Car Registration

Possessing a Georgia driver's license is highly recommended before trying to register a car in the state. If you are new to the state, make the driver's license office your first stop.

You must register your vehicle within 30 days of purchase or within 30 days of residency, whichever applies, and then reapply for a new tag each year. Applying for a title and registering your vehicle can be done with the same application. Georgia titles are not required for car models 1963 to 1985.

Georgia counties vary in their requirements for vehicle registration. Call your county tax commissioner for specific details for where you live.

The documentation you will need to produce to register your vehicle includes:

• Valid Georgia driver's license.

• Completed title application, which can be used for both tag and title.

• Valid out-of-state title or the manufacturer's certificate of origin if the vehicle is new. If the vehicle is from a state or jurisdiction that did not require it to be titled, then you will need the original registration papers in your name. If you purchased the vehicle through an auto loan or lease, you will need to complete an affidavit naming the lienholder or leasing company.

• If you are registering a vehicle not eligible for Georgia titling, or a vehicle that comes from an area not requiring a title, you must get your vehicle inspected prior to registration by any law enforcement officer or tag agent. All parts of the Certificate of Inspection must be typed except for the signature, so complete it online and print it. Part of the inspection includes verification that the car is not stolen.

• Proof of insurance. Georgia requires a minimum liability insurance carried on all vehicles.

• Proof that your vehicle passed an emissions test.

• Appropriate fees and taxes ($18 title fee plus $20 registration fee). Tag costs vary, as do taxes, so check with your county tax commissioner for specifics. In January 2006, the state began charging sales tax on vehicles, so you'll need to check with your tag office to determine the amount of sales tax required for your vehicle.

Registration Periods

Georgia has three different types of registration periods, depending on where you live. Most of the counties are on a year-round registration basis, but a few counties have a nonstaggered four-month registration period, while Talbot County has a four-month staggered registration period.

If you are in a year-round registration county, your registration period will be the 30 days prior to your birthday, ending at midnight on that date. This registration period applies to the first person listed on your title and registration papers.

If you live in a four-month nonstaggered registration county, you'll need to register or renew any time between January 1 and April 30 each year.

Talbot county residents register according to the birthday of the first person listed on the title and registration. If your birthday falls in:

• January, February, or March: Registration is January 1-31.

• April, May, or June: Registration is February 1-28 (in a leap year, the deadline will be February 29).

• July, August, or September: Registration is March 1-31.

• October, November, or December: Registration is April 1-30.

Penalties for Late Registration

Hefty fines and possible vehicle impoundment could occur if you do not register your vehicle within 30 days of purchase or moving into the state.

Change of Name or Address

You'll first need to change your name and address on your Georgia driver's license before you can change your title and registration papers. You'll need to show the same documentation listed above at your local tax commissioner's office. You'll also need to show documentation of your name change (certified divorce decree, marriage certificate, or court order).

There is no fee charged for an address change, but to have the title changed to your new name, there is an $18 title fee. If you are making the change during your registration period, the regular registration fees will apply also.

Nonoperational Vehicles

If your vehicle is nonoperable or won't be used for a long period of time, you can cancel its registration by appearing at a tax commissioner's office with a completed, notarized Form MV 18J.

You may also mail the completed form to:

• Motor Vehicle Division

• P.O. Box 740381

• Atlanta, GA 30374-0381

To reinstate the registration, you'll have to pay the registration fee and other fees that you may owe.

Driving Privileges for Foreigners

If you're a noncitizen visiting Georgia and have a valid driver's license issued by your home country, you may legally drive in the state.

If you become a Georgia resident, you must apply for a state driver's license. The Department of Driver Services (DDS) fully outlines the steps.

But basically, you'll need to pass the written and road tests, and provide acceptable proof of your identification, Georgia residency, and legal status in regards to being in the United States. Depending on the situation, you may also need to provide your Social Security number.

If you're a non-citizen of the country, you'll have to provide proof of legal presence to be in the United States. Your license will only be valid for five years or until your immigration document expires, whichever comes first. However, if your document doesn't have an expiration date, your license will only be good for one year.

Also have your immigration documents with you whenever conducting driver license-related transactions, such as renewing or replacing your license.