Georgia
Title Fee
$18.00
Sales Tax Rate
Other Tax Rate
7.0%
Who must title a vehicle in Georgia?
Title is required for all vehicles, campers, travel trailers, motorcycles, vessels, and outboard motors over 25 hp (unless exempt).
Exempt: U.S. government vehicles (unless registered in GA), agricultural/horticultural equipment, ATVs/ORVs, trailers/tow dollies ≤2,000 lbs., motorcycles ≤50cc, special mobile equipment, some older vehicles, and others.
Manufactured/mobile homes (1963 and newer) must be titled; separate title for each unit unless combined as real property.
Who issues titles and where are applications submitted?
Georgia Department of Revenue, Motor Vehicle Division.
Application for Title (MV-1) is submitted to the County Tag Office in county of residence.
Fee: $18.00. Expedited service available for $10.00 extra.
What documents are needed as proof of ownership?
New vehicles: Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MCO).
Used vehicles: Certificate of Title.
Non-title states: Valid registration certificate and original, signed bills of sale showing chain of ownership.
Government surplus: SF97-1.
Foreign vehicles: Foreign docs, FMVSS/EPA/NHTSA/CBP compliance, and English translation if needed.
How are special titles or brands handled?
Bonded titles for vehicles 1986+ with missing paperwork (bond = 2x value, 4 years).
Conditional Title for vehicles 1962 or older.
Brands: Assembled, Bonded, Court Order, Fire/Flood Damage, Hull Damaged, JTWROS, Buyback, Odometer Discrepancy, Rebuilt, Salvage, Stolen/Unrecovered, Undisclosed Liens, and more.
Out-of-state brands are carried forward.
Salvage: Required for vehicles needing two or more major component replacements or total loss.
Rebuilt: Requires licensed rebuilder, inspection, and documentation before title and registration.
How are duplicate/corrected titles handled?
Lost title: MV-1 application, $8.00 fee.
Corrections: Affidavit of Correction (T-11) and supporting docs.
Expedited processing: +$10.00.
Other notes:
Odometer disclosure required (exempt for 2010 or older, trailers, trucks >16,000 lbs.).
VIN inspection required for untitled, government surplus, bonded, and certain other vehicles.
Are electronic signatures accepted?
Yes, for most documents and title applications.
What taxes apply to vehicle purchases/registrations?
Title Ad Valorem Tax (TAVT): 7.0% of retail selling price or fair market value (3.0% for new residents, 0.5–1.0% for certain vehicles). Paid at time of titling instead of sales/use tax and annual ad valorem tax.
Annual Ad Valorem Tax: For vehicles not subject to TAVT (older vehicles, trailers, IRP vehicles, campers, etc.), based on fair market value and tax district.
Sales/Use Tax: 4.0% state rate + local tax for trailers, campers, mobile/manufactured homes, IRP vehicles, vessels, and aircraft (not subject to TAVT); credit allowed for like taxes paid to another state.
Trade-in credit: Allowed for TAVT and sales tax.
Exemptions: Nonresident purchases, family transfers, certain business transactions, IRP vehicles, and more.
Other taxes/fees:
Alternative Ad Valorem Tax: For apportioned vehicles (IRP), based on weight.
Mobile homes: Assessed as real property if affixed; otherwise, subject to annual property tax.
Federal Heavy Vehicle Use Tax: Proof required for vehicles ≥55,000 lbs.
How are liens recorded and perfected?
Lien info is entered on MV-1 application; $18.00 fee.
Lien is perfected as of creation date if filed within 30 days, otherwise as of receipt.
ELT (Electronic Liens and Title) program required for most lenders; paper titles issued only on request.
How are liens released or assigned?
Lien must be released within 10 days of satisfaction; new title sent to next lienholder or owner.
Assignment: Submit MV-1 with contract between old and new lienholder.
Lien expires after 10 years (4 years for vehicles ≥12 years old); no release required after expiration.
How does repossession work in Georgia?
Lienholder may repossess without judicial process if peaceful.
Submit Affidavit of Repossession (T-16), current title, application, and fees.
Lienholder may assign title to new owner without obtaining a “repo title.”
Out-of-state repossessions accepted with proper documentation.
Other notes:
Mechanic’s liens and labor/storage liens must be processed per statute (certified mail, public notice, court order if necessary).
Department of Revenue
PO Box 740382, Atlanta, GA 30374-0382
4125 Welcome All Road, Atlanta, GA 30349
855.406.5221
Enforcement Agency:
Georgia Department of Revenue, Motor Vehicle DivisionPO Box 740382, Atlanta, GA 30374-0382
4125 Welcome All Road, Atlanta, GA 30349
855.406.5221
GA DOR Motor Vehicle Division
Additional Regulatory/Enforcement Contacts:
Georgia State Patrol959 United Avenue SE, Atlanta, GA 30316
404.624.7451
Key Regulations:
DOR manages titling, registration, tax collection, liens, and repossession.
State Patrol and DOR enforce vehicle laws and safety.
Insurance required: $25,000/$50,000/$25,000 minimum; higher for TNCs/commercial.
Emission inspection required annually in 13 metro counties for gasoline cars/light trucks ≤8,500 lbs. (exemptions for new, old, diesel, motorcycles, etc.).
Title records kept 5 years; registration records 3 years.
One plate issued; transferable to replacement vehicle.