How to Get a Title for an Abandoned Vehicle in Georgia
Georgia has a 10–30 days wait period before you can begin the title process. Here is everything a towing company, storage facility, or property owner needs to know.
Quick Reference
Wait Period & Reporting
10–30 days wait required. Wait periods vary by state and whether the vehicle is on public or private property.
Notifying the Owner
Certified mail to last registered owner and lienholder
Notice is required before any abandoned vehicle title can be issued. Contact your state DMV for specific requirements.
Lienholder Rights
Lienholder must be notified and given time to respond
Failure to notify a lienholder properly can void the entire abandoned vehicle title process.
The Title Application Process
Form/Program: Abandoned Vehicle Title Application
Process varies by state. Typically initiated by a towing company, storage facility, or property owner.
Restrictions & Requirements
- Must follow state-specific notice and wait period requirements
- All liens must be resolved before a clean title can issue
- Storage or towing facility typically must be licensed
Georgia-Specific Note
Georgia-Specific Facts for Abandoned Vehicle Title
Georgia Vehicle transfer fees and requirements
In Georgia, the title transfer fee is $18 and registration costs $20 per year. Vehicle sales are subject to Title Ad Valorem Tax (TAVT) of 6.6% of fair market value. Georgia does not require notarization for private-party vehicle transfers. Emission testing is required in Georgia — verify the vehicle passes before completing the sale.
- TAVT replaced sales tax and annual ad valorem tax in 2013
- Emissions testing required in 13 metro Atlanta counties
- Title must be transferred within 30 days of purchase
Georgia sales tax on vehicle purchases
Georgia has a 6.6% state sales tax rate. 6.6% TAVT (Title Ad Valorem Tax) on fair market value. Private-party vehicle sales in Georgia are subject to sales tax. TAVT applies to all vehicle sales — replaces sales tax since 2013. The title transfer fee is $18.
Georgia bill of sale statistics
BillOfSaleNow has generated 3,204 bill of sale documents for Georgia transactions, with 86 generated this month alone. The most popular vehicle type is car.
More Georgia Vehicle Guides
- Car Totaled Insurance Payout in Georgia
- Cash for Cars / Junk in Georgia
- Certified Pre-Owned Rules in Georgia
- Curbstoning Laws in Georgia
- Dealer Doc Fee in Georgia
- Dealer Fraud Claim in Georgia
Each guide is written specifically for Georgia laws, agencies, and procedures. Bookmark for future reference.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long before a vehicle is considered abandoned in Georgia?
Georgia requires a 10–30 days wait period. Wait periods vary by state and whether the vehicle is on public or private property.
How do I notify the owner of an abandoned vehicle in Georgia?
Certified mail to last registered owner and lienholder. Notice is required before any abandoned vehicle title can be issued. Contact your state DMV for specific requirements.
How much does it cost to get an abandoned vehicle title in Georgia?
DMV fees + towing and storage charges. Costs vary widely by state and accumulate with each day in storage.
How long does the abandoned vehicle title process take in Georgia?
45–90 days. Process includes wait periods, notice periods, and DMV processing time.
Does Georgia require a surety bond for an abandoned vehicle title?
Not for the standard process. Some states require a surety bond if the title history is unclear or the vehicle has a prior out-of-state registration.
Selling the Vehicle After You Get Title?
Create a compliant Georgia bill of sale to protect yourself in the transaction.
Generate Bill of SaleSource: State DMV. Abandoned vehicle laws change frequently — verify current wait periods with your state DMV.