Vehicle Registration & Tags

When you register your vehicle, you’re officially transferring the title into your name and getting your tag. You can complete much of the vehicle registration tasks online through the Georgia Drives eService.

However, you can also visit the tax commissioner's office for personalized assistance. Whichever method you choose, the information below is designed to inform you about and guide you through the process.

Title Ad Valorem Tax (TAVT)

Since March 1, 2013, Georgia has changed the way motor vehicles are taxed. If you bought your vehicle after this date and it’s titled in Georgia, you no longer have to worry about sales tax or the annual ad valorem tax, often called the “birthday tax.” Instead, you’ll pay a one-time Title Ad Valorem Tax (TAVT) when you title your vehicle. This tax is based on your vehicle’s fair market value as determined by the state, and the rate can change each year. The TAVT applies whether you bought your vehicle from a dealer or a private seller, but it doesn’t apply to non-titled vehicles like trailers. (They’re still subject to the annual ad valorem tax.) If your vehicle was purchased before March 1, 2013, you’ll continue to pay the annual ad valorem tax on your birthday.

Documentation Requirements for New Registrations

If you're new to Georgia, you'll need five documents to register your vehicle. They're dependent on whether or not the vehicle has a lien.

Registration Renewals

You’ll need to renew your vehicle registration before midnight on your birthday. If there’s more than one name on the title, the renewal is based on the birthday of the first person listed. On the other hand, if you've just bought a new vehicle, you'll need to make sure to get it registered within 30 days of the purchase.

Fees

When it’s time to register your vehicle or handle other title and tag-related tasks, here’s what you can expect in terms of fees:

Type Amount
Passenger Vehicle Tag Fee $20
Title Transfer Fee $18
Trailer Fee $12
Replacement Tag, Decal, or Title $8
Highway Impact Fee (for vehicles between 15,500 and 26,000 pounds) $50
Highway Impact Fee (for vehicles weighing more than 26,001 pounds) $100
Truck Tag Fee (for combined vehicle and load weight of 14,000 pounds or greater) Based on gross vehicle weight rating

Trailers with a gross vehicle weight of less than 2,000 pounds do not have to be titled in Georgia. However, you will need to provide the previous registration and/or bill of sale.

Handicapped Parking Placards & License Plates

The Georgia Department of Revenue (GaDOR) offers two different types of vehicle attachments that legally provide parking accommodations for disabled people: window placards and license plates. Eligibility is determined by the type a person's specific disability and must be verified by a licensed physician through a completed Disabled Person's Parking Affidavit/Form MV-9D, which must be turned in to the tax commissioner. Each tag has distinct physical characteristics: blue for permanent, red for temporary, and gold for special equipment. There are no set deadlines to apply for a handicapped placard or license plate, but their respective valid-through durations are different. Most last for 4 years. However, temporary placards are good for only 180 days.

To determine your eligibility, refer to the GaDOR's comprehensive list of disability qualifiers.

Tag Renewals

You can renew your vehicle tag a few different ways, but you'll first need to gather your driver's license number and your vehicle's license plate number or VIN. Once you have that, you can complete the process online, or you can download, print and complete, and return the form to the tax commissioner by mail or in person.

Renewals must be done by the primary owner's birth date for individuals or by the last day of the month for businesses. A late registration penalty of 10 percent of the tax and 25 percent of the tag fee applies immediately after the due date.

Payment methods include check, debit/credit cards, or cash.