Frequently Asked Questions

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are there times I won’t be allowed to renew registration?
Yes, rules and regulations for car registration renewal depends on the county in which you live in. Some counties will allow you to renew during the period of January 1st to April 31st, whereas others will give you only a 30-day window. To be certain that your registration does not expire, read your registration card/tag carefully for details about dates. For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Georgia
Can somebody else renew my registration for me?
If the vehicle is registered and titled under your name, it is best that you complete the renewal process. The state of Georgia offers three ways in which you can renew your car registration: online, in person or by mail. For many individuals, online is the most convenient option, thus saving you time and long waits in line. When requesting car registration renewal, make sure to have your current drivers license with you. For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Georgia
Do boats need to be registered?
Yes, boats and sailboats that are over twelve feet in length and used in state waters must be registered with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. You can complete registration online, by phone or by mail. ONLINE To complete your boat registration online, visit the GA Department of Natural Resources website. BY PHONE Call 1-800-366-2661 BY MAIL Send a completed State of Georgia Vessel Registration Application, along with the proper payment to the address below: GA Dept of Natural Resources PO Box 934943 Atlanta, GA 31193-4943 For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in Georgia
Do I need to file a police report if my registration was lost or stolen?
Although it is not mandatory to file a police report, it is highly advisable that you alert the proper authorities of your lost car registration or stolen car registration. Filing this report will reduce your chances of experiencing any fraudulent activity on your driving record or DMV-related matters. In addition to this, you may have your duplicate car registration fee waived at the discretion of the GA DDS when presenting a police report. For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Georgia
Do I need to return my license plate if I move out of the state?
The Georgia Department of Driver Services not require individuals moving to another state to surrender their license plate. However, you will need to get in contact with the DMV of your new state to find out about their requirements for soon-to-be residents. When visiting a local office, make sure to bring your drivers license with you and any documentation pertaining to your vehicle. For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in Georgia
Do I need to turn in my damaged registration?
Yes, if you have your damaged car registration with you, it is important that you bring it in to your local tag office. In the process of replacing registration, you will be asked to present identification, such as your Georgia drivers license, and payment for any applicable fees. You may also be asked to present proof of car ownership and proof of insurance. For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Georgia
Does a motorized scooter need to be registered?
Motorized carts are not registered in the state of Georgia. Other vehicles that are exempt from GA DMV car registration include these listed below:
  • Mopeds
  • All-terrain vehicles
  • Off-road vehicles
  • Certain tractors
  • Certain trailers

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in Georgia

Does my vehicle qualify for a smog inspection?
The state of Georgia requires the majority of vehicles registered in certain counties to undergo emissions and smog testing. You must get these inspections for your vehicle if you reside in one of the listed counties below:
  • Gwinnett
  • Henry
  • Cherokee
  • Clayton
  • Cobb
  • DeKalb
  • Coweta
  • Paulding
  • Rockdale
  • Douglas
  • Forsyth
  • Fayette
  • Fulton

To find out whether your vehicle requires a smog inspection, call the Georgia MVD Customer Service Center at 1-855-406-5221. For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in Georgia

How can I renew my vehicle registration?
It is easy to renew your Georgia car registration by simply selecting one of three options that are available to you: online, in person or by mail. ONLINE To renew car registration online, visit the State of Georgia Department of Revenue website. Once there, follow the instructions on the screen to begin your transaction. After you have completed the process, you can expect to receive your registration within five business days. IN PERSON Visit your local tax county collector s office with proper documentation in hand and payment for any applicable fees. BY MAIL To complete the process by mail, you will be required to fill out a Title/Tag Application, as well as gather proof of insurance and proof of emissions inspection. Mail these documents, along with payment via money order or check to the address below: GA Dept of Revenue Motor Vehicle Division 4125 Welcome All Road Atlanta, GA 30374 For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Georgia
How can I transfer my registration to another state?
If you are moving to another location, you should contact the Department of Motor Vehicles of your new state to find out about their own rules and regulations for car registration. States may vary in terms of the required documents to present and the amount you will have to pay in registration fees. In order to avoid any confusion and doubt, contact the DMV prior to your move for the full details of everything you need to know. For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in Georgia
How do I apply for a disabled person parking placard or plates?
The state of Georgia makes it easy to request a disabled parking placard or plate by visiting your local tax county collector s office. However, you will be required to submit proper medical documentation, certifying that you have a disability. You can do this by presenting your physician with the Disabled Person s Parking Affidavit. A handicap parking placard is offered to individuals who qualify free of charge. If you would like to apply for a disability license plate, you will also need to present proof of your car registration. The cost for a disability plate is $20 (fees may vary). For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in Georgia
How do I file a police report if my car registration was stolen?
If you have a lost car registration or a stolen car registration, you can make your way to a local police station to file a report. By notifying a law enforcement officer about your situation, they will be able to provide you with the copy of an official document you can then take to your tax county collector s office. To find a tag office near you, visit the GA Motor Vehicle Vision Tag Office website. For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Georgia
How do I obtain a duplicate car registration?
The rules to get a Georgia car registration replacement depends on the county you live in. Some will allow you to request a replacement in person, whereas others require you to complete the process via mail. For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Georgia
How do I obtain car registration?
To register your vehicle for the first time, you will need to make a visit to your local tax county collector s office with the proper documentation and payment for required fees. If you are a new resident in the state, you will have 30 days to complete this process with the Georgia Motor Vehicle Division (MVD). If you have any questions about what you re required to bring in person, contact the Georgia MVD Customer Service Center at 1-855-406-5221. For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in Georgia
If I do not renew on time, will there be an additional fee?
Yes, if your car registration expires you may be faced with penalties and high fines. In order to avoid any issue, you should renew car registration as soon as you are eligible to do so. The time of year in which you will be permitted to complete this process will depend on the county you live in. For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Georgia
Is there a different process I must follow if I lost personalized plates?
In the event that you lose personalized plates, contact your local tag office to inquire about the proper steps you must follow to receive new ones. There is a strong likelihood that you will need to follow the same process you would for replacing standard plates. For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Georgia
Should I carry the registration on me or in the car?
It is recommended that you keep your DMV car registration card/document inside your vehicle at all times, preferably in your glove compartment. In the event that you are pulled over by a police officer, you will have this information readily available. Make sure to also have your registration tag fully visible on your vehicle. For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in Georgia
What are the most common reasons why I would need to replace my registration?
There are a few reasons that may require a driver to request a GA duplicate car registration. Some of the most common ones include the following:
  • Your vehicle registration was damaged
  • Your vehicle registration was stolen
  • Your vehicle registration is in damaged condition

Depending on the county you live in, you can request a car registration copy either by mail, in person or both. Contact your local tag office to find out which options are available to you. For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Georgia

What are the required fees for my vehicle registration?
The required fees for car registration in the state of Georgia varies. The amount you are required to pay will depend on various factors pertaining to your vehicle. In order to find out the exact cost for your car, contact the Georgia MVD Customer Service Center at 1-855-406- 5221. They will also be able to provide you with information about a tax county collector s office near you. For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in Georgia
What are the required fees to get replacement registration?
In order to find out about the replacement fees you are required to pay, contact the local tag office in your county. To find a branch near you, visit the GA Motor Vehicle Vision Tag Office page. Make sure to give a full description of your vehicle, as well as provide your driver s license information so they can properly locate you in their system. For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Georgia
What are the required fees to renew my registration?
Car registration renewal fees will vary, depending on various factors pertaining to your vehicle. For example, you will be required to submit payment for a tag fee and ad valorem tax. The amounts will be based on your car s value and the type of vehicle that you own. For more details, contact your local tag office or renew online to find out the exact cost. For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Georgia
What documents do I need to present to get a replacement car registration?
The documents you are required to submit may vary, but generally speaking it is best to bring the following items with you to your nearby tag office:
  • Your damaged plate or tag if you have it
  • Your current GA drivers license
  • Proof of ownership
  • Proof of vehicle insurance

If you also have a police report on hand, make sure to turn that in as well so it can be documented in the system. For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Georgia

What documents do I need to present to get new registration?
When getting car registration, you will be required to show certain documentation in order to be issued car registration. Some of these documents include the following:

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in Georgia

What documents do I need to present to renew my car registration?
In order to renew car registration, you will need to show these documents at your local tag office:
  • Proof of car insurance
  • Proof of passing emissions testing
  • A completed Title/Tag Application
  • Your current GA drivers license
  • Payment for registration fees

You can also renew your car registration online or by mail. For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Georgia

What should I do if I have not received my registration tags or stickers?
If you have yet to receive your registration tag, contact the Georgia Department of Driver Services. Make sure to verify that your personal in formation on file, including your residential address, is up to date and accurate. You can reach the DDS Contact Center by calling 1-678-413-8400. The hours of operation are Monday to Friday, from 7 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Georgia
When does my car registration expire?
The expiration date of your vehicle registration depends on which Georgia county you reside in. Most counties offer a one-year car registration period, whereas other counties have a four-month non-staggered registration system in place. These counties are as follows:
  • Calhoun
  • Clay
  • Stewart
  • Turner

Residents in the aforementioned areas can only renew their registration between January 1st to April 30th. However, it is important to note that Talbot county has a four-month staggered registration period. For more details, contact your local tag office. For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Georgia

Where can I find a local tax county collector office?
In order to locate a tag office near you, check out the GA Motor Vehicle Vision Tag Office website. You can search for an office by your county of residence. Hours and days of operation may vary, therefore it may be best to call your preferred branch ahead of time. When visiting your local county tax commissioner s office, make sure to bring all the proper documentation with you, including but not limited to your valid Georgia driver s license. For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Georgia
Will I need to fill out an application to replace my car registration?
You may be required to enter information on an Application for Replacement License Plate (Tag) and/or Decal. When replacing car registration at a local tag office, a customer service representative will let you know if this is necessary. Make sure to also bring your current Georgia drivers license with you and payment for any fees. If you have a copy of a police report, have that on hand as well. For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Georgia
Will I receive a renewal registration notice in the mail?
Yes, you can expect to receive a registration notice that will notify you of your approaching expiration date. When renewing car registration, you can bring said document with you to your local tax county collector s office and use this in the place of a Title/Tag Application. If you have not received your renewal registration notice in the mail, you want to double-check with the GA DDS that they have your correct address on file. For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Georgia
Will my registration expire on my birthday or birth month?
The date in which your car registration expires will depend on the county you reside in. The majority of counties offer a one-year car registration period, but others have a four-month non-staggered registration system in place. These counties are as follows:
  • Calhoun
  • Clay
  • Stewart
  • Turner

Contact your local tag office if you would like further clarification about your expiration date. For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Georgia