Registration FAQs

I just bought a used car. Where and when do I get a title?

Go to your local tax commissioner's office to begin the title and registration process. You have 30 days to register your vehicle after purchase. Penalties will apply if you are late.

How do I get a duplicate title?

Complete an MV-1 Application, and apply in person (along with the damaged title, if available) at your local tax commissioner's office. The fee for a duplicate title is $8.

I never received my registration papers in the mail. What do I do?

Apply for a replacement title within 60 days of your original application and you won't have to pay an additional fee. First, file a report with the police or complete Form T-158, and take a copy with you to the local tax commissioner's office. The police should not charge you for a copy of the report when your papers are lost in the mail. You'll need to complete Title Not Received in the Mail, Form T-216 and attach it to a copy of your original application.

My car tag was stolen. How do I replace it?

First, you'll need to file a police report, and then take a copy of that report to your local tax commissioner's office. You'll need to complete an Application for a Replacement Tag, Form MV-7. If you can't get a copy of the police report, you can submit a Form T-158 to complete the process. There is an $8 fee for tag replacement.

Where I can learn more about titles?

The Motor Vehicle Division of the Department of Revenue offers more information about Georgia titles.

I lost my registration papers. Can I get them replaced?

Yes, you'll need to complete a Replacement Registration Certificate application and submit it to your local tax commissioner's office. There is a $1 processing fee.

I have a 1972 hot rod. Do I need a title for it?

You can title a 1963-1985 model car if you have a title already in your name, or if the title has been assigned to you. If the title is registered in someone else's name, a new title will not be issued. Cars built in 1962 and before do not require a title; all cars built after 1986 require one.

Do I need a title for my fifth-wheel trailer, my ATV, or my moped?

No, titles are not required for these vehicles.

Can I renew my car tags online?

If you live in a participating county, you may renew online. You're definitely eligible if your renewal notice indicates so. Otherwise, contact your local tax commissioner's office for more information.

When do I renew my tags?

Georgia has three different renewal periods, depending on the county you live in. Most counties have an open, year-round registration. In these counties you'll need to renew your tags within the 30 days prior to your birthday, with the registration period ending at midnight on that day.

If you live in Calhoun, Charlton, Clay, McIntosh, Mitchell, Randolph, Stewart, or Turner counties, you'll register your vehicle any time from January 1 to April 30 each year.

Talbot County is the only county with a staggered, four-month registration period; in this county your registration period is based on your birthday. Depending on your birthday, you will register in one of the first four months of the year.

Can I apply for a special registration for an nonoperational or stored vehicle?

Not exactly. But, if you know 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 owe.

I’ve heard the IRS honors a tax deduction that has to do with my vehicle registration fees. Is this true?

Yes. The scoop is that the IRS counts a vehicle registration fee that's based on your vehicle's value as a personal property tax, which is deductible. This is true even if your state calls the fee a "registration fee" or a "vehicle use fee." Check out page 146 of the IRS's Publication 17 for more details.

But before you start entering your registration fees on line 7 of the 1040A form, double check to make sure your state calculates the car registration fee based on the car's value. For example, if your state charges you 1% of the car's value each year as a vehicle fee, and you pay $100 based on your car's value ($10,000), then you can deduct $100. If your state charges you for 1% of the car's value, plus a bunch of other miscellaneous fees, then you can still only deduct the $100. The fees might be itemized on your vehicle registration card or registration renewal form.

Other states ignore the car's value and charge only based on the vehicle weight; in those cases, you can't take the deduction.

If you aren't sure about whether the state charges this fee or you can't find the fee, contact your local motor-vehicle office. If you have questions about taking the deduction, call a tax professional or the IRS.

Where can I get more information about registering my car?

Georgia's Department of Revenue offers more registration information through its Motor Vehicle Division.