How to Register a Car in Georgia

If you are a new resident of Georgia, just purchased a new or used vehicle, or are transferring ownership of a vehicle you need to apply to register your car in the state.

For a newly purchased vehicle or ownership transfer, you have 30 days from the date you officially become the vehicle’s owner to complete the registration. If you recently moved to the Peach State, you have 30 days from the date you established residency in the state to complete your vehicle registration.

How much does it cost to register a car?

There is a flat rate registration fee of $20 for all regular passenger cars or lightweight pick-up trucks. Other vehicles and their fees vary according to the motor vehicle schedule. 

There is an $18 fee for new titles issued by the state. An extra $10 fee is charged for in person applications or ones submitted via expedited mail service. There is also an $8 title replacement cost.

Requirements to register your car in Georgia

You can complete a title application and license plate registration at your County Tag Office or via mail.

The following information is required:

• Valid Georgia license or ID card.
• Vehicle’s original title with all buyer and seller information completed. Title must be assigned to you using your full legal name as it appears on your driver’s license. If title is not available, a manufacturer’s certificate of origin or a registration certification from a non-title state/county is required. If transferred from a non-title state/country, provide a properly completed Form T-22B Certification of Inspection.
• Completed MV-1 DOR Motor Vehicle Title/Tag Application.
• Proof of car insurance.

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Renewing your Georgia vehicle registration

You should receive a renewal notice by the beginning of your registration month. If you do not receive the notice, contact your County Tag Office. License plates can be renewed one of the following ways:

1. Online – Some counties offer renewal using DRIVE e-Services, this will be on your renewal notice if your county participates. To renew online you will need the following:

• License plate number or VIN.
• Driver’s license number or Letter ID. Letter IDs can be found on your renewal notice.
• All registration fees, taxes, and convenience fees, which must be paid by debit card, credit card, or electronic check.
• If you live in a participating county, proof that your vehicle has passed emission’s inspection.

2. Self-Serve Kiosk - Residents in participating counties can take advantage of Self-Service Kiosks. After a successful renewal, documents print instantly at the kiosk. To use a Self-Service Tag Kiosk, you must have:

• Valid Georgia State driver’s license.
• Renewal notice with correct address.
• Proof of Georgia liability insurance.
• If you live in a participating county, proof that your vehicle has passed emission’s inspection.
• Payment for all fees and/or taxes due.

3. In-Person or Mail-in Renewal - Vehicle Registrations can be renewed at your County Tag Office. The following information is required:

• Renewal notice.
• Valid Georgia driver’s license or ID card.
• Proof of Georgia liability insurance.
• If you live in a participating county, proof that your vehicle has passed emission’s inspection.
• Payment for all fees and/or taxes due.

If You Lose Your Registration

If you lose your registration, you can request a new one. The request must be submitted in the same registered owner’s name that the current Georgia registration certificate was issued under. To complete the process, an original completed and signed MV-5 application must be submitted to any County Tag Office in the state.

Drivers in Georgia who need to replace a lost car registration may also need to get a sticker replacement. Motorists who lose the registration sticker that goes on their license plate may need to visit their local MVD to receive a Georgia sticker replacement. These drivers should call their nearest tag agency.

In Georgia, the fee for a replacement vehicle registration is only $1. Payment can be made by check or money order.

Registering a specialty license plate

You can apply for a specialty license plate at your County Tag Office through the same process you use to apply for a standard plate. Additional charges apply for specialty license plates.

Military license plates

Military tags require form DD-214 to show eligibility. Surviving spouses may transfer some military license plates from their deceased spouse by providing the Veteran’s death certificate, tag receipt, and marriage certificate.

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