1) Determine the Status of Your Registration

You must renew your registration every year. The expiration date is based on your birthday.

In most counties, you can renew year-round, but Talbot County has a four-month staggered registration period.

The following counties have a four-month non-staggered registration period, allowing registration between January 1 and April 30 only:

• Calhoun

• Charlton

• Clay

• McIntosh

• Mitchell

• Randolph

• Stewart

• Turner

Renew GA Registration

Renewing your registration on time is important to keep on driving legally. You also need valid insurance to drive; compare rates at our Insurance Center.

To find out how to renew your registration, skip the next two sections and go to down to “Check Your Renewal Notice.”

Register a Vehicle in GA for the First Time

If you just moved to the state or bought a new car, please see our section on new registrations.

Register a Non-Operational Vehicle

If you have a car you’re not planning to drive (and will not be keeping on a city street), you may either keep up its registration and insurance, or cancel the registration at your tag office.

2) Check Your Renewal Notice

Counties mail renewal notices right before your birthday. Your renewal notice has important information such as your Renewal Identification Number (RIN) if you're allowed to renew online. It will also tell you when your registration is due and how much your fees are. Some counties require an emission inspection, too.

3) Calculate Your Fees

Tag fees for cars under 15,000 pounds are $20. You can calculate your ad valorem taxes using your vehicle make and model, and tax year.

You’ll also need to pay your specialized tag fee, if you have specialized tags.

You may want to recalculate your insurance at the same time, to get a better rate.

Avoid Late Fees and Penalties

If you’re late registering, you must pay late fees including 10% of the ad valorem tax due and 25% of the tag fees, plus whatever regular fees you have due.

4) Renew Online, In Person or By Mail

Renew Online

Some counties offer online registration renewals. Those that participate will send you a Renewal Identification Number (RIN).

If you need to change your address, you may not use this system. Your current address must match that on the renewal notice.

To renew online:

1. Make sure you can pay your renewal fees, and the $4.95 transaction fee, with a major credit card or e-Check (in some counties).
2. Locate your renewal notice with the RIN.
3. Make sure you handle any required emission inspection.
4. Visit the online renewal system to get started.

Your registration will arrive in five business days through regular mail.

In Person

1. Locate the bill you received in the mail, or complete a Title/Tag Application.
2. Have your current, valid driver's license ready.
3. Obtain proof that your vehicle passed a recent emission inspection, if required in your county.
4. Find your proof of insurance.
5. Have the payment of fees. If you want to pay with a credit card, check to see that your county takes them; otherwise, pay with a check, money order, or cash.
6. Bring everything to your tag office.

By Mail

1. Make a copy of your driver’s license, if your county requires it.
2. Locate the bill you received, or complete a Title/Tag Application. Use the tag application if you need to make an address change.
3. Find your proof of insurance.
4. Obtain proof of an emission inspection, if required.
5. Write a check or obtain a money order to cover the fees. Your county may allow you to pay by credit card; call to ask.
6. Send the documentation and fees to the mailing address of your local tag office.

Affix Your Stickers

If you renew in person, you’ll get your stickers at the office. Otherwise, you’ll receive them in the mail. Be sure to follow the directions on application, so they won’t fall off or get stolen easily.

6) Get a Tax Deduction

According to Chapter 22 of Publication 17, the IRS allows you to deduct the ad valorem tax off your income taxes. This is the portion that’s based on your car’s value. However, if you have more questions or need more information, you should ask a tax attorney.

7) Do Your Part to Keep Our Roadways Safe

Sometimes we’re so worried about the paperwork getting completed that we neglect the car. Car maintenance is just as important as registration, and your renewal time should serve as a reminder to do a safety check.

Are you changing your car oil between 3,000 and 5,000 miles? You should rotate your tires every 10,000 miles, and replace them before the rubber wears through to steel. And, pay attention to the manufacturer's recommendations for tune-ups.

Also think about who’s covering you in the event of a breakdown. Have a mechanic ready to go, and consider getting a roadside assistance program and an after-market auto warranty to save you time and money.

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