What Happens If You Don’t Register Your Car in Georgia?
Key Takeaways
- In most states—including Georgia—you’re required to register your vehicle with the DMV.
- If you do not have a valid driver’s license and vehicle registration within 30 days of the date required, you could be fined or jailed.
- Registering your car on time is crucial to not only keep your vehicle legal, but to avoid these fines and criminal charges.
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How to Register a Vehicle in Georgia?
The first time you register your vehicle, you will need to do it in person or by mail with your County Tag Office.
New Georgia residents should register their vehicle within 30 days from the date they move to the state. If you’re an established Georgia resident who has bought a vehicle from another individual, you must register it within 7 business days from the purchase date. Georgia residents who buy a car from a dealer have 30 days from the date of purchase to apply for registration. Dealers aren’t legally required to submit your registration application for you, but some will as a courtesy. Be sure to ask the dealer at the time of purchase whether or not they will be submitting your application for you.
If you fail to register by your deadline, you face fines ranging from $100 to over $1,000.
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For More Information:
Georgia.gov: Renew Vehicle Registration
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Year-Round Registration (most counties)
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If you live in a year-round registration county, you may register 30 days before your birthday. The registration period ends at midnight on the birthday of the owner, the first person listed on the tag receipt (registration).
If your business is in a year-round registration county, business renewals are based on the first letter of the business name according to the registration schedule below:
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Business Renewals Schedule:
|
First Letter/Number of Business Name |
Renewal Month |
|
A or B |
January |
|
C or D |
February |
|
E, F, 4, 5, or 8 |
March |
|
G or H |
April |
|
I or J |
May |
|
K or L |
June |
|
M, N, or 9 |
July |
|
O, P, or 1 |
August |
|
Q or R |
September |
|
S, T, 2, 3, 6, or 7 |
October |
|
U, V, or W |
November |
|
X, Y, Z, or 0 |
December |
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4 Ways to Renew Vehicle Registration in Georgia
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By Mail
Follow the instructions provided on the renewal notice. Instructions may differ by county.
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Online
Online renewal using DRIVES e-Services is available in many counties. If your county participates, your renewal notice will have information about online registration.
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Self-Service Kiosks
Residents in participating counties can renew their registration at Self-Service Kiosks. This is a fast and convenient way to submit your vehicle registration renewal.
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In Person
Vehicle Registrations can also be renewed at your County Tag Office. You may need the following information:
- Renewal notice
- Your valid Georgia driver’s license or ID card.
- Proof of Georgia liability insurance.
- If you live in a participating county, you will need proof that your vehicle has passed its emissions inspection.
- Payment for all fees and/or taxes due. Check with your county for acceptable payment types.
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Remember to Register Your Car, The Consequences Aren’t Worth Skipping It
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The consequences of not renewing your registration on time include fines, an impounded vehicle, and even criminal charges. Use the guidelines here to register your vehicle on time to keep driving safely and legally.
Helpful Resources:
Georgia.gov: When & Where to Register Vehicle
Georgia.gov: Steps to Register Vehicle
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as governmental services advice, financial advice and/or legal advice. We are not government professionals, financial advisors nor legal professionals , and the content provided does not constitute governmental, financial or legal advice from a licensed professional. The content of this article does not replace personalized advice from a licensed professional who is aware of your individual circumstances.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When do GA drivers normally get their registration renewal notices?
You will typically receive them 30-45 days before your renewal date. You’ll receive it in the mail, and you can sign up to get it via email by going to DRIVES e-Services and selecting Go Green. Â
Regardless of whether you receive your renewal notice, you are responsible for meeting renewal deadlines.
How long do you have to renew your registration in GA?
Georgia requires vehicle registration to be renewed annually.
Your registration expires at midnight on your birthday and must be renewed during the 45-day period before your birthday. Check Georgia Dept of Driver Services for more information.
Will Georgia renewal notices be mailed?
Renewal notices are typically mailed out 45 days before your expiration date.
If you don’t receive one, you must still renew your registration by the due date. Penalties and fines aren’t waived if you don’t receive a renewal notice.
Will penalties/late fees be waived if I do not receive a renewal notice?
No, penalties and fees are not waived.
Can family or friends pick up my Georgia renewal decal for me?
Due to privacy reasons, the renewal decal cannot be picked up by friends or family.
The sticker will only be issued to the owner of the vehicle or the owner’s power of attorney.
How much does it cost to replace a Georgia vehicle decal?
A replacement decal (original decal lost/stolen) costs $8.00.
What to do if my Georgia vehicle decal didn't come in the mail after paying?
If you didn’t receive your decal, call the Georgia Dept of Driver Services for assistance.
What is the grace period for car registration in Georgia?
There is no grace period for driving with expired tags in GA. You must renew your registration by the due date to avoid penalties and fines.
What do I need to do when giving a car to a family member in Georgia?
To transfer a car title in Georgia, you’ll need documents like the original title, odometer disclosure statement, bill of sale, Form MV-1, and valid IDs.
Fill out the title transfer form and visit your local county tag office to submit these documents along with the required fees.
How much does it cost to transfer a car title to a family member in Georgia?
Apply for Certificate of Title upon transfer of ownership. The fee for a standard title application is $18 plus the Title Ad Valorem Tax (TAVT).
Will both parties need to be in-person for a title transfer in GA?
Yes. In Georgia, all new owners of the vehicle need to be present to sign the title application.
When you’re applying for a title, you’ll need the following: Title (or Bill of Sale if no title is required) A Georgia driver’s license for each new owner.
How long do you have to register a car in GA?
You must register your vehicle and get a tag within 30 days from the purchase or transfer date.
How much does it cost to register a car in Georgia?
There is an $18 title fee, $20 license plate fee, and ad valorem taxes, which are based on the value of the vehicle.
Who pays ad valorem tax in Georgia?
Ad valorem taxes—to be paid by the owner—are due each year on all vehicles whether they are operational or not, even if you’re not applying for tag or registration renewal.
How much is a late fee for registration renewal in Georgia?
If your registration renewal is postmarked, renewed online, or processed in person after the registration period, a 10% Ad Valorem Penalty and a $5.00 tag penalty will be added.
How much is a ticket for an unregistered vehicle in GA?
Your first offense of driving without valid registration is a misdemeanor. If convicted, you will be sentenced to up to 12 months in county jail and subject to up to $1,000 in fines.
Do I need a Georgia driver's license to register my car?
Yes, you must have a valid Georgia driver’s license or ID to register your vehicle in the state.
If you are active duty military, you can use your military ID and valid driver’s license from another state.
How much is the late fee for vehicle registration renewal in Georgia?
If you do not renew your registration on time, there is a $5 penalty on the registration fee and a 10% penalty of the ad valorem tax
How can I cancel my car registration in Georgia?
You can use DRIVES e-Services to cancel your registration online. You can also download Form MV-18J Application for Voluntary Registration Cancellation.
Do I need an inspection to register my car in GA?
Only 13 Georgia counties require emissions tests, so if you live in one of these counties (listed below), you will need to have your vehicle tested to register it. In other counties, an emissions inspection isn’t necessary to register your car.
These Georgia counties require an annual emissions inspection:
- Cherokee County
- Clayton County
- Cobb County
- Coweta County
- DeKalb County
- Douglas County
- Fayette County
- Forsyth County
- Fulton County
- Gwinnett County
- Henry County
- Paulding County
- Rockdale County
Where do I need to take my car to get an emission test in Georgia?
Most auto body shops or mechanics offer emissions tests, but we recommend calling ahead to make sure the inspection station has the equipment to properly test your car.
What if my vehicle fails the emission test?
If your car fails an emissions inspection, you’ll be required to make repairs necessary for it to pass.
You can request a 30-day, nonrenewable extension at your county’s tag office, but an extension is not guaranteed. We recommend getting your emissions test several weeks before your registration renewal date to give you time to make repairs.
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If you return to the original inspection site within 30 calendar days, you can get your second inspection for free.
How to change my address on my Georgia driver’s license?
You can update your address on your Georgia driver’s license in person or online. Visit the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) website for more information.
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SC Consumer Loans: Your Rights and Responsibilities
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Title Loans in North Carolina
Disclaimer: At Auto Money, we uphold all federal and state laws related to Title Loans. Title loan transactions are prohibited within the state of North Carolina.
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