How to Sell a Car in Georgia (Private Party)
Georgia uses a Title Ad Valorem Tax (TAVT) of 7% instead of traditional sales tax. Sellers complete Form MV-1 and sign the title. Buyers have 30 days to transfer and register the vehicle.
Required Documents
- Georgia Certificate of Title — signed by the seller on the assignment section with odometer disclosure
- Form MV-1 (Tag/Title Application) — buyer completes this at the county tag office
- Bill of sale — recommended to document the sale price used to calculate TAVT
- Valid government-issued ID for both parties
Title Transfer Process
- Seller signs the assignment section on the back of the Georgia title and records the odometer reading
- No notarization is required for a standard private sale in Georgia
- Buyer submits the signed title and Form MV-1 to the county tag office within 30 days of purchase
- Georgia replaced annual ad valorem (birthday) tax with TAVT for most vehicles purchased after March 1, 2013
Taxes and Fees
- 7% Title Ad Valorem Tax (TAVT) based on the Georgia DMV's fair market value, not the sale price
- TAVT is a one-time tax paid at the time of title transfer — no ongoing ad valorem tax
- $18 title fee paid by the buyer at the county tag office
- Vehicles purchased before March 1, 2013 may still be subject to the old annual ad valorem system
Timeline
- Buyer must transfer title within 30 days of purchase at the county tag office
- TAVT must be paid in full at the time of title transfer
- Processing at the county tag office is typically same-day
Seller Tips
- Georgia uses the state's assessed fair market value for TAVT — the buyer pays based on that value, not just your sale price
- License plates stay with the seller in Georgia — remove them before handing over the car
- If you have an existing lien, contact your lienholder to arrange payoff and lien release before the sale
- Provide the buyer with a copy of the bill of sale to help document the transaction at the tag office
How to create a bill of sale
- Sign the assignment section on the back of the Georgia title, recording the odometer reading and buyer's name.
- Complete a bill of sale with both parties' names, VIN, sale price, and sale date.
- Hand the signed title and bill of sale to the buyer.
- Remove your Georgia license plates — they stay with you.
- Advise the buyer to submit Form MV-1 and the signed title to the county tag office within 30 days.
- Cancel your insurance on the vehicle after confirming the sale is complete.
Frequently asked questions
What is Title Ad Valorem Tax (TAVT) in Georgia?
TAVT is a one-time 7% tax paid by the buyer when registering a vehicle purchased after March 1, 2013. It is calculated on the state's assessed fair market value, not the sale price. It replaces the traditional annual ad valorem tax.
Do I need a bill of sale to sell a car in Georgia?
Georgia does not legally require a bill of sale, but it is recommended to document the transaction. The sale price may be referenced if the buyer disputes the TAVT assessment.
Do I need a notary to sell a car in Georgia?
No. Georgia does not require notarization for a standard private party vehicle sale.
How long does the buyer have to transfer the title in Georgia?
The buyer has 30 days from the date of purchase to transfer the title and pay TAVT at the county tag office.
Generate your Georgia bill of sale
Create a Georgia-compliant bill of sale documenting the transaction for the county tag office — instant PDF.
Create Bill of Sale