Transferring a Car Title in Georgia
Steps and fees to transfer a vehicle title in Georgia when you buy, sell or inherit a car, and the deadline to register after moving.
Short answer: The seller completes the title assignment on the back of the Georgia title in blue or black ink (buyer's full legal name and address, sale date, odometer reading) and signs; the buyer also signs. Georgia DOR, Transfer Vehicle Titled in Georgia; Motor Vehicles Fees, Fines, and Penalties; Vehicle Inherited or Purchased from an Estate
| Transferring a car title | The seller completes the title assignment on the back of the Georgia title in blue or black ink (buyer's full legal name and address, sale date, odometer reading) and signs; the buyer also signs. Giving or accepting a title assigned in blank is a misdemeanor (fine up to $100 or up to 30 days in jail). Buyers have 30 days from the purchase or transfer date to apply for title at their County Tag Office; the title fee is $18, the annual registration fee $20, and Title Ad Valorem Tax applies. For an inherited vehicle, bring Form MV-1, the title in the deceased's name, certified Letters Testamentary or Year's Support (or a T-20 Affidavit of Inheritance), and a certified death certificate. Fees and 30-day rule: https://dor.georgia.gov/motor-vehicles/vehicle-registration-license-plates/motor-vehicles-fees-fines-and-penalties ; estate page: https://dor.georgia.gov/vehicle-inherited-or-purchased-estate |
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| Registering after you move | New Georgia residents must apply for a Georgia driver's license within 30 days of becoming a resident (the out-of-state license is surrendered; tests are generally waived unless it has been expired more than 2 years), and must register their vehicles within 30 days of moving to Georgia at the County Tag Office, after getting the Georgia license or ID. Registration requires proof of Georgia liability insurance, and residents of 13 metro Atlanta counties (Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, Coweta, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry, Paulding and Rockdale) need an emissions inspection. New residents pay a 3% Title Ad Valorem Tax, an $18 title fee and a $20 registration fee. DDS page: https://dds.georgia.gov/georgia-licenses-ids-and-permits/new-license-id-or-permit/new-georgia-residents-and-out-state/how |
More Georgia car insurance & vehicle laws
- Minimum Car Insurance in Georgia
- Driving Without Insurance in Georgia
- SR-22 Insurance in Georgia
- When a Car Is a Total Loss in Georgia
- All Georgia car insurance & vehicle laws rules
FAQ
How do you transfer a car title in Georgia?
The seller completes the title assignment on the back of the Georgia title in blue or black ink (buyer's full legal name and address, sale date, odometer reading) and signs; the buyer also signs. Giving or accepting a title assigned in blank is a misdemeanor (fine up to $100 or up to 30 days in jail). Buyers have 30 days from the purchase or transfer date to apply for title at their County Tag Office; the title fee is $18, the annual registration fee $20, and Title Ad Valorem Tax applies. For an inherited vehicle, bring Form MV-1, the title in the deceased's name, certified Letters Testamentary or Year's Support (or a T-20 Affidavit of Inheritance), and a certified death certificate.
How long do you have to register your car after moving to Georgia?
New Georgia residents must apply for a Georgia driver's license within 30 days of becoming a resident (the out-of-state license is surrendered; tests are generally waived unless it has been expired more than 2 years), and must register their vehicles within 30 days of moving to Georgia at the County Tag Office, after getting the Georgia license or ID. Registration requires proof of Georgia liability insurance, and residents of 13 metro Atlanta counties (Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, Coweta, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry, Paulding and Rockdale) need an emissions inspection. New residents pay a 3% Title Ad Valorem Tax, an $18 title fee and a $20 registration fee.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.