What you need to get a Georgia title

Georgia issues a vehicle title through the Department of Revenue, not through your local tag office. You will need to submit an process form, proof of ownership, and identification to the county tag office where you plan to register the vehicle. The tag office then forwards your paperwork to the state for processing.

The state issues one title per vehicle. If you are buying from a dealer, the dealer usually handles the title process as part of the sale. If you are buying from a private seller, transferring ownership from another state, or registering a vehicle you already own, you will need to start the process yourself.

Key Takeaways

  • Georgia titles are issued by the state Department of Revenue, but you submit your process at your county tag office in person.
  • You will need the signed title from the previous owner, a bill of sale, your driver's license, and proof of a Georgia address to start the process.
  • Processing typically takes two to four weeks after the tag office submits your paperwork to the state.
  • If the previous owner's name is misspelled on the title or the title is damaged, you may need to request a corrected or duplicate title before you can transfer ownership.

Documents to bring to the tag office

Bring the signed title from the previous owner. The seller must sign the back of the title in front of you or a notary; a title signed in advance without a witness present may not be accepted. If the title is from out of state, bring that original document.

Bring a bill of sale showing the purchase price, the date of sale, and the names and signatures of both buyer and seller. You can use the form provided by the Georgia Department of Revenue, or write your own as long as it includes those details. Bring your valid driver's license or state ID card and proof of your Georgia address—a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days works.

If the vehicle has a lien (the seller still owes money on it), bring the lender's written consent to the title transfer. If you are registering a vehicle you inherited, bring the death certificate and a copy of the will or probate order naming you as the owner.

Where to submit your process

Go to the tag office in the county where you live or where you plan to keep the vehicle. You cannot mail the process to the state directly; it must go through your county tag office. Find your county tag office location and hours on the Georgia Department of Revenue website under "Tag Offices."

Bring all original documents. The tag office staff will review them for completeness and then send them to the state. Some tag offices allow you to schedule an appointment online; others operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Call ahead to confirm what your office requires.

What happens after you submit

The tag office gives you a receipt showing the date your process was submitted. Keep this receipt. The state processes applications in the order received, and processing typically takes two to four weeks. During this time, you can drive the vehicle using your receipt as proof of process.

The state mails the completed title to the address you provided on the process. If you do not receive it within four weeks, contact the tag office where you submitted the process. They can check the status with the state and resubmit if there was an error.

Correcting errors on an existing title

If the previous owner's name is misspelled on the title, or if the title is torn, water-damaged, or illegible, you cannot transfer ownership using that title. You must first get a corrected or duplicate title from the state.

The previous owner must request the correction or duplicate from the tag office in the county where they live. They will need to bring their driver's license and proof of address. If the previous owner is unavailable or deceased, contact the tag office for instructions on how to proceed—you may need a court order or notarized statement.

Registering a vehicle you already own

If you own a vehicle outright and have never registered it in Georgia, or if you are moving to Georgia and need to transfer your title from another state, the process is similar. Bring the out-of-state title, your driver's license, proof of a Georgia address, and a bill of sale or purchase receipt showing the price you paid.

Some states require an inspection before you can transfer the title. Georgia does not require a pre-title inspection for most vehicles, but if your vehicle is older than 10 years or has high mileage, the tag office may ask you to have it inspected by a certified mechanic. This is to confirm the vehicle identification number (VIN) matches the title and that the odometer reading is accurate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a title if the previous owner won't sign it?

No. The previous owner's signature on the back of the title is required to transfer ownership. If the seller refuses to sign, you do not legally own the vehicle and cannot register it. If you have already paid for the vehicle, you may need to contact a lawyer about your options.

What if I lose the receipt the tag office gave me?

Call the tag office where you submitted your process. They can look up your submission in their system and provide you with a new receipt or confirmation number. You will need your driver's license and the vehicle identification number (VIN).

How long can I drive on the receipt before the title arrives?

You can drive the vehicle using the receipt for up to 30 days while your title is being processed. After 30 days, you should have received the completed title in the mail. If you have not, contact the tag office when ready.

Do I need a notary for the bill of sale?

No. A bill of sale does not need to be notarized in Georgia. Both the buyer and seller must sign it, but they can sign it together without a notary present. The title itself must be signed by the previous owner, but that signature also does not require notarization.

What if the vehicle has two owners listed on the title?

Both owners must sign the back of the title to transfer ownership. If the title says "and" between the names, both must sign. If it says "or," only one needs to sign. Bring both owners' driver's licenses and proof of address if both are present, or a notarized power of attorney from the absent owner.