Georgia DMV Services

1. When You Apply

• You must title the vehicle before you register it (or at the same time).
• If you buy from a dealer, they usually prepare and submit paperwork.
• For private sales, you must go to the County Tag Office yourself.
• You should complete title/registration within 30 days of purchase to avoid penalties.

2. Required Documents

A. Proof of Ownership

New Vehicle

• Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin (MSO) — provided by the dealer.

Used Vehicle (Private Sale)

• Signed title from the seller with the assignment completed.
  • Seller must enter sale price, date, odometer reading (if required), and signatures.

Out‑of‑State Vehicle

• Out‑of‑state title — will be surrendered during the Georgia title process.

C. Odometer Disclosure

• Required if the vehicle is less than 10 years old.
• Odometer reading is recorded on the title or on Form MV‑1.

D. Identification

Bring a valid government‑issued ID, such as:

• Georgia driver’s license
• Georgia ID card
• Out‑of‑state ID (if applying as a new resident)

E. Proof of Insurance

To register the vehicle, present proof of auto liability insurance that meets Georgia’s minimum requirements. The tag office may verify this electronically or require an insurance card.

3. Taxes & Fees

A. Motor Vehicle Title Ad Valorem Tax (TAVT)

Georgia charges a Title Ad Valorem Tax (TAVT) in place of traditional sales tax:

• TAVT is usually 7.00% of either the vehicle’s fair market value or its purchase price (whichever is higher).

• Not a reciprocal State
• Trade in allowed

5. Deadlines & Residency

Within 30 Days

• Title and register a purchased vehicle within 30 days of purchase to avoid late fees.

New Georgia Residents

• If you become a Georgia resident with a vehicle from another state, you must title and register in Georgia within 30 days of establishing residency.

6. Special Situations

Dealer Purchase

• Dealers often prepare and submit title/registration paperwork for you, but you still must verify that everything was submitted correctly and provide proof of insurance.

Private Party Sale

You’ll need:

• Signed title from seller
• Completed Form MV‑1
• Odometer disclosure (if required)
• Proof of insurance
• ID
• Payment for TAVT, title fee, and registration fee

Gifted Vehicle

If the vehicle was a gift:

• Gift affidavits or specific documentation may be required
• TAVT may be reduced or waived in some cases.

Quick Checklist 

Original Title or MSO
 Copy of Contract
Original Odometer
Proof of insurance, needs to be uploaded in the system
Valid ID, address must match all paperwork
color of vehicle
Purchase order
Power of attorney
Copy of emissions, if used vehicles 3 years old or older, in Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, Coweta, Dekalb, Douglas, Fayette, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry, Rockdale and Spalding Counties