How Do Georgia Vehicle Taxes & Registration Renewal Fees Work?

HOW DO GEORGIA VEHICLE TAXES & REGISTRATION RENEWAL FEES WORK? 

Let’s demystify the various taxes and fees you might encounter when dealing with your vehicle in Georgia.

Vehicle Taxes: TAVT vs. Annual Ad Valorem

Georgia has two primary systems for vehicle taxation:

• Title Ad Valorem Tax (TAVT): For most vehicles purchased on or after March 1, 2013, a one-time TAVT is due when the vehicle is titled in Georgia. This tax is based on the fair market value of the vehicle and replaces both sales tax and the annual ad valorem tax. The current TAVT rate is generally 7.0%. For new Georgia residents registering a vehicle for the first time, the rate is 3%.
• Annual Ad Valorem Tax: If your vehicle was purchased prior to March 1, 2013, you will likely continue to pay an annual ad valorem tax. This tax is calculated based on the vehicle’s value set by the Georgia Department of Revenue and the millage rates set by local governing authorities (state, county, school, etc.). This tax is due annually with your registration renewal.

Registration Renewal

Your vehicle’s registration must be renewed annually. For individuals, the renewal period is typically by the primary owner’s birthday. For businesses, it’s usually by the last day of the month.

You should receive a renewal notice by mail or email, but it’s your responsibility to renew on time even if you don’t.

What’s Included in Your Renewal?

When you renew your registration, you’ll generally pay:

• Annual Registration Fee: A standard $20.00 annual registration fee applies to most vehicles.
• Ad Valorem Tax (if applicable): If your vehicle is subject to the annual ad valorem tax, this will be due with your renewal.
• Special Tag Fees (if applicable): If you have a specialty license plate, an additional annual fee may apply.

Receiving Your New Tag Decal

Upon successful renewal, your new license plate decal (sticker) will be mailed to you. If you renew in person or at a self-service kiosk, you will receive it immediately. Allow 2-3 weeks for mailed renewals.

Renewal Steps

To renew your vehicle registration in Georgia, you will generally need:

1. Proof of Georgia Liability Insurance: Your insurance company should electronically file this directly with the Georgia Department of Revenue.
2. Valid Georgia Driver’s License or ID Card: Your driver’s license number often serves as your account number for motor vehicle services.
3. Emissions Inspection Certificate (if applicable): Vehicles registered in certain metropolitan counties (Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, Coweta, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry, Paulding, and Rockdale) require a passing emissions inspection.
4. Payment for all applicable fees and taxes.

How to Renew

Georgia offers several convenient ways to renew your vehicle registration:

• Online: Many counties participate in the Georgia DRIVES e-Services platform. You’ll need your license plate or VIN number and driver’s license or Letter ID.
• Self-Service Kiosk: In participating counties, Georgia MV Express Self-Service Tag Kiosks provide an instant way to renew and print your documents.
• In Person: Visit your local County Tag Office.
• By Mail: Follow the instructions on your renewal notice to renew by mail.
• By Phone: You can call 877-496-0249. Note: Some counties may offer phone renewal options, check your local County Tag Office.

Update Your Address

Ensure your address on file with the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) is current. You can update your address on your Georgia driver’s license or ID card, then update your registration using DRIVES e-Services or at your County Tag Office.

No Inspections Required (Generally)

Unlike some states, Georgia generally does not require annual safety inspections for vehicle registration. However, emissions inspections are required for vehicles registered in specific metropolitan counties as mentioned above. To learn more, click here.

Helpful Resources for Georgia Residents

• Vehicle Taxes (Georgia Dept of Revenue)
• Renew Vehicle Registration (Georgia.gov)
• New to Georgia? (Georgia.gov)

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