Where to renew your Georgia tags

You can renew your Georgia vehicle tags at your county's Department of Driver Services office, online through the Georgia DMV website, or by mail. The online option is fastest if your vehicle has a current inspection and you have no outstanding violations or liens. County offices are located in every Georgia county and handle renewals in person, usually while you wait. Mail renewal takes longer but works if you prefer not to visit an office.

The Georgia DMV website (georgia.gov/dds) lets you renew online if your registration is current and your vehicle passed inspection within the past 12 months. You'll need your current tag number, vehicle identification number (VIN), and a payment method. Online renewal costs the same as in-person renewal and takes effect when ready after payment.

Key Takeaways

  • Georgia tags renew every 12 months, and you can renew online, by mail, or at your county Department of Driver Services office.
  • Your vehicle must have a current Georgia safety inspection before you renew tags, and the inspection sticker must be on your windshield.
  • Renewal costs vary by vehicle weight and type, but you can find the exact fee on the Georgia DMV website or ask at your county office.
  • If you renew online or by mail, your new tags arrive by mail within one to two weeks; in-person renewal lets you leave with tags the same day.
  • You must renew before your current tags expire, or you risk a fine and cannot legally drive the vehicle.

What you need before you renew

Your vehicle must have a current Georgia safety inspection. The inspection sticker goes on your windshield and is valid for 12 months from the date of inspection. If your inspection expires before your tags expire, you must get a new inspection before you can renew tags. You cannot renew online or by mail without a current inspection.

Gather your current vehicle registration card, your vehicle's VIN (found on the dashboard or registration), and your tag number. If you're renewing in person, bring a valid photo ID. If you're renewing by mail, include a check or money order for the renewal fee—do not send cash. The renewal fee depends on your vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), which is listed on your registration card.

Check the Georgia DMV website to confirm your vehicle has no outstanding violations, unpaid traffic fines, or liens. If any of these exist, you cannot renew online or by mail; you must visit your county office in person to resolve them before renewing.

Renewing online through the Georgia DMV

Go to georgia.gov/dds and select the vehicle registration renewal option. Enter your tag number, VIN, and the last four digits of your driver's license number. The system will pull up your vehicle information and show you the renewal fee. Review the fee, then enter your payment information (credit card or debit card). You'll receive a confirmation number when ready.

Your new tags will arrive by mail within one to two weeks. You can drive legally with your old tags until the new ones arrive. Once the new tags arrive, remove the old ones and attach the new ones to your vehicle's front and rear license plate holders. Keep the registration card that comes with the tags in your vehicle.

Renewing by mail

Request a renewal form from your county Department of Driver Services office or read it from the Georgia DMV website. Fill out the form completely, including your vehicle information, current tag number, and VIN. Include a check or money order for the exact renewal fee (do not send cash). Mail the form and payment to the address listed on the form.

Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the office receives your mail. Your new tags and registration card will arrive by mail. You can continue driving with your old tags until the new ones arrive. If you don't receive your new tags within three weeks, contact your county office to confirm they received your renewal.

Renewing in person at your county office

Bring your current registration card, a valid photo ID, and proof of a current Georgia safety inspection. Go to your county Department of Driver Services office during business hours. Wait times vary by location and time of day; many offices are busier on Fridays and near the end of the month. Some counties offer online appointment scheduling to reduce wait time.

The staff will verify your vehicle information, confirm your inspection is current, and collect the renewal fee. You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. You'll receive your new tags and registration card on the spot and can leave with them when ready. This is the fastest way to get new tags if you need them right away.

Renewal fees and what affects the cost

Georgia renewal fees are based on your vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), not on the vehicle's age or value. A passenger car typically costs less to renew than a truck or SUV. The fee also includes a $20 title ad valorem tax (TAVT) if you registered the vehicle in Georgia for the first time within the past three years; after that, TAVT is not charged again.

You can find the exact fee for your vehicle on the Georgia DMV website by entering your GVWR, or ask the staff at your county office. The fee is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. If your vehicle is registered to a business, the fee may be different; ask your county office for business registration renewal rates.

What happens if your tags expire

Driving with expired tags is illegal in Georgia. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can receive a citation and fine. Your vehicle may also be subject to impound if the tags are significantly overdue. Renew your tags before the expiration date shown on your current registration card.

If your tags have already expired, you can still renew them at your county office in person. Bring your current registration card, photo ID, and proof of a current inspection. The renewal fee is the same; there is no additional penalty fee for renewing late. However, do not drive the vehicle on public roads until your new tags arrive or you renew in person and receive new tags when ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my tags if my inspection sticker has expired?

No. Your vehicle must have a current Georgia safety inspection before you renew tags. If your inspection has expired, you must get a new inspection first. Once you have a current inspection sticker on your windshield, you can renew your tags online, by mail, or in person.

How long does it take to get new tags by mail?

New tags arrive within one to two weeks if you renew online, and two to three weeks if you renew by mail. You can drive with your old tags until the new ones arrive. If you need tags when ready, renew in person at your county office and leave with them the same day.

What if I move to a different county in Georgia?

You do not need to re-register your vehicle when you move within Georgia. You can renew your tags at any county office or online, regardless of which county you live in now. Your registration remains valid until the expiration date on your current card.

Can I renew my tags online if I have a lien on my vehicle?

No. If your vehicle has a lien, you must renew in person at your county office. Bring your registration card, photo ID, and proof of inspection. The lienholder's information must be current in the system; if it is not, contact your lienholder to update it before you renew.

Do I need to renew my tags if I sell my vehicle?

No. When you sell your vehicle, the new owner must register it in their name. You do not renew tags for a vehicle you no longer own. Return your old tags to your county office or destroy them, and notify the Georgia DMV that you no longer own the vehicle.