To transfer a car title in Georgia, you must submit specific documents and pay required taxes and fees at a County Tag Office. The core requirements are the properly assigned original title, a completed Form MV-1 Title/Tag Application, a Bill of Sale (Form T-7 is recommended), valid Georgia insurance in the buyer's name, and payment for the Title Ad Valorem Tax (TAVT) and an $18 title fee. This must be completed within 30 days of the vehicle purchase to avoid penalties.
The most critical document is the original Georgia certificate of title. The seller must accurately complete the assignment section on the back, including the sale date, odometer reading (mandatory for vehicles under 10 years old), and the selling price. Both the seller and buyer must sign and print their names exactly as they appear on the title. Any error or missing signature here will cause significant delays.
You must also complete the MV-1 Title/Tag Application. This form collects essential information about the buyer, seller, and vehicle, and is the official request for the state to issue a new title. While a Bill of Sale (Form T-7) is not always mandatory for private sales, it is strongly recommended. It serves as a legal record of the transaction details, which can resolve disputes and is required to qualify for the reduced TAVT rate in family transfers.
Proof of insurance is non-negotiable. You must provide a valid Georgia insurance card or policy declaration page showing the vehicle is covered in the buyer’s name. The minimum liability coverage required by the state must be active at the time of title application.
The financial obligations are a key part of the process. The TAVT is a one-time tax replacing sales tax, calculated at 6.6% of the vehicle's fair market value. The state uses its own assessment, which is often based on the greater of the sale price or a standard valuation guide. This is the most substantial cost. Additionally, you will pay a $18 title fee. If you are also registering the vehicle at the same time, standard registration fees will apply.
| Fee/Tax Type | Standard Amount | Notes |
|---|
| Title Ad Valorem Tax (TAVT) | 6.6% of vehicle value | One-time tax. Value is determined by the state's assessment. |
| Title Fee | $18 | Standard fee for issuing the new title certificate. |
| Registration Fee | ~$20 | Annual fee, due if registering the vehicle. Amount varies by county. |
Special scenarios have specific rules. For transfers between immediate family members (spouse, parent, child, sibling, grandparent, grandchild), you can apply for a reduced TAVT rate of 0.5% by submitting a notarized Form T-216, Affidavit for Transfer of Motor Vehicle to Immediate Family Member. For inherited vehicles, you need the original title, a copy of the death certificate, and either court documents (like Letters of Testamentary) or a Year’s Support order. If you are moving to Georgia with an out-of-state titled vehicle, you must bring that title and a completed T-22B Certification of Inspection form from a licensed Georgia inspector. Notably, for vehicles model year 1985 or older, Georgia does not issue titles; ownership is transferred solely via a notarized bill of sale.
The final, essential step is visiting your local County Tag Office in person. They will review all documents, calculate exact taxes and fees, and process the application. Attempting this by mail for a first-time transfer is not advised due to the high chance of document rejection.
