Posted on

A Georgia vehicle registration binds GA residents to the vehicles they own. In the state of Georgia, the registration process for vehicles is handled by the Georgia Motor Vehicle Division (MVD). Vehicle registration is completed at the same time as vehicle titling.

Below is a step-by-step guide to registering your personal car, truck, motorcycle and boat in Georgia.

New Residents of Georgia

New residents of the Peach State have 30 days from the date they establish residency to register their vehicle with the Georgia Motor Vehicle Division (MVD).

Before a vehicle can be registered in the state of Georgia, residents must:

  • Obtain an active auto insurance policy that meets GA state standards.
  • Have a valid Georgia driver’s license.
  • Complete a vehicle inspection, if applicable (see “Vehicle Inspections” below).

GA residents must also title their vehicle when they register it. Residents of Georgia need to bring proof of ownership documentation, such as:

  • Out-of-state title or lienholder information (Only if the title has a lien)

or

  • The current registration certification (if the previous state did not provide vehicle titles)

If the resident’s previous state/country did not provide titles, new GA residents are required to provide a Certificate of Inspection (Form T-22B) that needs to be completed by a law enforcement officer or County Tag agent of Georgia. (See “Vehicle Inspections” below)

Steps to Register a Vehicle in the State of Georgia

When Georgia residents are ready to complete your motor vehicle registration, you must go to their County Tag Office’s and present the following documents:

  • A completed Tag/Title Application (Form MV-1).
  • Proof of a valid Georgia auto insurance policy
  • A valid GA driver’s license or state ID card
  • Proof of Georgia residency documentation, such as a:
    • Lease or closing statement for your new residence.
    • Utility bill.
    • Shipper’s bill or truck rental agreement.
    • Vehicle ownership (e.g. out-of-state title, registration certificate, lienholder information).
    • Vehicle inspection, if required (see “Vehicle Inspections”).
  • Payment for all applicable vehicle registration, title, and tax fees (see “Vehicle Registration Fees”).

Georgia automobile registrations are valid for 1 year. Some counties have different renewal cycles.

For any further questions, contact the County Tag Office’s Tag office or the GA MVD help desk at (855) 406-5221.

Registering a Vehicle in Georgia

Georgia residents have 7 days from the date of purchase or acquisition (e.g. gifted, inherited, family-transferred, etc.) of a new vehicle to register it with the GA Motor Vehicle Division (MVD).

Before going to register a new vehicle, residents of Georgia need to bring:

  • Proof of a valid GA auto insurance policy.
  • A completed vehicle inspection, if applicable (see “Vehicle Inspections”).

Residents of Georgia will also have to title their vehicle when they register it.

Vehicles Purchased from a Dealership in Georgia

When individuals purchase a new or used vehicle from a dealership, the dealer will issue temporary tags that are valid for 30 days. In these 30 days, individuals need to register their vehicle with Georgia MVD, or transfer an existing registration/license plate to their new vehicle.

The dealer will apply for the vehicle title on behalf of the new owner, but the dealer will not handle registering the vehicle. GA residents are responsible for registering their vehicle themselves.

If the dealer does NOT obtain the vehicle’s title transfer before the temporary tag’s expiration date, Georgia residents can apply for an extension at their local Tax Commissioner’s office.

Residents of Georgia need to provide:

  • The dealer-issued vehicle registration tag.
  • A completed Application to Extend the Registration of a Motor Vehicle Purchased from a Georgia Motor Vehicle Dealer (Form T-226).
  • Proof of ownership (dealer invoice or Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin)
  • Valid GA driver’s license.

Documentation that Georgia residents use as proof of ownership of a vehicle need to be in the resident’s full legal name.

Registering a Non-Leased Vehicle in Georgia

To complete a non-leased vehicle registration in the state of Georgia, residents need to visit their local County Tag Office with the following items:

  • A valid GA driver’s license or state ID card.
  • Proof of a valid GA auto insurance policy
  • Documentation to show proof of ownership to title the vehicle such as:
    • Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin signed over to you.
    • The previous owner’s title signed over to you.
    • Current vehicle registration certificate signed over to you.
  • Proof of Georgia residency, such as:
    • Lease agreement.
    • Utility bill.
    • Paycheck stub with printed address.
  • Proof of inspection, if applicable (see “Vehicle Inspections”).
  • Payment for all applicable registration fees, title fees, and sales tax.

The full legal name of the owner must be present on all documents that are used to show proof of ownership.

Vehicle registration is valid for 1 year. Once this time expires, GA residents need to renew their vehicle registration.

For information regarding vehicle registration in Georgia call (855) 406-5221.

Registering a Leased Vehicle in Georgia

Leased vehicle titles must be in the lessor’s name. Individuals are not permitted to register a leased vehicle with the GA Motor Vehicle Department unless:

  • A Georgia title has already been issued in your leasing company’s name.
    Or
  • A GA resident applies to title their vehicle in their leasing company’s name when they register it.

Residents of the Peach State can visit their local County Tag office and present the following documents:

  • A completed Tag/Title Application (Form MV-1).
  • Proof of a valid auto insurance policy in Georgia
  • Power of attorney from the vehicle’s leasing company or the lease agreement, which is required to include the lessor’s authorization that allows an individual to register the vehicle.
  • Titling documentation, if required.
  • Georgia driver’s license or state ID card.
  • Proof of Georgia residency, such as:
    • Utility bill.
    • Lease agreement.
  • Proof the vehicle has passed a vehicle inspection, if applicable (see “Vehicle Inspections”).
  • Payment for all necessary vehicle registration fees, taxes, and titling fees (see “Vehicle Registration Fees”).

Transfer Your Registration & Tags

Residents of Georgia may transfer Georgia tags (i.e. license plates) from a vehicle they no longer own to a new vehicle they recently purchased or acquired as long as:

  • The license plate type and price are the same (e.g. passenger car to passenger car but not trailer to passenger car).
  • Individuals complete the tag transfer within 30 days of acquiring your vehicle.

If the new vehicle is not already titled in the GA resident’s name, they need to complete the titling process either before or when they transfer their tag between vehicles.

Residents of Georgia must go to their County Tag Office and present the following items:

  • Valid GA driver’s license or state ID card.
  • The GA auto registration certificate for the vehicle they no longer own (Note: a legible copy is acceptable).
  • A completed Tag/Title Application (Form MV-1).
  • The valid title in the legal name of the vehicle owner for the new vehicle.
  • Proof of a valid auto insurance policy for the state of Georgia
  • Proof the vehicle completed and passed inspection, if applicable
  • Payment for the tag transfer fee that applies to the vehicle owner listed on the form.

Georgia Vehicle Registration Fees

GA MVD vehicle registration fees vary depending on factors such as:

  • The type of vehicle an individual owns (e.g. car, truck, for-hire vehicle, etc.)
  • The type of license plate a GA resident orders (standard vs. specialty plate).
  • Applicable titling fees
  • Ad valorem tax (the market value of a vehicle), which varies according to the county.

For more information regarding vehicle registration fees in Georgia, contact a County Tag Office or the GA MVD help desk at (855) 406-5221.

Vehicle Inspections in Georgia

Emissions Inspections

If a vehicle is to be registered in one of the following counties, then GA residents will have to complete a smog and emissions inspection:

  • Cherokee.
  • Clayton.
  • Cobb.
  • Coweta.
  • DeKalb.
  • Douglas.
  • Fayette.
  • Forsyth.
  • Fulton.
  • Gwinnett.
  • Henry.
  • Paulding or Rockdale County.

VIN Inspections

Residents of the Peach State who wish to register their vehicle that is currently registered in a different that does not provide vehicle titles, need to have a vehicle identification number (VIN) inspection performed by a county tag agent or a state law enforcement officer.

The inspecting agent will complete a Certificate of Inspection (Form T-22B). Residents of Georgia will need to present this certificate of inspection in addition to their vehicle registration paperwork.

Georgia Vehicle Registration Exemptions

The following vehicles are not required to be registered or titled with the Georgia Motor Vehicle Division (MVD):

  • Mopeds.
  • Motorized carts.
  • All-terrain vehicles (ATVs).
  • Off-road vehicles.

Additionally, certain non-Georgia residents are not required to register their vehicles while temporarily living in the state of Georgia.

Motorcycle Registration in Georgia

In order to operate a motorcycle in Georgia, residents of this state are required to maintain current registration.

New Georgia Residents

Upon establishing Georgia residency, new residents have 30 days to register their motorcycle with the GA Motor Vehicle Division (MVD).

Prior to registering a motorcycle, residents need to:

  • Apply for a Georgia motorcycle license
  • Have proof of an active GA motorcycle insurance policy
  • Visit a local law enforcement agent for a vehicle inspection.
    • The law enforcement officer will complete a Certificate of Inspection by a Duly Constituted Georgia Law Enforcement Officer (Form T-22B)

This inspection is ONLY required if the vehicle is coming from a state that DOES NOT require a title.

  • Complete an Affidavit of Fact for a Motorcycle or Motor Scooter (Form T-228) and have it notarized.

Once this step is complete, GA residents can appear at their local county tag office and present a completed:

  • Motor Vehicle Title/Tag Application (Form MV-1).
    • Statement of Title Held by Lienholder, Security Interest Holder of Leasing Company(Form T-17) IF the motorcycle is being leased

The processing office will contact the lienholder.

  • Affidavit of Fact for a Motorcycle or Motor Scooter(Form T-228 (This form must be notarized)
    • Certificate of Inspection by a Duly Constituted Georgia Law Enforcement Officer (Form T-22B) from the law enforcement officer.

ONLY required if the vehicle is coming from a state that DOES NOT require a title.

  • The current title for the motorcycle (or, if the title is unavailable, your registration or Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin).
  • A valid GA driver’s license.
  • Payment for the registration fee of $20, plus all other applicable fees and taxes.

County tag offices in Georgia have varying registration requirements for new residents of the Peach State.

Registering Your Motorcycle

Resident’s of Georgia who have recently purchased a new or used motorcycle, need to register it to avoid any traffic citations and penalties. The process varies by whether the motorcycle was purchased from a GA dealership or a private seller.

Dealer-Bought Motorcycles

Motorcycles purchased from a GA dealer are often registered by the dealer. Residents will receive a temporary license plate so they can apply immediately for motorcycle registration with the GA Motor Vehicle Division.

Before the temporary tag for the motorcycle expires, residents need to submit the following:

  • Proof of ownership, such as the motorcycle’s title or Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin
    • If the motorcycle is being leased, GA residents are required to submit a Statement of Title Held by Lienholder, Security Interest Holder or Leasing Company (Form T-17).
  • A completed:
    • Motorcycle Vehicle Title/Tag Application (Form MV-1).
    • Affidavit of Fact for a Motorcycle or Motor Scooter (Form T-228)—the dealer should notarize this form.
    • Certificate of Inspection by a Duly Constituted Georgia Law Enforcement (Form T-22B) — GA residents should receive this form from the motorcycle dealer.
      • This certificate is ONLY required if the vehicle is coming from a different state that DOES NOT require a title.
  • A valid Georgia motorcycle license or ID.
  • Proof of a valid GA motorcycle insurance policy
  • Payment for the base registration fee of $20 for motorcycles plus any applicable taxes and fees.

Residents of Georgia who need more time to register can submit a completed Application to Extend Initial Registration Period for a Motor Vehicle Purchased from a Georgia Motor Vehicle (Form T-226) to a local tag office for an extension of the temporary plate for an additional 30 days. You’ll also need your:

  • Dealer invoice or bill of sale.
  • Original temporary license plate.

Private Motorcycle Purchases

Residents of GA need to register a privately purchased vehicle within 7 days of buying it. Once the seller has signed the title, submit the following:

  • The completed and signed title.
  • The motorcycle is model year (IF 1985 or older, it does not require a title; instead, submit a Bill of Sale
  • A completed:
    • Motor Vehicle Title/Tag Application (Form MV-1).
    • Affidavit of Fact for a Motorcycle or Motor Scooter (Form T-228) — the seller needs to notarize this form
    • Certificate of Inspection by a Duly Constituted Georgia Law Enforcement (Form T-22B) from the seller.
      • If the seller did NOT have the motorcycle inspected before signing the title over, individuals need to do this themselves at their local law enforcement agency.
      • This form is only required if the motorcycle is coming from a state that DOES NOT require a title.
  • Proof of a valid Georgia motorcycle insurance policy
  • Valid Georgia driver’s license or ID.
  • Payment for the registration fee of $20, plus any other applicable taxes and fees.

Submit the above either in person or by mail to a local county tag office:

Motorcycle Registration Fees & Taxes in Georgia

Motorcycles may be subject to the following fees for registration and renewals:

  • Motorcycle registration: $20.
  • Title: $18.
  • Sales tax: Varies by county.
  • Ad valorem tax: Based on the market value of your motorcycle; varies by county.
  • County taxes or surcharges: Varies by county.

Anyone who operates a boat in Georgia will have to deal directly with the Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

GA Boats Requiring Registration

Georgia boat owners are required to register their boat with the Georgia DNR if it is:

  • Mechanically propelled.
  • A sailboat measuring longer than 12 ft.

The only vessels exempt from GA boat registration are:

  • Boats used strictly on private ponds or lakes.
  • Sailboats less than 12 ft. that are not mechanically propelled.
  • Rowboats, canoes, kayaks, and rubber rafts without mechanical propulsion.

Boat Registration in Georgia

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources allows Georgia residents to register their vessel online, by mail, or over the phone.

Boats that were built after 1972, need to have a hull identification number (HIN) to be registered. If individuals own a post 1972 boat without a HIN can:

  • Request the HIN from the boat’s manufacturer (if it’s still in business).
  • Complete a DNR hull identification number inspection

GA boat owners can initiate the boat registration process, by gathering the following items:

  • A completed Vessel Registration Application (REV 2017).

(Individuals who are applying online can fill out the application on the computer.)

  • An acceptable proof of ownership document
  • A Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin if the boat is brand new and has never been registered before.

New residents of Georgia who have an out-of-state vessel need to present:

  • The vessel’s title
    • Registration (if from a non-titling state).

To complete the registration process, submit the required documents to the DNR:

(Georgia residents who are completing the registration process online can do so by clicking here and following the required steps.)

By mail to:

GA Department of Natural Resources
P.O. Box 934943
Atlanta, GA 31193

By calling (800) 366-2661 and providing the documents via:

Call the GA Department of Natural Resources at (800) 366-2661 with any additional questions regarding registering a boat.

Boat Registration Fees in Georgia

The registration fees associated with registering a vessel with the GA DNR are as follows:

  • Initial/renewal boat registration (determined by the length of the boat):
    • 16 ft or under (class A): $35.
    • 16 ft to 26 ft (class 1): $70.
    • 26 ft to 40 ft (class 2): $140.
    • 40 ft or longer (class 3): $210.
  • Duplicate registration: $1.
  • Marine Toilet Certificate: $5.
  • Late renewal fee: $10.
  • Transaction fee for submitting an application for:
    • Original registration by mail, phone, or online: $10.
    • Online registration renewal: $8.
    • Duplicate registration by mail or phone service fee: $10.
    • Duplicate registration online service fee: $8.

Georgia Boater Qualifications

In Georgia, a person’s agedetermines the types of vessels they’re legally allowed to operate AND whether they’re required to complete a boater education course.

GA residents who are:

  • Younger than 12 years old:
    • Cannot operate any boat more than 16 ft. in length.
    • Can operate boats less than 16 ft. in length that are:
      • Non-motorized.
      • 30 horsepower or less while accompanied by someone who’s at least 18 years old.
  • 12 to 15 years old:
    • Can operate vessels less than 16 ft. long, including personal watercraft:
      • Unsupervised if they have completed a boater safety course.
        Or
      • Accompanied by an adult who’s at least 18 years old.
  • 16 years old or older:
    • Can operate any vessel as long as they have proper identification (e.g. driver’s license or identification card) AND have completed a boater safety course (if applicable to their age).

Accepted Forms of Payment

The GA DMV accepts various forms of payments, including:

  • Debit/Credit card
  • Visa
  • MasterCard
  • Discover
  • American Express

Some GA DMVs may also accept cash, but residents of Georgia need to make sure they take an accepted form of payment to any GA DMV location.

Leave a Reply