Register a Vehicle

Related: Driving and Owning a Vehicle, Vehicle Registration

If you own or lease a vehicle in Georgia, you must register it with the state.

The first time you register your vehicle, you will need to do it in person or by mail with your County Tag Office. 

New residents should register their vehicle no more than 30 days from the date they move to Georgia. 

Georgia residents who have purchased a vehicle from another individual must register it within 7 business days from the date of purchase. 

Georgia residents who purchase a car from a dealer have 30 days from the date of purchase to apply for registration. Although dealers are not legally required to submit your registration application on your behalf, some do so as a courtesy. Be sure to ask the dealer at the time of purchase whether or not they will be submitting your application for you.

If you fail to register by your deadline, you face penalties ranging from $100 to more than $1,000.

Related: Driving and Owning a Vehicle, Vehicle Registration

How Do I … Register a Vehicle?

  • Gather What You’ll Need

    The vehicle registration process and requirements can vary from county to county, so you should call your County Tag Office to make sure you have everything you need to complete your registration. Generally, you will need the following in order to register your vehicle in Georgia:

    • The location of your County Tag Office
    • Valid Georgia driver’s license or ID card
    • A completed Form MV-1 Title and Tag Application (you can do this online or print and fill out the form by hand).
    • A passing emissions inspection certificate, if applicable
    • Proof of ownership (Examples: bill of sale, vehicle title, Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin)
    • Proof of insurance
    • Form of payment for fees (contact your County Tag Office to find out what forms of payment are accepted as well as what fees you should be prepared to pay)
    • Form of payment for taxes (contact your County Tag Office to find out what forms of payment are accepted); note, Georgia has two different types of vehicle taxes:
      • Annual Ad Valorem Tax (AAVT) – Vehicles purchased before March 1, 2013,  are subject to AAVT; the amount of this tax changes based on the current value of your vehicle. Estimate your AAVT.
      • Title Ad Valorem Tax (TAVT) – If you purchased your vehicle after March 1, 2013, or if you have moved to the state of Georgia since then, you will need to pay a one-time TAVT when you title your car in Georgia; the amount of this tax is determined by multiplying your vehicle’s fair market value by the rate of the tax at the time of purchase. Estimate your TAVT.

  • Register Your Vehicle

    After ensuring you have all the required documents, etc., you can complete your registration in person or by mail. Please note, it is typically faster to complete the vehicle registration process in person versus by mail.

    • Register by mail
      • Find the mailing address of your County Tag Office.
      • Mail all required payments, documents, and fees to that address; some offices have different addresses for mail and in-person service, so be sure to check that you have the right one. Also, be sure to make copies of everything for your own records.
    • Register in person
      • Find the physical address and operating hours of your County Tag Office.
      • Bring all required payments, documents, and fees to that address during their operating hours; some offices have different addresses for mail and in-person service, so be sure to check that you have the right one. Also, be sure to make copies of everything for your own records.

  • Next Steps

    • Once your paperwork is processed, you should receive your registration within two to three weeks. If you do not receive your registration within 30 days, you should follow up with your County Tag Office.
    • When it’s time to renew your registration (your birthday month), you will have the option of doing it online, in person or by mail via your County Tag Office, or at a Georgia MV Express Self-Service Tag Kiosk (in participating counties).

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This information was prepared as a public service of the State of Georgia to provide general information, not to advise on any specific legal problem. It is not, and cannot be construed to be, legal advice. If you have questions regarding any matter contained on this page, please contact the related agency.

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