Do You Need Insurance to Register a Car in Georgia in 2025

Yes, you must have liability insurance to register a vehicle in Georgia. The state requires continuous insurance coverage on all registered vehicles, and your insurance information is electronically verified through the Georgia Electronic Insurance Compliance System (GEICS). Without proof of insurance meeting Georgia's minimum coverage standards, county tag offices cannot process your vehicle registration.

Legal Requirement for Insurance Coverage

Georgia law mandates that all motor vehicles operated on public roads carry liability insurance coverage. Under OCGA § 40-6-10, no person shall operate or allow another person to operate a motor vehicle without maintaining minimum insurance coverage as prescribed by state regulations.

The requirement for insurance coverage is continuous. Vehicle owners must maintain active insurance policies throughout the entire registration period. If your insurance lapses or is cancelled, your insurance company is required to electronically notify the Georgia Department of Revenue within 30 days. A lapse in coverage or loss of coverage will result in a lapse penalty and fine. Notice of pending suspension will be mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle explaining the penalty and fine that is due and the consequences of not making timely payment.

By law, the Georgia Department of Revenue must:

• Fine the vehicle owner/lessee $25 for any lapse of coverage while the vehicle is actively registered or up to $160 (in addition to the $25 fine) if the lapse of coverage fine is not paid within 30 days
• Suspend or revoke registration of any vehicle that does not have continuous Georgia liability insurance coverage; failure to pay the $25 lapse fine in a timely manner will also result in the registration being suspended
• Refuse to renew or reinstate vehicle registration for any of the following:
  • Fines have not been paid
  • An unresolved lapse of coverage
  • Vehicle is not insured

Minimum Insurance Coverage Requirements

Georgia requires all motor vehicle owners to maintain minimum liability insurance coverage limits as specified.The state-mandated minimum coverage amounts are:

Insurance companies licensed to operate in Georgia must offer these minimum coverage amounts. Your policy must be issued by an insurance company authorized to conduct business in Georgia or through the Georgia Automobile Insurance Plan for high-risk drivers unable to obtain coverage through standard markets.

Proof of Insurance Documents

Georgia law requires drivers to carry proof of insurance whenever operating a motor vehicle. Acceptable proof of insurance includes both traditional paper documents and electronic formats displayed on mobile devices.

Valid proof of insurance documents include:

• Insurance identification card issued by your insurance company
• Electronic proof of insurance displayed on a smartphone, tablet, or other portable electronic device
• Binder or temporary insurance card (valid for 30 days from policy effective date)
• Certificate of self-insurance issued by the Georgia Department of Revenue
• Fleet policy certificate for vehicles covered under fleet insurance arrangements
• Rental agreement showing insurance coverage for rental vehicles

Your insurance identification card must contain specific information including:

• Insurance company name and policy number
• Policy effective and expiration dates
• Vehicle identification number (VIN) or vehicle description
• Name of the insured individual or entity
• Coverage amounts meeting Georgia minimum requirements

Insurance companies are required to issue identification cards within 30 days of policy issuance or renewal.

For questions about your insurance status in GEICS or to resolve verification issues, contact:

Georgia Department of Revenue Motor Vehicle Division
4125 Welcome All Road
Atlanta, GA 30349
Phone: (855) 406-5221
Website

For insurance-related questions or consumer assistance, contact:

Office of Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire
2 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive
West Tower, Suite 704
Atlanta, GA 30334
Phone: (404) 656-2070
Website

Exceptions to Insurance Requirements

Georgia law provides specific exceptions to the insurance requirement for certain vehicle types and circumstances. These exceptions are defined in state regulations and do not require the same proof of insurance as standard motor vehicles.

Vehicles exempt from insurance requirements include:

• Mopeds with engines displacing 50 cubic centimeters or less
• Motorized carts operated on designated roads in authorized communities
• All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) used exclusively for off-road purposes
• Off-road vehicles not intended for highway use
• Certain trailers not required to have registration plates
• Farm tractors and equipment operated between properties
• Equipment and vehicles operated within port authority facilities
• Government-owned vehicles operated by federal, state, or local government agencies

Military personnel stationed in Georgia with valid vehicle registration from their home state or another jurisdiction may continue operating their vehicles without obtaining Georgia registration or insurance. However, if military personnel choose to register their vehicles in Georgia, they must obtain Georgia insurance meeting state minimum coverage requirements.

Self-insurance represents an alternative to traditional insurance coverage for qualifying individuals and organizations. The Georgia Department of Revenue may issue certificates of self-insurance to owners motor vehicles who demonstrate sufficient financial resources to satisfy potential liability claims. Self-insured entities must:

• Submit a self-insurance application to the Department of Revenue
• Provide evidence of financial responsibility through surety bonds or securities
• Maintain minimum financial resources as determined by the Department
• Report all claims and settlements to the Department

Self-insurance certificates serve as proof of financial responsibility equivalent to standard insurance policies. Vehicles covered under self-insurance certificates must still comply with registration requirements and carry proof of self-insurance documentation.

Insurance Requirements for Vehicle Registration

Georgia law requires proof of insurance before completing initial vehicle registration, registration renewal, or title transfer. County tag offices verify insurance coverage through the Georgia Electronic Insurance Compliance System before processing any registration transaction.

Initial Vehicle Registration

When registering a vehicle for the first time in Georgia, you must provide proof of insurance meeting state minimum liability coverage requirements. New residents moving to Georgia have 30 days from establishing residency to register their vehicles and obtain Georgia insurance coverage. Out-of-state insurance policies are not acceptable for Georgia registration purposes.

Required documents for initial registration include:

• Valid Georgia driver's license or identification card
• Vehicle title or manufacturer's certificate of origin
• Proof of Georgia insurance coverage
• Completed motor vehicle registration application
• Payment for registration fees and ad valorem tax (title tax)

The county tag office will verify your insurance through GEICS. If your insurance information has not yet appeared in the electronic system, bring your insurance identification card or electronic proof of insurance for manual verification.

Registration Renewal

Annual registration renewal requires active insurance coverage throughout the renewal period. Your insurance company automatically reports policy renewals to GEICS, allowing the county tag office to verify coverage when you renew registration. You can renew registration:

• Online through the Georgia Department of Revenue website if insurance is verified in GEICS
• By mail with proof of insurance if required by your county
• In person at your county tag office

If your insurance information is not current in GEICS at renewal time, you must provide proof of insurance directly to the tag office. Insurance lapses between registration periods may result in penalties or registration suspension.

Title Transfers and Vehicle Purchases

When purchasing a used vehicle, you must obtain Georgia insurance coverage before transferring the title and registering the vehicle in your name. The county tag office will not process title transfers without verified insurance coverage. Arrange insurance coverage before visiting the tag office by:

• Contacting your insurance company to add the newly purchased vehicle to your existing policy
• Obtaining a new insurance policy if you do not have existing coverage
• Allowing 24 to 48 hours for your insurance company to report the coverage to GEICS

If you cannot wait for electronic verification, bring your insurance identification card or binder to the tag office for manual verification.

New Residents

Individuals establishing residency in Georgia must register their vehicles within 30 days and obtain Georgia insurance coverage. Your previous state's insurance policy does not satisfy Georgia registration requirements. Steps for new residents include:

• Obtain a Georgia driver's license
• Purchase a Georgia insurance policy meeting minimum coverage requirements
• Gather required registration documents (out-of-state title, driver's license, proof of insurance)
• Visit your county tag office to complete registration
• Surrender your out-of-state license plates