what do you need to register a car in ga

[SanEmmett]

To register a car in Georgia, you'll need to provide proof of ownership, identity, and insurance, along with paying the applicable title and registration fees. The most critical items are the vehicle's title properly assigned to you, a valid Georgia insurance policy, and your driver's license. You must complete this process within 30 days of establishing residency or purchasing the vehicle to avoid penalties.

The specific documents and steps are best understood when broken down:

Essential Documents Checklist:

• Proof of Ownership: The vehicle's certificate of title (also called a "pink slip") signed over to you by the previous owner. If you have a loan, the lienholder will hold the title and you'll need a Title/Tag Application (MV-1) form.
• Proof of Identity: Your valid Georgia driver's license or state-issued ID card. The name and address on your ID must match your other documents.
• Proof of Georgia Insurance: A valid insurance card or electronic proof from a provider licensed in Georgia. The minimum coverage must meet state liability requirements.
• Vehicle Identification: While the title has the VIN, you may need an emission inspection certificate if you live in certain counties. Check the Georgia Department of Revenue website to see if your county requires it.
• Odometer Disclosure: Required on the title for most vehicles under 10 years old to verify mileage at the time of sale.

You'll also need to pay the one-time title ad valorem tax (TAVT) based on the car's value, plus annual registration fees. The following table outlines common fees (prices are approximate and can vary).

Fee Type	Typical Cost	Notes
Title Ad Valorem Tax (TAVT)	6.6% - 8.9% of vehicle value	Replaces sales tax for most vehicles; calculated on fair market value.
Annual Registration Fee	$20 - $30	Standard passenger vehicle fee.
License Plate Fee	$20	One-time fee for a new plate.
Title Fee	$18	Fee for processing the new title.
Emission Test Fee (if required)	$10 - $25	Varies by testing facility.

The entire process is done at your local County Tag Office. It's highly recommended to call ahead or check their website for specific hours, accepted payment methods (often cash, check, or money order only), and to see if appointments are available to reduce wait times.

[JosieFitz]

Just went through this last month. The main things are the signed title from the seller, your Georgia license, and proof of insurance. Don't forget your checkbook—the TAVT tax is the big expense, a percentage of the car's value. Head to your county's tag office, not the state DMV. Bring every document you have related to the car; it's better to be over-prepared. The whole thing took me about an hour.

[ChaseMarie]

Think of it in three parts: who you are, what the car is, and proving it's legal. For you, a Georgia driver's license. For the car, the original title signed over to you. For legality, a current Georgia insurance card. If your car is newer, you'll likely need an emissions certificate. Then, be ready to pay the taxes and fees. The county tag office handles it all. Check online to see if your county requires an emissions test first to avoid a wasted trip.

[LaEzra]

The process is document-driven. We need the title application (MV-1), the supporting documents like the title itself and odometer statement, and proof of insurance. The ad valorem tax is calculated based on the fair market value. All fees must be paid in full. The vehicle must also be in compliance with any county-specific requirements, such as emissions testing. The completed application and payment are submitted to the county tag office for processing, after which you will receive your license plate and registration.