How to Register a Car in Georgia After a Private Sale
You have 30 days from date of purchase to register your newly purchased vehicle in Georgia. Here is every document you need, what it will cost, and exactly where to go.
Deadline
30 days
Title Fee
$18
Sales Tax
TAVT
Smog Required
No
Required Documents in Georgia
- Signed Georgia Certificate of Title
- Bill of sale (used for TAVT calculation)
- Proof of Georgia liability insurance
- Application for Title (MV-1 Title / Tag Application)
- Payment for TAVT (6.6%) and registration
Georgia Registration Fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Title transfer fee | $18 |
| Annual registration fee | $20 base + ad valorem tax (TAVT — see below) |
| Sales / use tax | TAVT 6.6% of fair market value (replaces sales tax and annual ad valorem tax) |
| Smog inspection | Not required |
Georgia replaced traditional sales tax + annual ad valorem tax with a one-time Title Ad Valorem Tax (TAVT) of 6.6% of the vehicle's fair market value. Paid once at registration, not annually.
Step-by-Step: How to Register a Car in Georgia
- 1
Get a signed title from the seller
The seller must sign the back of the Georgia Certificate of Title in the appropriate seller section, entering the odometer reading and sale date. Do not accept an unsigned title — it cannot be transferred.
- 2
Obtain a bill of sale
A bill of sale documenting the sale price, date, VIN, and both parties' names is required in Georgia to calculate the TAVT 6.6% of fair market value (replaces sales tax and annual ad valorem tax) sales/use tax at the DMV. Keep a copy for your records.
- 3
Confirm inspection requirements
Georgia Georgia does not currently require emissions testing for most counties. Some metro Atlanta counties had programs that ended. Check with your county tag office.
- 4
Obtain proof of insurance
You must show proof of Georgia insurance meeting the state minimum liability requirements. Contact your insurer before completing the purchase — most policies extend to newly acquired vehicles for 30 days.
- 5
Visit Georgia Department of Revenue — Motor Vehicle Division
Bring all required documents to Georgia Department of Revenue — Motor Vehicle Division. Georgia offers online TAVT payment and registration renewal at Georgia MV. Title transfers are completed at the county tag office. Pay the title fee ($18), registration fee ($20 base + ad valorem tax (TAVT — see below)), and applicable sales tax (TAVT 6.6% of fair market value (replaces sales tax and annual ad valorem tax)).
- 6
Receive your plates and registration card
Georgia will issue your registration card immediately or by mail. New plates are typically available same day. Your new title arrives by mail within 4–8 weeks. Georgia replaced traditional sales tax + annual ad valorem tax with a one-time Title Ad Valorem Tax (TAVT) of 6.6% of the vehicle's fair market value. Paid once at registration, not annually.
FAQ — Georgia Car Registration
How long do I have to register a car after buying it in Georgia?
Georgia requires title transfer and registration within 30 days from date of purchase. Operating a vehicle with an untransferred title may result in penalties. The deadline runs from the date of sale on the bill of sale and title.
How much does it cost to register a car in Georgia?
Georgia registration costs include: title fee $18, registration fee $20 base + ad valorem tax (TAVT — see below), and sales/use tax of TAVT 6.6% of fair market value (replaces sales tax and annual ad valorem tax). Total out-of-pocket for a $10,000 vehicle purchase is typically $800–$1,500 depending on county.
Do I need a smog check to register a car in Georgia?
Generally no. Georgia does not currently require emissions testing for most counties. Some metro Atlanta counties had programs that ended. Check with your county tag office.
Can I register a car online in Georgia?
Yes, partially. Georgia offers online TAVT payment and registration renewal at Georgia MV. Title transfers are completed at the county tag office.
What documents do I need to register a used car in Georgia?
Required: Signed Georgia Certificate of Title; Bill of sale (used for TAVT calculation); Proof of Georgia liability insurance; Application for Title (MV-1 Title / Tag Application); Payment for TAVT (6.6%) and registration.
What if the seller did not give me the title?
You cannot register or legally operate the vehicle without a properly signed title. Contact the seller immediately — they must sign the title over to you. If the seller is unresponsive or the title is lost, the seller must apply for a duplicate title from Georgia Department of Revenue — Motor Vehicle Division before the transfer can be completed. Never purchase a vehicle without receiving the signed title at the time of sale.
Need a Georgia Bill of Sale?
A proper bill of sale is required to establish the taxable sale price at the Georgia DMV.
Create Georgia Bill of Sale