Change Car Registration in Georgia
When transferring ownership of a vehicle or buying a new or used vehicle in Georgia, you must transfer or apply for a title and registration. You must also make sure that you have valid car insurance to drive a vehicle in Georgia and a Georgia driver's license or other valid driver's license.
How Do I Transfer my Vehicle Registration From County to County in Georgia?
If you are moving from one county to another in Georgia, you can easily change your vehicle title and driver's license address. If you already have a Georgia license plate, you will not be required to get a new license plate.
You can change your address using online title and registration services or visit your county tag office.
How Long Do I Have to Pay my Car Registration in Georgia?
Georgia law requires you to register your car in Georgia within 30 days of moving to the state of Georgia. New Georgia residents must register their car within this initial registration period or risk penalties if a law enforcement officer stops them.
Before moving to Georgia, you should contact your insurance company to update your insurance details from when you started residing in Georgia.
How Do I Get a Copy of my Car Registration in Georgia?
If you lose your car registration, you should get a copy as soon as possible as Georgia law requires you to keep a copy in your vehicle.
There are several ways that you are able to order a copy of your vehicle registration, including:
- Visit Georgia's local county tag office to complete the Replacement Registration Certificate (Form MV-5) application.
- Mail the application for your local county tag office with the payment (check or money order only).
- Complete the form using an online service for a duplicate vehicle registration. You will need your vehicle identification number or license plate number as proof of ID (driver's license or ID).
Duplicate registration certificates have a fee of $8.
What Do I Need to Change my Address on my Car Registration in Georgia?
If you move address, you must have it changed on your Georgia driver's license or ID card. Once you have updated it, you can then update the address on your vehicle registration using online services.
You will require your:
- License plate number or VIN
- Driver's license number or Letter ID
- Proof of residency (utility bill, lease, deed or closing statement)
Where to Do a Car Registration in Georgia?
To get a new vehicle registration in Georgia you will require a valid Georgia driver's license. Once you have your Georgia driver's license, you can register your motor vehicle and apply for a Georgia title.
You will register your vehicle at the county tag office by completing a MV-1 Title/tag Application and you will need to take proof of vehicle ownership and insurance. You will also need to pay the registration fees and may be subject to Title Ad Valorem Tax.
Some counties will also require emissions inspections, so you should check whether this is applicable before you start the registration process.
If you lease the vehicle, the county tax office will contact your leasing company by mail requesting the submission of your out-of-state title for the issuance of a Georgia title. It may be helpful to have your original lease agreement so that you can provide the leasing company's name and details.
Georgia Vehicle Registration Fees
The standard fee for a license plate registration is $20 for a regular passenger car or lightweight pick-up truck. To replace a license plate, the fee is $8.
Renewing Registration in Georgia
Once you have transferred your motor vehicle registration and updated your address, you should receive a registration renewal notice prior to the expiry.
You can complete your annual registration renewal using online services.
FAQ
How Do I Transfer Vehicle Registration in Georgia?
If you move to Georgia you are required to register your vehicle within 30 days of starting your Georgia residency.
When you buy newly purchased vehicles in Georgia, you must transfer the ownership of the motor vehicle. To transfer a Georgia license plate, you must go to your county tag office.
The tag transfer process is relatively easy, as long as you have completed the vehicle's original valid title with all the required information. If the vehicle is older than 1985, you would require a bill of sale.
The manufacturer's certificate can be used if you do not have the title. Vehicle registrations are transferred using the Form MV-1 Title/Tag Application.
How Much Does it Cost to Transfer Registration to Georgia?
The fee for transferring registration in Georgia is $20 and the title fee is $18.
Do I Have to Change my Car Registration if I Move to Georgia?
Yes, if you move to Georgia from another state, you will require a Georgia driver's license and you will be required by law to obtain a Georgia registration.
You will have 30 days to change your car registration when you move to Georgia; failure to do so could result in a penalty.
Do All GA Counties Have the Same Requirements for Vehicle Registration?
A number of counties in Georgia require emissions inspection for vehicles manufactured over three years ago. They are:
Clayton, Cherokee County, Clayton, Cobb, Coweta, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnet, Henry, Paulding and Rockdale.
You will require proof that the motor vehicle passed inspection before you are able to register your car. A vehicle inspection can be completed by any MOT center in Georgia.
