How to register a car in Georgia


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Written by
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UPDATED: 2022-07-27T06:23:34.392Z
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A "Welcome to Georgia" road sign.

There are different rules when registering your vehicle depending on whether you are new to Georgia or have been a Georgia resident for a while but got a new car. It is important to register your car to not only keep you safe, but also keep your community safe. Registering your car is legally required as well and there are penalties for those who don’t.

Why do I need to register my car in Georgia?

You are required to register your vehicle as it is a state law in Georgia. If you do not register your vehicle, then you may face a fee and potential jail time. Additionally, the fees from registering your vehicle goes to a good cause, maintaining and fixing public roads and transit.

Registering your car in Georgia is proof that you’ve paid all the fees and taxes on your vehicle that are required. When you register your car in your name, it also notified Georgia of ownership of the car, which is needed for proper documentation for license plates.

Who is required to register a car in Georgia?

Everyone is required to register their vehicle in the state of Georgia. Additionally, if you own a commercial vehicle, there are different rules and fees. If you are unsure of the process of registering your commercial vehicle in Georgia, please contact your local DMV.

How much does it cost to register my car in Georgia?

On an annual basis, you will need to register your vehicle for the cost of $20. In addition to the fee, you will also need to pay for the vehicle tax, which all depends on the type of car you have and the car’s age.

There are a number of other fees you could be required to pay, including a fee for the original title application if the car needs a Georgia title. If you purchased the car out of state, you have 30 days from the date of purchase to apply for a title.

You can see a list of all the fees that may be required to register your car on the Georgia Department of Revenue website.

How do I register a car in Georgia?

To register your car in Georgia, you need to visit your County Tag Office. If you just moved to Georgia, you have 30 days from the date you moved to register your car to avoid penalties.

The following documentation is required to register your car in Georgia:

  • Valid Georgia driver’s license or ID card
  • Proof of car ownership (the title or other documentation)
  • Proof of valid Georgia car insurance
  • MV-1 Title/Tag Application

This can also be done by mail to your County Tag Office.

How do I register my out-of-state vehicle in Georgia?

If you are a new Georgia resident with an out-of-state car, you will still need to register your vehicle in Georgia. There are some steps you’ll need to take to receive proper documentation to do so.

The first step is to obtain a valid Georgia driver’s license or ID. Once you have that, you can register your car at your County Tag Office. You will need the following documents:

  • Valid Georgia driver’s license or ID card
  • Completed and signed MV-1 Title/Tag Application
  • Proof of vehicle ownership (title or other documentation)
  • Emissions inspection (if applicable)
  • Proof of valid Georgia car insurance
  • Fees
  • Taxes

If you have a loan or a lease on your car, there are other documents you may need.

Car insurance requirements to register your car in Georgia

Car insurance is required in Georgia and you won’t be able to register your car until you have an active Georgia car insurance policy. The state has requirements for the minimum coverage a Georgia resident needs for car insurance.

The Georgia minimum car insurance limits are found below.

Liability:

  • Bodily injury — $25,000 per person
  • Bodily injury — $50,000 per accident
  • Property damage — $25,000 per accident

These requirements are mandatory as it will ensure the safety of yourself and the individuals in the event of an accident. While these limits are the minimum limits required to legally drive, insurance agents often recommend purchasing additional coverage, like collision and comprehensive coverage, or higher limits.

To find the cheapest Georgia car insurance, you can shop around for the best price. Consider getting car insurance quotes from at least three companies or more to compare the price and policy features. Visit Clearsurance’s Georgia car insurance rankings page to see what the best options are in your zip code, according to consumers.


The content on this site is offered only as a public service to the web community and does not constitute solicitation or provision of legal advice. This site should not be used as a substitute for obtaining legal advice from an insurance company or an attorney licensed or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. You should always consult a suitably qualified attorney regarding any specific legal problem or matter. The comments and opinions expressed on this site are of the individual author and may not reflect the opinions of the insurance company or any individual attorney.

Editorial Guidelines: We strive to help you make confident insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider.
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