New to Georgia

SUMMARY: New Georgia Residents

As a new resident to Georgia, you'll need to complete a number of tasks after you move. These include registering to vote, titling and registering your car, and getting a Georgia driver's license. Your vehicle may also need to pass an emissions test before registration. Make sure you acquire GA car insurance, and if you're an active duty member of the military stationed in Georgia, check for exemptions that you may be eligible for based on your status.

There are so many things to keep track of when you move to a new state. This guide will help you with everything from registering a vehicle to getting a new driver's license in Georgia.

Georgia State Departments

When you move to a new state, you should know the agencies that handle your various transactions as you establish residency.

In Georgia, these departments include:

  • The Department of Driver Services (DDS): Responsible for driver licensing in the state.
  • The Motor Vehicle Division (MVD): Responsible for titling, registration, and other vehicle services.
  • The Secretary of State: Oversees voter registration and elections.
  • The Department of Natural Resources: Handles boat licensing and registration.
Just Moved?

Find all the information you need to finish your moving requirements with the DMV.

Georgia Vehicle Registration

If you're bringing an out-of-state vehicle to Georgia, you must register it with the GA Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) within 30 days of establishing residency. For more information, please refer to our Car Registration in Georgia page.

Special Vehicles

If you happen to own a “special" vehicle, such as a motorhome or something you drive off-road, the registration process varies a little. Visit our Special Vehicles in Georgia page for further details.

Car Insurance

As with many other states, you'll need to have adequate in-state car insurance coverage before you can register your car in Georgia.

Check out our Car Insurance page to check prices and compare quotes from different providers to find the best value for your situation.

Inspection Requirements

Depending on the type of vehicle you own, it may need to pass an emissions test before the GA MVD will allow it to be registered. For more information on this topic, please visit our Car Inspection in Georgia page.

GA Driver's License & ID Cards

If you're new to the state, you have 30 days to transfer your out-of-state license to a Georgia driver's license once you establish residency. For detailed information about the process, please refer to our page on Applying for a New License.

New teenage residents will need to meet the Georgia graduated driver's licensing (GDL) requirements before you can obtain a driver's license. For more information, check out our guide to Applying for a New Teen License.

NOTE: If you need to transfer your out-of-state commercial driver's license (CDL), visit our Applying for a New CDL page.

Identification Cards

If you don't plan on driving in Georgia, you can apply for an identification card hrough the GA MVD. ID cards are a useful alternative to a driver's license and can be used as proof of your age and identity.

Organ Donor Registration

Did you know that organ donors are heroes? It's true. You can find out everything you need to know about this topic on our page detailing Organ Donation in Georgia.

Voter Registration in Georgia

One of the things that may slip your mind when moving is to update your voter registration. You may not realize this, but your registration doesn't move with you; you'll need to re-register as a voter in your new Georgia county once you've become a resident.

Avoid missing out on any elections in your area by visiting our Voter Registration in Georgia page.

Active-Duty Military Stationed in GA

If you're not a resident of Georgia but are in the state serving in the military, you may find some useful information on our Drivers in the Military in Georgia page. Learn what rights you and your family have in regards to using your out-of-state driver's license and vehicle while on active duty.

DMV Locations and Resources

Unsure of where your closest Georgia DMV office is? It's easy to locate with our DMV Office Finder.

You may also wish to become familiar with the Georgia driving manuals, as each state may have differing road rules and laws:

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