Titling a Car in Georgia After Moving From Another State
Last verified: October 2026 against Georgia Department of Revenue sources
New Georgia residents must register their vehicles within 30 days of moving, at the County Tag Office.
New residents pay TAVT at 3% of fair market value instead of 7%.
Step by step
- 1
Get your Georgia license first
Once you have a valid Georgia driver’s license or ID, you can title and register your vehicles. Names and spellings must match on every document.
- 2
Gather ownership documents
Bring your original out-of-state title. A 1986 or newer vehicle from a state that does not issue titles needs that state’s registration instead. If you have a loan or lease, bring that information too.
- 3
Get an emissions test if your county requires it
Residents of Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, Coweta, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry, Paulding, and Rockdale counties need an emissions inspection before registering.
- 4
Get Georgia insurance
Your insurer files Georgia liability coverage electronically, or you bring an insurance binder.
- 5
Apply and pay
Complete Form MV-1 at the County Tag Office. Pay TAVT at 3% of fair market value, the $18 title, and the $20 annual registration. All-electric vehicles add the $238.59 alternative fuel fee.
What to bring
- Georgia driver’s license or ID
- Original out-of-state title (or registration from a non-title state)
- Loan or lease information, if any
- Emissions certificate, if your county requires one
- Georgia insurance, filed electronically or on a binder
- MV-1 Title/Tag Application