What forms are required to transfer a gifted car in Georgia?

Georgia requires: MV-1 (Title Application) + gift affidavit for documentation purposes. Both the signed title and gift affidavit must be presented at the Georgia DOR office.

Which family relationships qualify for the gift tax exemption in Georgia?

In Georgia, the gift tax exemption applies to: All transfers — no family exemption from TAVT. If the relationship falls outside these categories, standard sales tax may apply on the fair market value of the vehicle.

Does Georgia require notarization for a gift vehicle title transfer?

Georgia does not require notarization for a gift vehicle title transfer. A signed title and gift affidavit are sufficient.

How long does the recipient have to transfer title on a gifted car in Georgia?

The recipient has 7 days from transfer to complete the title transfer at the Georgia DOR. Missing this deadline may result in late fees.

What should the donor do after gifting the vehicle?

The donor should: (1) Notify your insurance company and remove the vehicle from your policy, (2) File any required seller/transfer notification with Georgia DOR, (3) Keep a copy of the signed title and gift affidavit for at least 3 years, and (4) Check that the recipient registered the vehicle within the required window.

Can I gift a vehicle to a non-family member?

Yes — but the gift tax exemption typically only applies to qualifying family members. Gifting to a friend, employer, or non-qualifying relative will likely result in sales/use tax being assessed on the fair market value of the vehicle in Georgia.

Georgia Gifted Car Title Transfer

Transferring a gifted vehicle in Georgia involves specific forms, relationship requirements, and tax exemption rules. Get it wrong and the recipient could owe hundreds in unexpected sales tax. This guide covers the exact steps, required documents, and qualifying relationships for a Georgia gift vehicle title transfer.

Tax Exempt?

No (TAVT applies)

Notarization

Not required

Filing Deadline

7 days from

Georgia Gift Transfer Tax Status

Georgia charges the Title Ad Valorem Tax (TAVT) on ALL vehicle transfers — including gifts. The TAVT rate is 7% based on the vehicle's retail fair market value (not $0). Family members cannot avoid TAVT on gifted vehicles.

Georgia DOR Official Instructions →

Qualifying Relationships for Georgia Gift Tax Exemption

The following relationships qualify:

All transfers — no family exemption from TAVT

Relationships outside this list (aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, coworkers) do not qualify for the tax exemption. Standard sales tax on fair market value would apply.

Required Documents in Georgia

You will need:

MV-1 (Title Application) + gift affidavit for documentation purposes

Georgia is unusual — there is no TAVT exemption for family gift transfers. A $15,000 vehicle gifted to a child will still incur ~$1,050 TAVT. Budget accordingly and plan the transfer around the vehicle's assessed value.

Step-by-Step: Gift Vehicle Title Transfer in Georgia

1
Confirm the relationship qualifies
In Georgia, the gift exemption applies to: All transfers — no family exemption from TAVT. Outside this list, standard tax applies.
2
Prepare a gift vehicle affidavit
The affidavit must state: donor and recipient names, relationship, vehicle VIN and description, date of gift, and declaration that no money changed hands.
3
Sign the title
The donor signs the back of the title, entering the recipient as new owner and $0 as sale price. No notary required in Georgia.
4
Gather all required forms
MV-1 (Title Application) + gift affidavit for documentation purposes
5
Visit the Georgia DOR
Bring all documents. The recipient pays the title transfer fee and any applicable registration costs. Gift tax exemption applies if the relationship qualifies.
6
Donor: update insurance and file transfer notification
Donor notifies their insurer and removes the vehicle from their policy. File any required seller/transfer notification with Georgia DOR.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a gifted car tax-exempt in Georgia?

What forms do I need for a gift car title transfer in Georgia?

MV-1 (Title Application) + gift affidavit for documentation purposes

Which relationships qualify for the gift exemption in Georgia?

All transfers — no family exemption from TAVT

Is notarization required in Georgia for a gifted vehicle title transfer?

No — Georgia does not require notarization for gift vehicle title transfers.

What if the vehicle still has a loan on it?

You cannot gift a vehicle with an active lien without the lender's consent. The donor must pay off the loan and obtain a lien release letter from the lender before transferring the title. The lien release is presented at the DMV alongside the other gift transfer documents.

How long does the recipient have to transfer title?

The recipient must complete the title transfer within 7 days from transfer. Late transfers may result in penalties.

Need a Gift Vehicle Affidavit for Georgia?

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