DeKalb County registration happens through the county's Tag and Title office, not through the state

DeKalb County Tag and Title is the office that handles vehicle registration for anyone living in DeKalb County, Georgia. You cannot register a vehicle through the Georgia Department of Revenue — you must go through your county office. The Tag and Title office issues your registration decal (the sticker that goes on your windshield) and handles renewals, transfers, and duplicate tags.

The office is located at 1300 Commerce Drive, Decatur, GA 30030. You can visit in person during business hours, which are typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., though hours may vary seasonally. Before you go, check the DeKalb County website or call ahead to confirm current hours and any temporary closures.

Registration in DeKalb County requires proof of ownership, proof of residency, and a valid Georgia driver's license or ID. You will also need to pay the registration fee, which varies based on your vehicle's weight and age. Bring your title or proof of ownership document with you.

Key Takeaways

  • DeKalb County Tag and Title at 1300 Commerce Drive in Decatur handles all vehicle registration for the county.
  • You need your vehicle title or proof of ownership, proof that you live in DeKalb County, and a valid Georgia ID to register.
  • Registration fees depend on your vehicle's weight and age, and you pay at the time of registration.
  • Your registration decal is valid for one year from the month you register, and renewal notices are mailed to your address on file.

What documents you need to bring

Bring your vehicle title or a bill of sale if you recently bought the car. If you are registering a vehicle you already own and the title is in your name, bring the original title document. If the title is held by a lender, bring a letter from the lender authorizing registration, or bring the title itself if you have it.

You also need proof of residency in DeKalb County. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail with your current address works. The document must show your name and a DeKalb County address, and it should be dated within the last 60 days.

Bring a valid Georgia driver's license or ID card. Out-of-state licenses are not accepted for registration purposes. If you do not have a Georgia ID yet, you will need to get one from the Georgia Department of Driver Services before you can register your vehicle in DeKalb County.

If someone else is registering the vehicle on your behalf, bring a power of attorney document signed by you, or bring written permission with your signature. The person registering must also bring their own ID.

Registration fees and payment

DeKalb County charges a registration fee based on your vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), which is the maximum weight the vehicle is designed to carry. The fee also depends on whether your vehicle is new, used, or a commercial vehicle. Fees range but typically fall between $20 and $50 for standard passenger vehicles, though heavier vehicles or specialty registrations may cost more.

You pay the fee at the time you register. The Tag and Title office accepts cash, check, and card payments. If you are renewing by mail or online (if that option becomes available), payment instructions will be included with your renewal notice.

Some vehicles may may have access to for reduced fees or exemptions — for example, vehicles owned by disabled veterans or certain nonprofit organizations. Ask the staff at the Tag and Title office whether your vehicle qualifies for any fee reduction.

How long registration takes and when it expires

If you register in person at the Tag and Title office, you receive your registration decal the same day. The decal is valid for one year from the month you register. For example, if you register in March, your registration expires in March of the following year.

About 30 days before your registration expires, the Tag and Title office mails a renewal notice to the address on file. The notice includes instructions for renewing by mail or in person. You can renew before the expiration date, and your new registration will begin on the date your current one ends.

If you miss the renewal important date, you can still renew, but you may owe a late fee in addition to the standard registration fee. Driving with an expired registration decal is a traffic violation in Georgia.

Registering a vehicle you just bought

If you bought a vehicle from a dealer, the dealer usually handles the initial registration paperwork and sends it to the Tag and Title office on your behalf. You will receive your decal in the mail within a few weeks. During that time, you should have a temporary tag or temporary registration document from the dealer.

If you bought a vehicle from a private seller, you must register it yourself. Bring the signed title (with the seller's signature in the transfer section), your proof of residency, your Georgia ID, and payment for the registration fee. The Tag and Title office will process the transfer and issue your decal.

If the title has a lien on it (meaning the vehicle is financed), bring the lender's authorization letter or the title itself if you have it. Some lenders hold the title until the loan is paid off, in which case you will need written permission from the lender to register the vehicle.

Renewing your registration

You can renew your registration in person at the Tag and Title office, or by mail if you received a renewal notice. To renew by mail, fill out the renewal notice, include your payment, and mail it to the address shown on the notice. Processing by mail typically takes one to two weeks.

When you renew, bring or send your current registration decal, your renewal notice, and payment. If your address has changed, bring proof of your new DeKalb County address. If your vehicle information has changed (for example, you repainted it or replaced the engine), tell the staff — they may need to update your registration record.

If you renew before your current registration expires, your new decal will be valid starting the day your old one ends. There is no gap in coverage.

Replacing a lost or damaged decal

If your registration decal is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement at the Tag and Title office. Bring your current registration document (or a copy), proof of residency, and your Georgia ID. There is usually a small replacement fee, typically around $5 to $10.

If your decal was stolen, you may want to file a police report first, though it is not required to get a replacement. The Tag and Title office can issue a new decal the same day you request it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I register my vehicle online or by phone?

DeKalb County Tag and Title does not currently offer online registration for new vehicles or transfers. You must register in person or by mail if you are renewing. Call the office at the number listed on the DeKalb County website to confirm whether online services have been added since this was written.

What if I move out of DeKalb County but keep my vehicle?

If you move to another Georgia county, you must re-register your vehicle in that county. Bring your current DeKalb registration, your title, proof of residency in the new county, and your Georgia ID to the new county's Tag and Title office. If you move out of Georgia, you will need to register your vehicle in your new state.

Do I need to register a vehicle if I only drive it occasionally?

Yes. Any vehicle you drive on public roads in Georgia must be registered, regardless of how often you drive it. The only exception is if the vehicle is permanently stored off-road and never driven on public streets.

What happens if I drive with an expired registration?

Driving with an expired registration decal is a traffic violation. You can be stopped by police and issued a citation. Renew your registration before the expiration date shown on your current decal to avoid this.

Can I transfer my registration to a new vehicle?

No. Each vehicle has its own registration. When you buy a new vehicle, you register it separately at the Tag and Title office. Your old registration ends when you sell or trade in the old vehicle. You cannot move a registration from one vehicle to another.