How To Register a Car in Georgia

Who Needs Vehicle Registration in Georgia

Vehicle registration is mandatory for all motor vehicles operated on public roads within Georgia, as governed by Georgia Code Title 40 - Motor Vehicles and Traffic. The state operates through a Department of Revenue(DOR) where local Tax Commissioner offices handle registration services rather than traditional state DMV facilities.

New Residents must register their vehicles within 30 days of establishing Georgia residency. This deadline applies regardless of whether the individual maintains out-of-state employment or other connections. New residents benefit from a reduced Title Ad Valorem Tax (TAVT) rate of 3% instead of the standard 7% rate applied to existing residents.

Military Personnel stationed in Georgia who maintain legal residence in another state are not required to register their vehicles in Georgia, provided they display valid license plates from their home state. However, military members may choose to obtain Georgia registration if desired. Active duty personnel can claim tax exemptions using Form PT-471 Service Member's Affidavit.

Students attending Georgia institutions while maintaining legal residence in another state may continue using their home state registration during their educational enrollment period.

Temporary Visitors operating vehicles in Georgia for tourism, business travel, or short-term stays may use valid out-of-state registration without obtaining Georgia registration.

Business Entities must register all company-owned or operated vehicles through the County Tax Commissioner office in the jurisdiction where the business is located. This includes fleet vehicles, delivery trucks, and employee-operated company vehicles.

Licensed Dealers use special dealer plates for business operations and vehicle demonstrations, with specific registration requirements through the Georgia Department of Revenue.

Interstate Commercial Operations may utilize the International Registration Plan (IRP) for apportioned registration of commercial vehicles operating across state lines, coordinated through Georgia's Motor Vehicle Division.

What Types of Vehicles Need Registration in Georgia

Georgia requires registration for numerous vehicle categories, with specific requirements based on vehicle type, weight, and intended use:

Passenger Vehicles:

Cars, trucks, SUVs, and vans of all sizes
Hybrid and electric vehicles
Converted vehicles and kit cars
Vehicles used for rideshare or transportation network services

Motorcycles and Motor-Driven Vehicles:

Motorcycles of all engine sizes
Motor scooters exceeding 50cc engine displacement
Three-wheeled motorcycles and trikes
Autocycles and similar motor-driven cycles

Commercial and Heavy Vehicles:

Commercial trucks and tractors
Delivery vehicles and cargo vans
Tow trucks and recovery vehicles
Vehicles with gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) over 10,000 pounds
Semi-trailers and combination vehicles

Buses and Public Transportation:

School buses (privately owned)
Charter and tour buses
Church and organization buses
Paratransit and shuttle vehicles

Recreational Vehicles:

Travel trailers and fifth-wheel trailers
Motor homes and recreational vehicles
Camper trailers and pop-up campers
Boat trailers and utility trailers over 2,000 pounds

Trailers and Towed Vehicles:

Utility trailers exceeding 2,000 pounds gross weight
Equipment trailers and car haulers
Commercial trailers and semi-trailers
Manufactured home transport trailers

Antique and Classic Vehicles:

Vehicles 25 years or older qualifying for antique vehicle registration
Street rods and modified classic vehicles
Collector vehicles with restricted usage

Special Categories:

Neighborhood Electric Vehicles (NEVs) operating on designated roadways
Low-Speed Vehicles (LSVs) meeting federal safety standards
Emergency vehicles privately owned or operated by volunteer organizations

Vehicles manufactured in 1986 or newer require Georgia titles for registration, while older vehicles may use alternative ownership documentation.

Which Vehicles Are Exempt From Registration in Georgia

Georgia provides specific exemptions from registration requirements for various vehicle categories operating under special circumstances:

Agricultural Equipment:

Farm tractors used exclusively for agricultural purposes
Self-propelled farm equipment operating between fields
Agricultural implements and machinery
Farm trailers used solely for agricultural operations on private property

Government Vehicles:

Federal government vehicles displaying appropriate federal plates
State of Georgia vehicles operated by government agencies
County and municipal government vehicles
Public school district vehicles and buses

Military Tactical Vehicles:

Military vehicles used for official government purposes
National Guard vehicles during authorized operations
Military convoy and transport vehicles with federal registration

Off-Highway Vehicles:

All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) restricted to private property use
Off-road motorcycles and dirt bikes
Utility task vehicles (UTVs) not modified for highway use
Vehicles participating in Georgia's Off-Highway Vehicle Program Golf Carts and Low-Speed Vehicles:
Golf carts operating exclusively on golf courses
Golf carts used on private property or designated cart paths
Personal transportation devices under 25 mph maximum speed

Private Property Vehicles:

Construction equipment operating solely on job sites
Mining and industrial vehicles restricted to private property
Warehouse and facility maintenance vehicles
Airport ground support equipment

Special Registration Alternatives:

Mopeds with engines under 50cc (registration optional)
Self-propelled wheelchairs and mobility devices
Electric personal assistive mobility devices
Utility trailers 2,000 pounds or less (permanent registration available)

Vehicles qualifying for exemptions must not operate on public roadways unless specifically authorized by local ordinances or special permits.

What Do You Need To Register a Car in Georgia

Registering a vehicle in Georgia requires specific documentation, inspections, and fee payments that vary based on the vehicle's history and registration type:

Required Documents:

Completed Form MV-1 Title and Tag Application
Valid Georgia driver's license or Georgia identification card
Proof of ownership (vehicle title, Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin, or bill of sale)
Proof of Georgia liability insurance (electronically verified by insurance company)
Lien documentation if vehicle is financed
Form T-8 Limited Power of Attorney if someone else handles registration

VIN Inspection Requirements: Out-of-state vehicles require VIN verification performed by County Tax Commissioner staff or authorized personnel. The inspection confirms vehicle identification numbers match title documentation and detects potential issues with stolen or altered vehicles.

Safety and Emissions Inspections: Georgia requires emissions testing for gasoline-powered vehicles in 13 metro Atlanta counties: Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, Coweta, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry, Paulding, and Rockdale. Testing applies to model years 3 years old and older, excluding the three most recent model years. Vehicles must pass inspection at Clean Air Force certified stations before registration.

Fees and Taxes:

Title Ad Valorem Tax (TAVT): 7% of fair market value for existing residents (3% for new residents)
Title Fee: $18 for new titles
Registration Fee: $20 annual registration
License Plate Fee: $5 for standard plates
County Administrative Fees: Vary by county, typically $5-$15
Handling Fees: Additional county-specific processing charges

Sales Tax: Vehicles purchased after March 1, 2013, pay TAVT instead of traditional sales tax. Pre-2013 vehicles remain subject to annual ad valorem tax calculated on current market value.

Timing Requirements:

Private party purchases: 7 business days from purchase date
Dealer purchases: 30 days from purchase date
New residents: 30 days from establishing residency
Late penalties: 10% penalty plus potential fines for expired registration

Where to Register Your Vehicle in Georgia

Georgia operates vehicle registration through 159 County Tax Commissioner offices rather than state-level DMV facilities. Each county office serves residents within their specific jurisdiction and provides comprehensive registration services.

Major County Tax Commissioner Offices:

Fulton County Tax Commissioner
Atlanta Government Center, 141 Pryor Street SW, Suite 2097, Atlanta, GA 30303
Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
(404) 612-7990
Fulton County Tax Commissioner

DeKalb County Tax Commissioner
3560 Kensington Road, Decatur, GA 30032
Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
(404) 298-4000
DeKalb Tax Commissioner

Gwinnett County Tax Commissioner
75 Langley Drive, Lawrenceville, GA 30046
Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
(770) 822-8800
Gwinnett Tax Commissioner

Cobb County Tax Commissioner
736 Whitlock Avenue, Suite 100, Marietta, GA 30064
Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
(770) 528-8300
Cobb Tax Commissioner

Clayton County Tax Commissioner
121 South McDonough Street, Jonesboro, GA 30236
Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
(770) 477-3350
Clayton County Tax Commissioner

State Agency Coordination:

Georgia Department of Revenue - Motor Vehicle Division
4125 Welcome All Road, Atlanta, GA 30349
Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
(855) 406-5221
Georgia Department of Revenue

A complete directory is available at the County Tag Offices locations page.

Authorized Third-Party Agents: Many counties authorize Georgia MV Express kiosks at grocery stores, shopping centers, and government facilities for registration renewals and specific services. These self-service stations provide rapid processing for eligible transactions.

Can I Register a Vehicle Online in Georgia?

Georgia's DRIVES e-Services portal provides comprehensive online vehicle services, though certain transactions require in-person processing at County Tax Commissioner offices.

Available Online Services:

Vehicle registration renewals for eligible vehicles
Address changes for existing registrations
Duplicate registration certificate requests
Vehicle registration cancellation
TAVT tax estimation calculator
Insurance verification and fine payments
Title status inquiries and verification

Online Registration Renewal Requirements:

Current Georgia driver's license with correct address
Vehicle registration not expired more than 30 days
Valid Georgia liability insurance on file with electronic verification
Current emissions inspection certificate (if required by county)
No outstanding violations, fines, or administrative holds
Renewal notice with Letter ID or license plate number

Limitations Requiring In-Person Processing:

Initial vehicle registration from out-of-state
Title transfers between owners
Lien additions or releases
VIN corrections or amendments
Military exemption applications
Antique or specialty plate applications
Commercial vehicle registrations exceeding certain weight limits

Official Online Portal: The DRIVES e-Services system operates 24 hours daily with periodic maintenance windows for system updates. Users must create accounts with Georgia driver's license verification before accessing services.

Payment Methods: Online services accept major credit cards, debit cards, and electronic bank transfers. Convenience fees apply to electronic payments, typically $2.50 for credit cards and $1.00 for electronic checks.

When Does Vehicle Registration Expire in Georgia

Georgia employs a birthday-based registration expiration system unique among U.S. states, where individual vehicle registrations expire at midnight on the owner's birthday rather than at month's end.

Individual Registration Terms:

Registration expires on the owner's birthday annually
Joint ownership: expires on the first-listed owner's birthday
Registration period: 12 months from initial registration date
Renewal available 30-60 days before expiration (varies by county)

Business and Fleet Registrations:

Commercial vehicles follow business-designated renewal schedules
Fleet registrations may use staggered renewal dates
International Registration Plan (IRP) vehicles renew according to federal schedules

Registration Sticker Information: Georgia issues validation stickers displaying:

Month and year of expiration
County of registration
License plate number validation
Anti-counterfeiting security features

Validity Requirements:

Continuous liability insurance coverage through electronic verification
Current emissions inspection (metro Atlanta counties)
Accurate address information on file
Payment of all registration fees and taxes

Consequences of Expired Registration:

$25 minimum fine for operating with expired registration
10% penalty on renewal fees
Potential vehicle impoundment for extended violations
Insurance complications for claims involving expired registrations
Accumulating daily penalties in some counties

Special Schedules:

Antique vehicles: May qualify for permanent registration with one-time fee
Trailers under 2,000 pounds: Permanent registration option available
Military deployment: Extensions available with proper documentation
Seasonal vehicles: Some counties offer seasonal registration programs

Registration notices mail automatically 30-45 days before expiration dates, though vehicle owners remain responsible for timely renewal regardless of notice receipt.