title Ad Valorem Tax
Georgia assesses a one-time Title Ad Valorem Tax (TAVT) at the time of vehicle title transfer for vehicles titled on or after March 1, 2013. This tax replaced the annual birthday ad valorem tax for qualifying vehicles.
| Vehicle Type | Rate |
|---|---|
| Standard vehicles | 7.0% of fair market value |
| New Georgia residents (vehicles owned 12+ months) | 3.0% of fair market value |
The Georgia Department of Revenue maintains a TAVT Calculator to determine specific tax obligations based on vehicle valuation and ownership circumstances.
New Resident Fee and Use Tax
Georgia imposes sales and use taxes on motor vehicle acquisitions. The Georgia Department of Revenue Sales and Use Tax Division administers the collection of these taxes in coordination with county tag offices.
State Sales Tax
Motor vehicle sales and purchases are subject to Georgia's state sales tax. When an individual relocates to Georgia with a vehicle purchased in another state, use tax may apply depending on the credit available for taxes paid to the previous state of residence. The state sales tax on motor vehicles is incorporated into the Title Ad Valorem Tax system for vehicles titled after March 1, 2013, as specified in O.C.G.A. § 48-5C-1.
Motor Vehicle Tax Structure:
| Tax Type | Rate Application |
|---|---|
| Title Ad Valorem Tax (vehicles titled 3/1/13 or later) | 6.6% of fair market value |
| Reduced TAVT rate (new residents, 12+ months ownership) | 3.0% of fair market value |
New Georgia residents who owned their vehicle for a minimum of 12 consecutive months in their previous state of residence qualify for the reduced TAVT rate of 3.0% rather than the standard 6.6% rate.
Local Sales Taxes
Georgia counties and municipalities may impose additional local sales taxes that apply to motor vehicle transactions. These local option sales taxes vary by jurisdiction and supplement the state-imposed Title Ad Valorem Tax. The Georgia Department of Revenue Local Government Services maintains current local tax rate information.
County-specific tax rates are incorporated into the Title Ad Valorem Tax calculation for motor vehicles. Vehicle owners should utilize the Georgia Department of Revenue TAVT Calculator to determine total tax obligations, inclusive of applicable local taxes based on the county of residence.
Emissions Inspection Requirements
Georgia requires emissions testing for vehicles registered in designated counties within the Metro Atlanta and Metro Savannah areas: Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, Coweta, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry, Paulding, Rockdale, Chatham, and portions of additional counties. The Georgia Clean Air Force administers the emissions inspection program under the authority of the Georgia Environmental Protection Division.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Emissions inspection | $25.00 |
The emissions inspection fee is paid directly to authorized inspection stations.
Georgia Vehicle Licensing Offices
Georgia operates vehicle registration services through county tag offices in all 159 Georgia counties. Contact information for county tag offices is available through the Georgia Department of Revenue County Tag Office Directory.
Fulton County Tag Office
141 Pryor Street SW, Suite 1055, Atlanta, GA 30303
Phone: (404) 612-6600
Official Website: Fulton County Tax Commissioner
Gwinnett County Tag Office
750 South Perry Street, Lawrenceville, GA 30046
Phone: (770) 822-8800
Official Website: Gwinnett County Tax Commissioner
Cobb County Tag Office
736 Whitlock Avenue, Suite 200, Marietta, GA 30064
Phone: (770) 528-8620
Official Website: Cobb County Tax Commissioner
DeKalb County Tag Office
4380 Memorial Drive, Decatur, GA 30032
Phone: (404) 298-4000
Official Website: DeKalb County Tax Commissioner
Clayton County Tag Office
121 South McDonough Street, Jonesboro, GA 30236
Phone: (770) 477-3311
Official Website: Clayton County Tax Commissioner
Cherokee County Tag Office
100 North Street, Suite 330, Canton, GA 30114
Phone: (770) 479-0610
Official Website: Cherokee County Tax Commissioner
Chatham County Tag Office
124 Bull Street, Room 108, Savannah, GA 31401
Phone: (912) 652-7700
Official Website: Chatham County Tax Commissioner
Richmond County Tag Office
530 Greene Street, Augusta, GA 30901
Phone: (706) 821-2391
Official Website: Richmond County Tax Commissioner
Bibb County Tag Office
682 Cherry Street, Macon, GA 31201
Phone: (478) 803-4800
Official Website: Bibb County Tax Commissioner
