Expired Registration in Georgia

Operating a motor vehicle in Georgia mandates maintaining current and valid registration at all times. The Georgia Department of Revenue administers registration procedures and requirements, while the Georgia Department of Public Safety and local law enforcement agencies oversee compliance with registration statutes throughout the state.

State Code Provisions in Georgia

Georgia’s registration and licensing of motor vehicles is governed by Title 40 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated. The statutory framework establishes registration procedures, renewal obligations, display requirements, and enforcement provisions. Georgia Code § 40-2-20 sets forth registration and license requirements, while Georgia Code § 40-2-8 addresses penalties for operating unregistered vehicles or vehicles without current license plates. These provisions establish the legal framework for maintaining continuous vehicle registration and specify consequences for non-compliance.

Registration Terms and Expiration in Georgia

Registration Renewal System

Georgia operates under an owner-based annual registration renewal system. Vehicle registrations expire at midnight on the owner's birthday each year, regardless of when the registration was initially obtained.

Standard Vehicle Registration:

• Registrations remain valid for one year from the date of issuance
• All registrations expire on the vehicle owner's date of birth
• Example: An owner born on March 15 must renew registration by March 15 each year
• Owners may renew registration up to 30 days before expiration

Georgia does not have a grace period for expired vehicle registration. It is therefore illegal for vehicle owners to operate their vehicles on public roads until registration is renewed. The registration period ends precisely at midnight on the owner's birthday, and operating a vehicle after that time constitutes a violation of Georgia law.

Penalties for Expired Registration in Georgia

Georgia imposes both administrative penalties for late renewal and criminal penalties for operating a vehicle with expired registration. These represent separate violations with distinct consequences under state law.

Administrative Penalties for Late Renewal

When vehicle owners renew expired registration at a county tag office, Georgia assesses administrative penalties calculated as a percentage of the registration fees due:

These administrative penalties apply when registration renewal occurs after the expiration date. The penalties are assessed at the county tag office during the renewal transaction.

Criminal Violations for Operating with Expired Registration

Operating a motor vehicle with expired registration constitutes a separate criminal offense under Georgia law, distinct from administrative late fees.

First Offense - Failure to Register:

Under Georgia Code § 40-2-20(c), any person who fails to register a motor vehicle as required shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and may be given a fine of up to $100.00 upon conviction.

Operating an Unregistered Vehicle:

Georgia Code § 40-2-8(c) makes it unlawful to operate any vehicle required to be registered in Georgia without a valid county decal or license plate. This violation is punishable as a misdemeanor with a fine of up to $100.00.

Government Agencies Contact Information

Georgia Department of Revenue - Headquarters
2595 Century Parkway, NE, Atlanta, GA 30345-3173
Phone: (404) 417-2100
Official Website: Georgia Department of Revenue

Georgia Department of Public Safety
959 United Avenue S.E., Atlanta, GA 30316
Phone: (404) 624-7700
Official Website: Georgia Department of Public Safety