How is the tax base determined for private sales in Georgia?

For private-party sales, Georgia assesses TAVT on the state's vehicle assessment manual fair market value (based on DOR valuation tables), or on the actual purchase price if the purchase price is higher.

Can I deduct a trade-in on a private vehicle sale in Georgia?

No. Under Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 48-5C-1), trade-in allowances only reduce TAVT when purchasing a vehicle from a licensed Georgia motor vehicle dealer. Private sales do not receive trade-in credit.

How much are Georgia vehicle title and tag fees?

The Georgia certificate of title fee is $18.00. Annual license plate registration is $20.00. Lien recordation is included on the standard title application.

Verified for 2026 Georgia Statutory Rates

Georgia Private Party Vehicle Tax, Tags & Title Calculator

Calculate your true first-year out-of-pocket costs for a private vehicle sale in Georgia. Accurately accounts for 7% excise/sales tax, $18 certificate of title fee, 1 or 2-year tag registration, and state-specific regulations.

Vehicle & Transaction Details

Enter purchase information to calculate true out-of-pocket costs in Georgia.

State of Registration5 Regional States Active

Vehicle Type

Purchase Price (Agreed Sale Price)Georgia 7% tax base

Vehicle Model Year7 years old

Vehicle Weight ClassificationClass A Passenger

Registration TermGeorgia tag options

Powertrain / Fuel TypeEV surcharge rules

Financing & Lien FilingLien fee: $0.00

Trade-in Value (Optional)Georgia: Non-Deductible

Georgia Notice: Georgia taxes the full agreed vehicle price — trade-ins do not reduce the tax base on private-party sales.

Official Notice & Statutory Disclaimers

Estimates only — not tax or legal advice. Verify with Georgia Department of Revenue or County Tag Office.

Georgia assesses Title Ad Valorem Tax (TAVT) at 7.0% on the state assessment manual fair market value (or purchase price if higher).

Trade-in deductions are not available for private party sales in Georgia (only purchases from licensed Georgia dealers receive trade-in deductions).

Annual tag renewal in Georgia is $20.00; all-electric vehicles pay an annual alternative fuel fee ($238.59 in 2026).

County & Local Tax Note: Georgia Title Ad Valorem Tax (TAVT) is a uniform 7.0% statewide tax that replaces all sales tax and annual ad valorem property taxes.

Estimated Total Breakdown

First-Year Out-of-Pocket Cost

Jurisdiction

Georgia

Total True First-Year Cost

$1,088.00

Sales/Excise Tax + Title Certificate + Tags & Registration

Itemized Line ItemEstimated Fee

1Vehicle Sales / Excise Tax (7%)

7% assessed on vehicle Fair Market Value

$1,050.00

2Certificate of Title Fee

Standard state title certificate issuance

$18.00

3Lien / Security Filing Fee

Unfinanced / cash purchase (waived $0.00)

$0.00

4Registration & Tag Fee

Base license plates & tags

$20.00

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Frequently Asked Questions

Georgia Private Vehicle Sales & Tag Rules

Essential statutory answers regarding MVA excise taxes, titling requirements, and tag renewal fees.

Georgia's Title Ad Valorem Tax (TAVT) is a one-time 7.0% tax applied to vehicle purchases upon titling. TAVT replaced the old annual 'birthday tax' and general sales tax, applying uniformly across all Georgia counties.