In Georgia, transferring a car title to your son involves signing over the title, filing a Form MV-16 Affidavit of Gift to qualify for a reduced 0.5% Title Ad Valorem Tax (TAVT), and submitting all documents at your local County Tag Office. You must complete the process within 30 days and provide proof of your son's Georgia insurance.
The core benefit is a significant tax reduction. When gifting a vehicle to an immediate family member (spouse, child, parent, sibling), you pay a TAVT of only 0.5% of the vehicle's fair market value. This is substantially lower than the standard TAVT rate, which starts at 6.6% for new residents or casual sales. The gift affidavit (MV-16) is the key document that establishes this relationship for tax purposes.
Required Documents and Steps:
Gather the necessary paperwork before your tag office visit:
- Original Title: As the current owner, you must sign the title on the "seller" line. Your son signs as the "buyer."
- Form MV-1 Title/Tag Application: This standard form initiates the title transfer and registration.
- Form MV-16 Affidavit of Gift: This must be notarized. It legally attests that the vehicle is a gift to an immediate family member with no monetary exchange.
- Proof of Insurance: Your son must have active Georgia minimum liability insurance in his name.
- Valid Driver's Licenses: Both you and your son will need your licenses.
The process is straightforward but time-sensitive. After signing the title and having the MV-16 notarized, take all documents to a County Tag Office. You must apply for the new title within 30 days of the gift date to avoid late penalties. As the giver, you should remove your license plates from the vehicle. Your son will receive new plates upon registration.
Costs and Additional Considerations:
The primary cost is the reduced TAVT. For example, gifting a car valued at $10,000 results in a $50 TAVT fee (0.5% of $10,000). Standard title and registration fees are additional.
| Fee Type | Typical Cost |
|---|
| Reduced TAVT (Gift) | 0.5% of Vehicle Value |
| Title Fee | $18 |
| Registration Fee | $20 (varies by county/vehicle) |
An emissions inspection may be required for your son to register the vehicle, depending on the county of residence. For vehicles from model year 1985 or older, Georgia does not issue titles; a bill of sale serves as the ownership document for transfer.
