How long do I have to transfer a car title in Georgia?

Georgia requires the title transfer to be completed within 30 days of the sale date. Late transfers may result in penalty fees.

How much does a car title transfer cost in Georgia?

The base title transfer fee in Georgia is $18. $18 title fee; Georgia TAVT (Title Ad Valorem Tax) is 7% of fair market value for private party sales. Additional fees such as registration and sales tax are paid separately.

Does Georgia require notarization for a car title transfer?

No, Georgia does not require notarization for a standard private-party title transfer. Georgia does not require notarization for private party title transfers.

What if the car has a lien on the title?

If a lien is listed on the title, the lienholder must release the lien before the title can be transferred. The seller must obtain a payoff and lien release before transferring a vehicle with a lien. Contact your lender to initiate a payoff and lien release.

Can I transfer a car title online?

Georgia offers some online title services. Georgia offers online TAVT calculation and some steps at mvd.dor.georgia.gov.

What documents are needed to transfer a car title?

You will need: (1) the original signed vehicle title, (2) a bill of sale showing sale price and date, (3) completed odometer disclosure, (4) valid photo ID for both parties, and (5) proof of insurance. Georgia replaced annual ad valorem tax with a one-time TAVT at time of title transfer.

How to Transfer a Car Title in Georgia

Step-by-step guide to completing a car title transfer in Georgia — required documents, fees, deadlines, and what to do if the title has a lien or is lost.

Requirement	Georgia Rule
Transfer Deadline	30 days from sale date
Title Fee	$18
Notarization Required	✗ No
Odometer Disclosure	✓ Required
Online Transfer	✓ Partially available
Agency	Georgia MVD

Georgia Note

Georgia replaced annual ad valorem tax with a one-time TAVT at time of title transfer.

Step-by-Step Title Transfer Process

1
Gather required documents
Collect the signed vehicle title, a completed bill of sale, odometer disclosure statement, valid photo ID, and proof of insurance. Georgia requires the buyer and seller both have valid identification at the time of transfer.
2
Seller signs and releases the title
The seller must sign the back of the title in the exact name shown on the front. Fill in the odometer reading, sale price, and date of sale. If a lien is listed, the lender must sign the release section first: The seller must obtain a payoff and lien release before transferring a vehicle with a lien.
3
Buyer completes the title assignment
The buyer fills in their full legal name, address, and purchase price on the title assignment section. Do not leave any fields blank — incomplete titles are rejected by Georgia MVD.
4
Visit Georgia MVD
Both buyer and seller visit Georgia MVD with all documents. Pay the $18 title fee. $18 title fee; Georgia TAVT (Title Ad Valorem Tax) is 7% of fair market value for private party sales.
5
Receive new title
Georgia will issue a new title in the buyer's name. Complete the transfer within 30 days of the sale date. Online options are available: Georgia offers online TAVT calculation and some steps at mvd.dor.georgia.gov.

Transferring a Title With a Lien

You cannot transfer a title with an active lien without the lender's involvement.

The seller must obtain a payoff and lien release before transferring a vehicle with a lien.

Steps: (1) Contact your lender and request a payoff quote. (2) Pay off the loan. (3) Obtain a lien release document or wait for the ELT system to clear. (4) Proceed with the normal title transfer process.

Required Documents

✓Original vehicle title, signed by the seller on the back
✓Bill of sale (signed by both parties, includes sale price and date)
✓Odometer disclosure statement
✓Valid government-issued photo ID (both buyer and seller)
✓Proof of insurance (buyer)
✓Lien release document (if applicable)

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to transfer a car title in Georgia?: Georgia requires the title transfer to be completed within 30 days of the sale date. Late transfers may result in penalty fees.
How much does a car title transfer cost in Georgia?: The base title transfer fee in Georgia is $18. $18 title fee; Georgia TAVT (Title Ad Valorem Tax) is 7% of fair market value for private party sales. Additional fees such as registration and sales tax are paid separately.
Does Georgia require notarization for a car title transfer?: No, Georgia does not require notarization for a standard private-party title transfer. Georgia does not require notarization for private party title transfers.
What if the car has a lien on the title?: If a lien is listed on the title, the lienholder must release the lien before the title can be transferred. The seller must obtain a payoff and lien release before transferring a vehicle with a lien. Contact your lender to initiate a payoff and lien release.
Can I transfer a car title online?: Georgia offers some online title services. Georgia offers online TAVT calculation and some steps at mvd.dor.georgia.gov.
What documents are needed to transfer a car title?: You will need: (1) the original signed vehicle title, (2) a bill of sale showing sale price and date, (3) completed odometer disclosure, (4) valid photo ID for both parties, and (5) proof of insurance. Georgia replaced annual ad valorem tax with a one-time TAVT at time of title transfer.

Need a Bill of Sale for Georgia?

A signed bill of sale is required alongside the title for private-party vehicle transfers in Georgia.

Generate Georgia Bill of Sale