How to Renew Motor Vehicle Registration in Georgia?
Vehicle registration renewal is required for all Georgia residents to maintain legal driving privileges. The Georgia Department of Revenue Motor Vehicle Division oversees the state's vehicle registration system, while county tax commissioner offices handle registration services throughout the state.
Georgia Vehicle Registration Renewal Requirements
Essential Documentation and Requirements
Georgia vehicle owners must satisfy the following requirements when renewing their registration:
- Valid Georgia Driver's License: Current Georgia driver's license or state-issued identification card for all registered owners
- Vehicle Identification: License plate number or Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- Driver's License Number or Letter ID: Available on renewal notice for online transactions
- Current Georgia Liability Insurance: Proof of active Georgia liability insurance coverage on file with the state (if applicable)
- Emissions Inspection Certificate: Passing vehicle emissions inspection certificate (if required in your county)
Renewal Timeline and Grace Period
- Annual Renewal System: Georgia requires vehicle registration renewal every year
- Birthday Expiration System: For individuals, vehicle registrations expire at midnight on the owner's birthday
- 90-Day Early Renewal Window: Vehicle registrations may be renewed up to 90 days before the expiration date in participating counties
- Renewal Notice Distribution: Renewal notices are mailed approximately 60 days before the expiration date as a courtesy service
- No Grace Period: There is no grace period after the birthday deadline; late penalties apply immediately
- Responsibility for Renewal: Vehicle owners remain responsible for timely renewal regardless of whether they receive a renewal notice
Georgia Registration Renewal Schedule
Georgia operates on an individual birthday-based expiration system for personal vehicle registrations. Each vehicle's registration expires on the registered owner's birthday, creating personalized renewal cycles throughout the year.
Registration Period Variations:
- Individual Owners: Registration expires on owner's birthday
- Business Entities: Business registration renewals in counties with year-round registration follow a set schedule determined by the first letter of the business’s name.
- Fleet Vehicles: Special fleet registration programs available with different renewal schedules
- County-Specific Requirements: Some counties may have additional requirements or different processing procedures
How Much Is Car Registration Renewal in Georgia in 2025
2025 Georgia Vehicle Registration Fee Schedule
The following table shows the base registration fees established by the Georgia Department of Revenue:
| Fee Type | Amount | Description |
|---|---|---|
| License plate registration or renewal fee | $20.00 | Regular passenger car or lightweight pickup truck |
| Original title application fee | $18.00 | Required for vehicles needing Georgia title |
| Title fee for ownership change or lien modification | $18.00 | Transfer of ownership or lien addition/deletion |
| Replacement title fee (lost or stolen) | $8.00 | Replacement title with legend showing replacement status |
| Replacement license plate or decal | $8.00 | Standard replacement fee |
| Mailing fee | $1.00 | Document mailing service |
Specialty License Plate Fees
| License Plate Type | Replacement Fee | Additional Manufacturing Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Standard license plates | $8.00 | N/A |
| Prestige license plates | $43.00 | $8.00 replacement + $35.00 manufacturing |
| Specialty license plates | Varies | $8.00 replacement + $25.00-$35.00 manufacturing |
Additional Taxes and Fees
| Fee Component | Rate/Amount | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Title Ad Valorem Tax (TAVT) | Varies | Based on vehicle purchase price or fair market value |
| Sales tax (where applicable) | Varies | Subject to vehicle price/value |
| Emissions inspection | Varies | Required in metro Atlanta counties |
| Online processing fee | 2.29% (minimum $1.00) | Added to DRIVES e-Services transactions |
Penalties and Late Fees
| Penalty Type | Amount | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Late registration penalty | 10% of ad valorem tax + 25% of license plate fees | Ad valorem penalty has $5.00 minimum |
| Title application penalty | $10.00 | Failure to apply for title within 30 days |
| Insurance lapse fee | $25.00 | Failure to maintain continuous liability coverage |
| Insurance reinstatement (first offense) | $60.00 | Registration cancellation due to insurance lapse |
| Insurance reinstatement (second offense) | $60.00 | Second registration cancellation |
| Insurance reinstatement (multiple offenses) | $160.00 | More than two offenses in five-year period |
How To Renew Vehicle Registration Online in Georgia
Online Renewal Availability
Georgia offers online vehicle registration renewal through the Georgia DRIVES e-Services platform in participating counties. Online services operate 24 hours daily and provide convenient renewal options for eligible vehicles.
Eligibility Requirements for Online Renewal
County Participation: Online renewal is available in many but not all Georgia counties. Check your renewal notice to determine if your county participates in the DRIVES e-Services program.
Required Conditions:
- Valid Georgia driver's license with correct address information
- Current liability insurance on file with the state (if applicable)
- Passing emissions inspection certificate on file (if required in your county)
- No outstanding registration stops or violations
Online Renewal Process
Step 1: Access Georgia DRIVES e-Services
- Visit the Georgia DRIVES e-Services website
- Select "Renew Vehicle Registration" from available services
- Check your renewal fee estimate before beginning the process
Step 2: Gather Required Information
- License plate number or Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- Georgia driver's license number or Letter ID (found on renewal notice)
- Current registration information
- Payment method: debit card, credit card, or electronic check
- Renewal notice (recommended for reference)
Step 3: Complete Online Transaction
- Enter license plate number or VIN for vehicle identification
- Provide driver's license number or Letter ID for owner verification
- Verify insurance coverage and emissions inspection status (if applicable)
- Review all renewal fees, taxes, and convenience fees
- Submit payment through secure online processing
- Print confirmation receipt for temporary use
Step 4: Receive Registration Documentation
- Receive email confirmation of successful renewal
- New registration certificate and decal mailed within 2-3 weeks
- If documents not received within 30 days, contact your County Tag Office
- Display new registration decal immediately upon receipt
Alternative Renewal Methods
Self-Service Kiosk Renewal
Georgia MV Express Self-Service Tag Kiosks are available in participating counties:
- Locate kiosks at select retail locations and government buildings
- Scan barcode on renewal notice or enter license plate information
- Provide last four digits of Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- Complete transaction using credit card or cash (where available)
- Receive printed registration certificate and license plate decal immediately
In-Person Renewal
Visit your County Tag Office for in-person service:
- Bring renewal notice or current registration certificate
- Present valid Georgia driver's license or state identification
- Provide proof of current Georgia liability insurance (if required)
- Submit passing emissions inspection certificate (if required)
- Pay all applicable fees using accepted payment methods
- Receive new registration and decal same day
Mail-In Renewal
Follow instructions on your renewal notice for mail renewal:
- Complete renewal form with all required information
- Include payment by check or money order (no cash accepted)
- Mail to the address specified for your county
- Allow additional processing time for mail service
- Ensure correct mailing address (some counties have different physical and mailing addresses)
Contact Information
Georgia Department of Revenue - Motor Vehicle Division
4125 Welcome All Road
Atlanta, GA 30349
Phone: (678) 413-8400
Official Website: Georgia Department of Revenue
Georgia Department of Driver Services
P.O. Box 80447
Conyers, GA 30013
Customer Contact Center: (678) 413-8400
Official Website: Georgia DDS
Customer Service Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM (EST)
