How to Gift a Car in Georgia in 2026

Gifting a vehicle in Georgia involves transferring ownership from one person to another without monetary exchange. The process centers on obtaining a Georgia certificate of title through the state's motor vehicle registration system and compliance with state title and registration deadlines.

How Does Gifting a Car in Georgia Work?

Georgia treats vehicle gifts as ownership transfers and requires them to proceed through the standard title and registration channels. The donor begins by assigning the title to the recipient using the assignment form printed on the back of the current title. The recipient then applies for a new Georgia certificate of title at the appropriate county tag office.

When applying for a title, the recipient must provide identification, proof of ownership, the properly assigned title, proof of liability insurance, and applicable fees. The state does not process title applications directly by mail; all applications must be submitted in person at a county tag office.

Georgia Car Gifting Rules You Should Know

Successful completion of a vehicle gift transfer depends on adherence to Georgia's title law, matching ownership names, co-owner rules, odometer disclosure obligations, and registration deadlines.

Title Status

Vehicles in Georgia are classified by model year and titling requirements. Vehicles manufactured in 1962 or earlier do not require a Georgia title. Vehicles manufactured between 1963 and 1985 may be titled optionally. All vehicles manufactured in 1986 or newer and operated on Georgia roadways must have a Georgia certificate of title before registration is issued.

The donor must ensure that the name on the front of the current title matches the name on all supporting ownership documents. Any discrepancy in names may delay processing. If the current title contains errors, the donor should resolve those issues before executing the assignment to the recipient.

License Plates

When vehicle ownership changes, the existing license plate must be removed from the vehicle. Georgia permits transferring a valid license plate from one vehicle to another, but both vehicles must have the same license plate class. A plate transfer is processed at the county tag office where the new vehicle will be registered. The recipient may request a new license plate, or the donor's existing plate may be transferred, depending on plate eligibility and the recipient's preference.

Taxes and Fees

Gifted vehicles in Georgia do not pay sales and use tax. However, Georgia imposes two forms of motor vehicle property taxation. Vehicles purchased or titled on March 1, 2013, or later are subject to Title Ad Valorem Tax (TAVT), a one-time tax paid at the time of titling. Vehicles titled before that date typically remain under the annual ad valorem tax system, which is assessed and paid annually, unless the owner elects to pay TAVT at the time of registration in Georgia.

For vehicle transfers between immediate family members, Georgia offers a reduced Title Ad Valorem Tax (TAVT) rate through the use of Affidavit to Certify Immediate Family Relationship (Form MV-16). The family member relationship affidavit must accompany the title application to qualify for the reduced tax rate on eligible vehicles.

If the vehicle is currently in the annual ad valorem tax system, the family member may choose to remain in the annual ad valorem tax system or pay the full one-time TAVT. Gifts from non-family members are subject to the full applicable TAVT rate of 7% or the full annual ad valorem tax, depending on the vehicle's current tax classification.

Step-By-Step Process To Gift a Car in Georgia

Step 1: Confirm Title Requirements

Determine whether the vehicle requires a Georgia title. Vehicles manufactured in 1962 or earlier are exempt from titling. Vehicles manufactured between 1963 and 1985 may be optionally titled. All vehicles manufactured in 1986 or newer require a title. If the vehicle is title-exempt, the recipient may register it at the county tag office using supporting ownership documents and a properly completed Certification of Inspection (Form T-22B).

Step 2: Confirm Donor Ownership and Title Validity

The donor should verify that the current title is valid, issued in the donor's name, and free from alterations or erasures. Check that all liens or security interests have been released and that the title assignment spaces are available for the donor's signature. If the title has errors or outstanding liens, contact the county tag office to resolve issues before proceeding with the transfer.

Step 3: Determine Family Relationship Status

If the gift is between immediate family members as defined by Georgia law, obtain the Affidavit to Certify Immediate Family Relationship (Form MV-16). Immediate family is typically defined as a parent, grandparent, child, grandchild, sibling, spouse, or in-law. The form must be notarized and submitted with the title application to qualify for the reduced TAVT rate of 0.5%. If the transfer is not between immediate family members, the recipient will pay the standard tax rates.

Step 4: Complete the Title Assignment

The donor must complete the assignment section on the back of the title by printing and signing their name exactly as it appears on the front of the title. The donor should use blue or black ink and avoid alterations or erasures, as any changes may void the title or incur a $10 penalty fee. The recipient must print and sign their name in the buyer section of the assignment. Both the donor and recipient must sign for the transfer to be valid.

Step 5: Disclose the Odometer Reading

If the vehicle is less than 20 model years old, odometer disclosure is required. The donor must enter the current odometer reading in miles (not tenths of a mile) on the title assignment or provide a separate odometer disclosure statement. If the odometer reading exceeds the mechanical limit of the odometer or is not the actual mileage due to repair or replacement, the donor must check the appropriate box on the title and provide supporting documentation if necessary. The recipient must acknowledge the odometer declaration by printing their name and signing the title.

Step 6: Obtain Liability Insurance

Before registering the vehicle, the recipient must secure Georgia liability insurance coverage on the vehicle. Georgia law requires all registered vehicles to maintain continuous liability insurance. The recipient may provide proof of insurance by providing an insurance binder showing the vehicle's VIN, or by allowing the insurance company to file the information electronically with the state. A binder is valid for 30 days from its issue date.

Step 7: Apply for Title and Registration at the County Tag Office

The recipient must present the completed assignment form, the original title, the Title/Tag Application (Form MV-1), proof of liability insurance, a valid Georgia driver's license or identification card, and all applicable fees to the county tag office. If the gift is between immediate family members, include the notarized Form MV-16 Affidavit. The recipient should allow the county tag office staff to process the application, which may be completed during the same visit.

Step 8: Comply with Registration Deadlines

For casual sales (non-dealer transfers), title and registration must be completed within seven business days of the transfer date. For vehicles transferred as gifts between family members, the recipient should apply for registration as quickly as possible, though title and registration must be obtained within 30 days from the date of acquisition to avoid a $10 penalty fee on the title application. Additional penalties may apply to any TAVT owed if the title is not applied for within 30 days, including 10% of the TAVT amount plus 1% additional for each month thereafter. The recipient should not operate the vehicle on Georgia roadways until the registration is completed and a valid license plate is affixed.

Documents Needed for Gifting a Car in Georgia

The recipient must gather and present the following documents when applying for title and registration at the county tag office:

• The original vehicle title, properly assigned by the donor using the assignment form printed on the back
• Completed Title/Tag Application (Form MV-1), fully completed with the recipient's information
• Valid Georgia driver's license or Georgia identification card
• Proof of liability insurance, either an insurance binder showing the vehicle VIN or an electronic filing confirmation from the insurance company
• Affidavit to Certify Immediate Family Relationship (Form MV-16), notarized, if applicable for TAVT reduction
• Completed odometer disclosure statement or odometer information entered on the title assignment, if required
• Payment for all applicable title fees, registration fees, and state and local TAVT or annual ad valorem tax

For vehicles manufactured in 1962 or earlier that do not require a title, the recipient should provide a Certification of Inspection (Form T-22B) and supporting ownership documents such as registration records or other proof of ownership.

Applicable Fees and Taxes When Gifting a Car in Georgia

Taxes are collected by the county tag office when the recipient applies for title and registration. Ad valorem taxes are assessed based on the fair market value of the vehicle and the tax district where the recipient resides. Fair market value can be estimated using the TAVT Calculator.

Contact Information

Georgia Department of Revenue Motor Vehicle Division
4125 Welcome All Road, Atlanta, GA 30349
Phone: (404) 968-0926
Official Website: Georgia Department of Revenue Motor Vehicle Division