Georgia State Guide On Car Titles

The Georgia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) requires vehicle owners to fill out a Title/Tag Application (Form MV-1) in either blue or black ink to obtain an automobile title (also known as a pink slip). Drivers who require vehicle titles can also complete the application electronically before printing it and presenting it in person to the appropriate department.

Applying For A Car Title

Suppose you bought your car from a Georgia dealership. In that case, they are required to collect Title Ad Valorem Taxes (TAVT) and certain state fees and remit them to the office via the Georgia Electronic and Registration system. .
  • When a vehicle is purchased from a dealership or the owner establishes residency in Georgia, the owner has 30 calendar days to title and registers the vehicle. If you fail to register within 30 days, you will face fines if you are stopped by law enforcement.
  • If you purchased your vehicle from an out-of-state dealership, your title might be mailed to your local Georgia DDS office. However, some out-of-state dealerships may be unaware of Georgia's TAVT process and fail to collect taxes. Please check with your selling dealership for more information if you are buying out of state.
  • If your Georgia dealership did not collect tag fees and informed you that you could purchase your tag, you can order it online today!
  • Suppose you purchased your vehicle from a business (other than a Georgia dealership) or an individual. In that case, you must apply for a new title and registration within seven days of the sale. To sign the title application, you must be present. An owner has seven business days to apply for a title and register a vehicle purchased in a casual/private sale from an individual or business (other than a dealer). If you do not register within the first seven days, you will be fined if you are stopped by law enforcement.
  • When your vehicle requires a Georgia title, and you are unable to obtain the title in your name, you will be prohibited from:
    • Get your vehicle registered and a Georgia license plate.
    • Transfer to the vehicle an existing Georgia license plate.
  • If you bought your vehicle from an individual or a business and there is a lien on it, you will not be able to title or register it within the seven business days allowed by law. A temporary operating permit may be available to you.
When applying for a title alone, you will typically need the following:
  • The title (or Bill of Sale if no title is required)
  • Each new owner will receive a Georgia driver's license.
  • The title fee is $18.00.
  • Title Ad Valorem Tax Payment

Lost Car Titles

If you have misplaced your Georgia title, you may request a replacement by sending a completed title application, a check or money order, and a copy of your ID to the address listed below. Please ensure that all owners have signed the application. You may also visit one of the Motor Vehicle Offices to request a replacement. A replacement title will set you back $8.00. To sign the application, all owners must be present. Please allow 7 to 10 business days after submitting your application to receive your replacement title via mail. If you need a replacement title right away, you can go to the Georgia Department of Revenue - Motor Vehicle Division in Atlanta and request an expedited title. If you were making payments on your vehicle but did not receive a title, you will need a lien release from your lienholder before applying. A lien release states that you have paid off your automobile loan.

Replacement

At a GA DDS Office, you can apply for a replacement title for $8.00. Titles are mailed from the Georgia Department of Revenue and typically arrive within 7 to 10 business days. You can also apply for an expedited title at the Georgia Department of Revenue Motor Vehicle Division, located at 4125 Welcome All Road in Atlanta, GA 30349. In addition to the $8.00 replacement fee, there is a $10 expedited fee. If any owner cannot appear in person, an original notarized Power of Attorney and a copy of the absent person's driver's license or ID card must be presented. The vehicle's year, make, model and identification number must be included in the Power-of-Attorney.

Lien Removal

A lien removal costs $18.00. Original lien release from lienholder (bank, credit union, etc.) or title with lien original authorization signature required. If any owner cannot appear in person, an original notarized Power of Attorney and a copy of the absent person's driver's license or ID card must be presented. The vehicle's year, make, model and identification number must be included in the Power-of-Attorney. The lender must remove all electronic liens (ELT) electronically through the Department of Revenue. Electronic liens cannot be discharged in the office using the T-4 or lien release document.

How To Fill Out The Car Title

  • Take a look at the title. Check that any listed lien holders have completed their obligations. If the lien has not been signed off, you will need a lien release from the previous owner's lien holder.
  • Check that all owners' names are printed and signed on the front of the title.
  • Fill in your full legal name (as it appears on your driver's license). If you have changed your name, you will need a court document to prove it (i.e., Marriage Certificate, Divorce Decree, or Change of Name).
  • Print your current home address. If you have a mailing address, please include it on the Title Application.
  • Make a note of the date you bought your vehicle. If you make a mistake, any correction costs $10.00. Wait until you get into the office before changing the purchase date.
  • Fill in the current mileage. Stop if you make a mistake. Make no note of the mileage. We will accept the mileage on the back of the title as long as it is greater than the mileage on the front of the title.
  • Print your full legal name exactly as it appears on your driver's license.
  • Please sign your name. If you are making payments on the vehicle, write the name and address of the person or company to whom your payments are being sent.