How long do I have to register a vehicle in Georgia?

Georgia registration is administered by county tag offices under the Department of Revenue Motor Vehicle Division.

1. Deadlines

New residents: 30 days from establishing residency (O.C.G.A. § 40-2-20).

Purchased vehicle: 30 days for title application; tag transfer at same time (§ 40-3-32).

Penalty doubles for repeat 30-day late filers.

2. Required Documents

Original title (or out-of-state title and registration).

Form MV-1 (Title/Tag Application).

Proof of insurance: 25/50/25 minimum (§ 33-7-11). GA uses electronic verification — agents check insurer database directly.

Valid GA driver license.

Emissions inspection for gasoline vehicles 3 to 25 model years old in 13 Atlanta-metro counties.

Affidavit of Correction (T-11) if title has errors.

3. Fees

Title fee: $18.

Tag fee: $20 (annual).

TAVT (Title Ad Valorem Tax): 7% of fair market value (one-time at purchase; replaces annual ad valorem since 2013).

EV fee: $213.69/year (§ 40-2-151, adjusted annually).

Alternative fuel decal: $35 if using HOV lanes.

4. Penalties

Late title application: $10 penalty + 10% TAVT if filed >30 days late.

Driving without registration: misdemeanor, fine up to $100 (§ 40-2-8).

Lapsed insurance: $25/day fine + license suspension after 10 days (§ 40-6-10).

5. Emissions Testing

Required for 1996 and newer gasoline vehicles in Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, Coweta, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry, Paulding, and Rockdale counties.

6. Online Renewal

Renew tags at eservices.drives.ga.gov. Initial titling requires in-person visit to county tag office.

This is legal information, not legal advice.