Georgia Vehicle Registration

Vehicle Registration for New Residents in Georgia

New Georgia residents must register their motor vehicles with the state within 30 days of establishing residency. After that, new residents should ensure the following:

• Georgia Driver's License or identification card (issued by the Georgia Department of Driver Services)
• MV-1 Title or Tag Application (must be completed and signed)
• Proof of vehicle ownership such as a valid-out-of-state title or a registration (if the state or country does not issue titles)
• Emissions inspection (required in Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, Coweta, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry, Paulding, and Rockdale)
• Insurance documentation, such as an insurance binder that shows liability coverage
• Payment of vehicle taxes and fees

Upon completing the required documents, new residents can visit a County Tag Office to finalize the registration process of their vehicles.

Vehicle Registration for Military Members in Georgia

Georgia military residents stationed in the state can register their vehicles by gathering the required documents, including a Georgia driver's license, MV-1 Title or Tag Application, proof of vehicle ownership, an emissions inspection (if applicable), and documents verifying insurance.

These documents, along with the necessary payment, should be presented at a County Tag Office to complete the registration process.

For Georgia military residents stationed out of state, contacting their local County Tag Office for assistance is advisable. If the required help is unavailable, they can contact the MVD at (855) 406-5221 for information on registering a vehicle in Georgia from their current location.

Meanwhile, non-residents stationed in Georgia as military members are not required to register their vehicles with the GA MVD. However, they must maintain current registration, license plates, and insurance from their home state.

If a non-resident military member decides to become a Georgia resident, they must gather the necessary documents mentioned above and visit a County Tag Office to register their vehicle according to Georgia regulations.

Registration of a Newly Purchased Vehicle in Georgia

Registering a newly purchased vehicle in Georgia necessitates adherence to specific guidelines outlined by the GA MVD.

To initiate the process, individuals must gather the requisite documentation:

• Valid Georgia driver's license or identification card
• Ownership proof, such as the vehicle's original title or Bill of Sale for vehicles dated on or before 1985
• A registration certificate from a non-title country/state or a Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin (if title is unavailable)
• Form T-22B Certification of Inspection (if transferred from a non-title country or state)
• Completed MV-1 Title or Tag Application
• Insurance proof

If registering a newly purchased vehicle that does not require a title in Georgia, the following are required:

• Chain of ownership such as valid registration certificate or Bill of Sale showing the chain of ownership from the registered owner to the current owner
• Form T-22B Certification of Inspection
• Insurance documents
• Emission inspection (if applicable)
• Proof of residency, such as deed, lease, closing statement, utility bill, moving bill, etc.

Once all necessary paperwork is compiled, individuals can visit their County Tag Office to finalize their registration. Alternatively, they can opt for mail submission to complete the process.

Registration of Leased Vehicle in Georgia

The lessee must visit their local County Tag Office to register a leased motor vehicle in Georgia.

The process involves completing an MV-1 Tag or Title Application form. However, unlike traditional registrations, the title will not be issued in the lessee's name but to the leasing firm provided in the application.

Only an authorized agent of the leasing firm can sign the application. If the lessee signs it instead, they must include a copy of the lease agreement or a completed T-8 Limited Power of Attorney form.

In addition to the completed title application, the lessee must provide the original title, a certificate of origin (in the name of the leasing firm), or a properly assigned title to the leasing provider. Alternatively, a registration certificate from outside the state is acceptable, provided that it shows the leasing provider's name as the vehicle's legal owner.

If the vehicle's title lists a security interest holder, lienholder, or leasing company, the lessee must submit the original and valid registration along with a completed T-17 Affidavit of Title Being Held by Lienholder or Security Interest Holder or Leasing Company form. An officer from the County Tag Office will then reach out to the title holder to request the title.

Besides the mentioned requirements, the lessee must comply with emissions inspection if required, provide insurance documents, and pay the necessary fees.

Note that there are certain instances in which the leaseholder will not be able to register the vehicle. It includes not having the title issued in the name of the leasing firm when required or failing to apply for the title during the registration period.

Registration of Multipurpose Off-Highway Vehicle (MPOHV) in Georgia

As of December 1st, 2023, Georgia residents can register their MPOHVs for operation on county highways voluntarily. This process grants them a registration certificate and license plate.

To initiate the registration of an MPOHV, individuals need to furnish the following to their respective County Tag Office:

• Valid Georgia driver's license or identification card
• Ownership proof
• Complete MV-OHV Multipurpose Off-Highway Vehicle Inspection and Ownership Affidavit form
• Insurance proof
• Payment of registration fee

Georgia License Plates

After a successful vehicle registration in Georgia, applicants will receive an operating permit that enables them to use the newly registered vehicle immediately. Following this, the owner will receive the official license plate via mail.

Note that Georgia offers a wide array of specialty license plate designs. These specialty plates encompass various themes, including support for veterans, colleges and universities, special interest groups, etc.

With hundreds of designs to choose from, individuals can select a specialty plate that resonates with their values, affiliations, or interests to enhance their vehicle's uniqueness further.

How To Obtain Vanity License Plates in Georgia?

Obtaining a vanity license plate in Georgia is a straightforward process.

Individuals must fill out the MV-9B Prestige License Plate Application form. This form will be submitted to a local tag office along with the necessary fees. The fees include a $35 manufacturing fee, a $35 annual special tag fee, and a $20 tag fee.

Before heading to the local tag office, it is essential to check the availability of the desired vanity plate.

Under Georgia DOR Regulation Section 560-10-22-.02, certain restrictions apply to the combinations of characters that can be used on vanity license plates. This includes prohibiting combinations that contain obscene, disparaging, profane, trademark, criminal, or similar content.

Additionally, Georgia only allows up to seven characters on the vanity plate.

Online Renewal

In certain counties in Georgia, online registration renewal is available through DRIVES e-Services. Individuals residing in participating counties will receive a renewal notice that provides specific information about the availability of online registration in their county.

The following items are required to renew a vehicle registration online:

• Vehicle identification number or license plate number
• Letter ID (found on renewal notice) or Driver's License number
• Payment of registration fees and taxes
• Passing of emission test (if applicable)

After completing an online renewal, expect the license plate decal and registration to be received by mail within 2 or 3 weeks.

Self-Serve Kiosk

Residents in participating counties in Georgia can utilize Self-Service Kiosks for a quick and convenient vehicle registration renewal. To use a Self-Service Tag Kiosk, the following conditions must be met:

• The vehicle must be registered in a participating county
• The vehicle owner must have a valid Georgia driver's license
• The address on the renewal notice must be correct
• Proof of liability insurance must be on file, if applicable
• A Vehicle Emission Inspection must be on file, if applicable

The process involves following the guided on-screen instructions at the kiosk. Upon successful renewal, the registration documents and decal are printed instantly at the kiosk.

Mail or In-Person Renewal

Vehicle registrations in Georgia can be renewed in person at a County Tag Office or by mail. The following information and documents are required for either method:

• Renewal notice
• Valid Georgia driver's license or identification card (required for in-person applications)
• Proof of Georgia liability insurance (if applicable)
• Proof of passing a vehicle emissions inspection (if applicable and if residing in a participating county)
• Payment for all applicable fees and taxes (payment types accepted vary by county, so it is advisable to check with the local County Tag Office)

Note that the registration and stickers will be received immediately after completing an in-person renewal. For mail renewals, expect the registration and stickers to be sent within 2 to 3 weeks.