Register your car in Georgia through the Department of Revenue, not your county

Georgia vehicle registration happens through the Georgia Department of Revenue, not your local county office. You'll submit your documents to them either by mail, in person at a service center, or through an authorized third party like a tag agency. The process takes about two weeks by mail, same-day if you go in person. You'll need your title, proof of ownership, proof of Georgia residency, and a completed registration form.

The state charges a base registration fee that varies by vehicle weight and type. You'll also pay any applicable county tag fees on top of that. If your car is financed, your lender's name must appear on the title before you register. If you're moving to Georgia from another state, you have 30 days from establishing residency to register your vehicle here.

Key Takeaways

  • Georgia registration is handled by the Department of Revenue, and you can complete it by mail, in person, or through a tag agency without visiting a county office.
  • You need your title, proof of ownership, proof of Georgia residency, and a completed Form T-14 or MV-1 depending on whether your vehicle is new or used.
  • Registration fees depend on your vehicle's weight and type, plus any county tag fees that vary by location.
  • If you're registering a financed vehicle, your lender must be listed on the title before you submit your registration.
  • New Georgia residents have 30 days from establishing residency to register an out-of-state vehicle.

Documents you need before you start

Gather these items before you contact the Department of Revenue or visit a service center. You'll need the original or certified copy of your vehicle title showing you as the owner. If the title is in someone else's name, you'll need a bill of sale or power of attorney. You'll also need proof of Georgia residency—a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government-issued ID with your Georgia address all work.

Bring a completed registration form. For a used vehicle, that's Form MV-1. For a new vehicle, use Form T-14. Both are available on the Georgia Department of Revenue website. You'll also need proof of a passing vehicle inspection if your car is used and was previously registered out of state. If your vehicle is financed, bring documentation showing your lender's name and address.

Where to register: mail, in person, or tag agency

You have three paths to register. By mail: Send your completed form, title, proof of residency, and a check or money order to the Georgia Department of Revenue, Motor Vehicle Division, P.O. Box 740381, Atlanta, GA 30374. Processing takes about two weeks. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope if you want your documents returned.

In person: Visit any Georgia Department of Revenue service center. Locations are in Atlanta, Columbus, Savannah, and several other cities. You can find the full list and hours on the Department of Revenue website. Bring all original documents and payment. Same-day registration is possible if you arrive early and the office is not busy.

Through a tag agency: Many counties have authorized tag agents who handle registration on behalf of the state. They charge a small fee on top of the state registration fee, but the process is often faster than mail. Search "tag agency near me" plus your county name to find one nearby. Call ahead to confirm they handle new registrations, not just renewals.

Registration fees and what affects the cost

Georgia's base registration fee depends on your vehicle's gross weight rating (GWR)—the maximum weight it can safely carry, including cargo. Vehicles under 5,000 pounds pay one rate; vehicles 5,000 to 10,000 pounds pay another; vehicles over 10,000 pounds pay a third. You'll find your vehicle's GWR in the owner's manual or on the driver's side door jamb.

On top of the state fee, you'll pay a county tag fee that varies by county. Some counties charge a flat amount; others charge based on vehicle value or weight. Your county's fee is set locally and can range from under $20 to over $100 depending on where you live. When you register, the Department of Revenue will calculate both the state and county portions and tell you the total before you pay.

If your vehicle is financed, you may also pay a lienholder fee. Vehicles registered as commercial or for-hire pay higher rates than personal vehicles. Disabled veterans and certain other groups may receive fee reductions—ask the Department of Revenue or your tag agency whether you may have access to.

Timeline: how long registration takes

By mail, expect two to three weeks from the date the Department of Revenue receives your documents. The state processes applications in the order received, so submitting early in the week or early in the month may be slightly faster. In person at a service center, you can walk out with your registration the same day if you arrive with all documents and payment ready.

Through a tag agency, turnaround is usually one to three business days. Some agencies can print your tag on the spot; others mail it to you. Call the agency you plan to use and ask their specific timeline. If you're registering a vehicle you just bought, don't drive it on public roads until you have your registration and tag—Georgia law requires both.

Registering an out-of-state vehicle when you move to Georgia

If you're relocating to Georgia with a vehicle registered in another state, you have 30 days from the date you establish Georgia residency to register it here. Establishing residency means getting a Georgia driver's license, enrolling in school, or signing a lease or mortgage—whichever comes first. After 30 days, you cannot legally drive the vehicle on Georgia roads.

To register an out-of-state vehicle, you'll need your current out-of-state title or registration, proof of Georgia residency, and a passing Georgia vehicle inspection. The inspection verifies that your vehicle meets Georgia safety and emissions standards. You can get an inspection at any Georgia inspection station—the Department of Revenue website lists them by county. The inspection costs around $25 to $35 and takes about 15 minutes.

Bring your inspection report, your out-of-state title, and proof of residency to the Department of Revenue or a tag agency. If your out-of-state title is in someone else's name, you'll need a bill of sale or power of attorney from that person. The state will issue you a Georgia title and registration in your name.

What to do if your title is lost or held by a lender

If you've lost your title, contact the Georgia Department of Revenue and request a duplicate. You'll need to fill out Form MV-5 and provide proof of ownership, such as a bill of sale, insurance documents, or your previous registration. The duplicate title takes about two weeks by mail. You cannot register your vehicle without a title, so request the duplicate as soon as you realize it's missing.

If your vehicle is financed, your lender holds the title as security. The lender's name appears on the title as the lienholder. You can still register the vehicle—in fact, you must—but the registration will show the lender's interest. When you pay off the loan, the lender will release the title to you, and you can then register the vehicle in your name alone. Do not attempt to register a financed vehicle without the lender's name on the title; the registration will be rejected.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I register my car online in Georgia?

Georgia does not offer full online registration for new vehicles. You must submit your title and proof of residency in person or by mail. However, you can renew an existing Georgia registration online through the Department of Revenue website if your vehicle is already registered in the state.

What if I buy a car from a private seller?

Get a bill of sale signed by both you and the seller. The bill of sale should include the vehicle's VIN, the sale price, the date, and both signatures. Bring the bill of sale, the title signed over to you, proof of residency, and your completed registration form to the Department of Revenue or a tag agency. If the title is not yet in your name, the state will issue a new title as part of the registration process.

Do I need a vehicle inspection before I register?

You need an inspection only if you're registering an out-of-state vehicle or if your Georgia vehicle's inspection has expired. If you're buying a used car from a Georgia dealer or private seller and it's already registered in Georgia, no new inspection is required at registration time. However, all Georgia vehicles must pass an annual safety and emissions inspection to keep their registration valid.

What happens if I register late?

Driving without a current Georgia registration is illegal and can result in a fine. If you move to Georgia and don't register within 30 days, you risk a citation. If you realize you're past the important date, register when ready. The state does not charge a penalty fee for late registration, but law enforcement can stop you for an expired tag.

Can someone else register my car for me?

Yes, if you give them a power of attorney document signed by you. The person acting on your behalf must bring the power of attorney, your title, proof of your residency, and the completed registration form. A notary can prepare a power of attorney, or you can use a form from the Georgia Department of Revenue website. The person registering the vehicle does not need to be a Georgia resident.