How To Transfer a Car Title in Georgia
March 13, 2024
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Proof of ownership must be provided whenever you buy or sell a vehicle. Fortunately, the title transfer process in Georgia is straightforward.
In Georgia, vehicle buyers can complete the title transfer process online with the Georgia Department of Revenue (DOR) or at a County Tag office.
Georgia law mandates completing the title transfer process within 30 days of the change of ownership or residency. Otherwise, a penalty fee will be charged.
Read on to learn how to transfer a car title in Georgia.
Key Takeaways
- The state of Georgia allows online title transfers via the DRIVES portal.
- The transfer fee is $18.
- You must transfer the title within 30 days of buying the car.
- Title transfers require the completed bill of sale, signed title, completed application form, emissions test, proof of ID,and proof of insurance.
Table of Contents
- Key Takeaways
- Documents Needed for Car Title Transfer in Georgia
- How To Transfer Car Title in Georgia
- How To Transfer Car Ownership Without a Title in Georgia
- How To Transfer Car Title in Georgia If You Have an Out-of-State Title
- How To Transfer Car Title in Georgia If the Owner Is Dead
- How To Transfer Car Title in Georgia After a Lease Buyout
- How Much Does It Cost to Transfer a Title in Georgia
- Conclusion
- Best Car Deals by Category
- Frequently Asked Questions
Documents Needed for Car Title Transfer in Georgia
Provide the following paperwork if the car is registered in Georgia:
- A valid Georgia Driver's License or ID card.
- Evidence of ownership.
- The signed and completed original title
- The signed odometer disclosure
- If the title is unavailable, an MSO (Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin).
- Form MV-1 Title/Tag Application can be printed at home or at the County Tag Office and signed. Make sure the lien release or security interest is NOT listed.
- Proof of insurance displaying liability coverage or submitted directly by the insurance provider to the Department's database.
- An Emission Inspection Certificate, if applicable.
- The lienholder's name and address if the automobile is financed.
- Payment of all fees and taxes due.
- Form T-22B Certification of Inspection. You will provide the following information:
- License plate number.
- VIN.
- Vehicle make.
- Vehicle Model.
Please note: Cars from 1985 or earlier do not require a title but a Bill of Sale.
Documents for Transferring an Out-of-State Title
When transferring the title from another state, you will also need the following:
- The original out-of-state title
- replacement title
- or a duplicate title
Registration certification from the non-title state/county must be assigned to you using your full name.
How To Transfer Car Title in Georgia
To obtain a title and license plate for your vehicle, you must follow these steps at your County Tag Office:
- Get the filled-out and signed original title
- Complete and sign MV-1 Title/Tag Application, which can be initiated online beforehand to save time.
- The lienholder or security interest holder's name and address must be entered in the relevant fields if your vehicle is financed.
- Acquire an Emission Inspection Certificate
- Ensure you have proof of Georgia liability insurance
- Pay all fees and taxes, including a $20 license plate fee, an $18 title fee, and a Title Ad Valorem Tax. Any outstanding penalties must also be settled.
How To Transfer Car Ownership Without a Title in Georgia
It is illegal to transfer car ownership in Georgia without a title. In the event of a lost, damaged, or stolen vehicle title in Georgia, it is mandatory to request a duplicate title using the MV-1 form.
How to Request a Replacement Title
To successfully obtain a duplicate title, adhere to the following guidelines:
- Complete the Title/Tag Application (Form MV-1) by excluding any lien release or security interest information.
- If your lien has been satisfied, submit a lien release form (Form T-4) for each lien holder. Please note that if you neglected to apply for a clear vehicle title after satisfying the lien, the Georgia Department of Revenue (DOR) will still have the lien recorded on your vehicle title.
- Provide proof of identification, which can be demonstrated through a valid Georgia driver's license or photo ID card.
- Surrender the mutilated vehicle title, if applicable.
- Ensure the Georgia replacement title fee is paid, which amounts to $8.
To prevent potential delays or penalties, have all the requisite documentation and payment ready.
How To Transfer Car Title in Georgia If You Have an Out-of-State Title
When transitioning your residency from one state to Georgia, follow the steps outlined below to transfer the title:
- Ensure your vehicle undergoes emissions testing if mandated.
- Visit your local Georgia Department of Revenue (DOR) office.
- Submit the requisite out-of-state documents, including the vehicle title and registration.
- Provide evidence of a valid Georgia auto insurance policy, VIN verification, and the vehicle's odometer reading.
- Fulfill the applicable fees for the vehicle title transfer and any associated costs.
By adhering to these steps, you can effectively facilitate the transfer of your out-of-state vehicle title and comply with Georgia's requirements.
How To Transfer Car Title in Georgia If the Owner Is Dead
After the demise of a vehicle owner, you must transfer the vehicle's title if you, as a beneficiary, intend to retain, gift, or sell the vehicle.
As a beneficiary, joint owner, or surviving spouse, you possess the legal duty and authority to effectuate the deceased individual's vehicle title transfer.
The course of action for transferring the vehicle title is contingent upon whether the title was held solely by the deceased as an individual or in joint ownership.
If the vehicle title solely bears the deceased's name, it becomes evaluated if the estate is undergoing probate.
Throughout the probate proceedings, the distribution of the deceased individual's property is executed per their last will.
How To Transfer Car Title in Georgia After a Lease Buyout
In Georgia, it is mandatory to transfer the title of a vehicle following a lease buyout. To ensure a smooth transfer process, you must gather the following documents:
- A bill of sale issued by the leasing company should include the sales tax amount collected for the buyout option.
- An accurately completed odometer statement from the leasing company.
- Fill out the Application for Registration and Title (Form MV-1).
- Provide proof of a valid GA auto insurance policy.
- Present valid identification documents.
If you possess a letter of authorization from the leasing company, it enables the transfer of registration equity and license plates to you from the leasing company.
How Much Does It Cost to Transfer a Title in Georgia
The original title application fee costs $18. Here's a breakdown of all potential fees:
- Title transfer fee: $18
- Title Replacement Fee: $8
- License Plate Registration: $20
- Title Ad Volrem Tax: 6.6%
- Register an Out-of-State Car Purchase in Georgia: 4% sales tax
Read this article to learn more about Georgia's car sales tax and fees.
Conclusion
Transferring a car title in Georgia costs $18 and requires a bill of sale, form MV-1 Title/Tag Application, proof of insurance, emissions inspection certificate, and proof of ID. Fortunately, you can complete the process online. So, be sure to do so within 30 days of buying a new car.
Check out our guides to learn about the title transfer process in all states!
Best Car Deals by Category
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to transfer my car title in Georgia?
Owners must apply for a title at the buyer's County Tag Office within 30 days from the purchase or transfer date.
How much does it cost to transfer a car title in GA?
It costs $18 as well as the Title Ad Valorem tax (6.6% of the car sale price).
Do I need a bill of sale to transfer a vehicle title in GA?
Yes, all private-party vehicle sales require a bill of sale to transfer the title.
How long will it take to get my new title?
The Georgia Department of Revenue often provides your new title within 7-10 business days.
Do I need a Georgia license to register my car in the state?
Yes, you need a valid Georgia license or ID card before you can register a vehicle in the state.
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