Access Atlanta > The Newcomer > Archives > 2008 > June > 13 > Entry
Q&A, v. 7: How to get a license plate in Georgia.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
This week’s nitty-gritty, broccoli-among-cheesecakes question comes from my editor, a newcomer and explorer of the finest sort: how do you get a Georgia license plate?
Licensing a vehicle is a process only slightly less annoying than, say, recovering from a hangover, re-tiling a bathroom or getting the actual license. At least there’s not a photo and 3,000 forms of ID involved.
The question begs advice on where to go, what to bring, what it costs — all that good stuff. If you’ve got any advice on the speediest tag office locations, the cheapest emissions test, the part of the process that makes you want to leave your car in the parking lot and walk home…spill.
The Georgia Department of Revenue offers this arcane how-to guide. I’ve condensed it drastically to suit Average-kinda Newcomer needs. Check it out below.
Georgia residents must register cars, trucks, trailers, motorcycles and motor homes and apply for Georgia certificates of title (when a Georgia title is required) within 30 days of establishing residency here.
Vehicles can be registered at your county’s tag office. Here’s a link to the County Tax Commissioner’s Tag Offices.
What you’ll need to bring:
Title: For a vehicle made in 1986 or later, you’ll need a Georgia certificate of title. Here’s an explanations of which vehicles need a Georgia title. You can register for a Georgia title at the same time you register the car.
Driver’s License: Most counties require a new resident to appear in-person, with a valid Georgia driver’s license or state-issued ID card. Counties that allow mail-in registration will expect a copy of the driver’s license.
Application: New residents must bring a completed MV-1 tag and title application, typed or written in blue or black ink.
Proof of insurance: The vehicle must be covered with Georgia liability insurance before it can legally operate in the state and before a tag can be issued, renewed, replaced or transferred.
Emissions test: Most counties require proof that the vehicle passed an emissions inspection. For info about which vehicles need a test and where to get one, check out the Georgia Clean Air Force Web site.
Cash: Or maybe check. Maybe credit card. You must pay all fees and taxes with cash, check or money order made payable to your county tag office. Some counties accept credit cards. Out-of-state check usually aren’t accepted. Most new residents can expect to pay $38 — $18 for title, $20 for registration. Additional taxes might be added.
Permalink | Comments (3) | Post your comment | Categories: Getting Around, Questions & Answers
Comments
By Jeff
June 13, 2008 8:50 AM | Link to this
Jamie:
Check on the Emissions test: That is required only in most Metro ATL counties, but in not very many outside of that. (Most other places you will encounter such a requirement are around the Regional Cities - MAYBE.)
I know Bartow didn’t when I last lived there two years ago, and I know Lee County doesn’t. Outside of that, you are correct in saying that I am purely guessing based on my experience, and I could be wrong.
By Maura
June 13, 2008 9:54 AM | Link to this
If you are still making payments on your car, you need documentation of your loan including an address of the loan company.
Also, I totally paid with an out-of-state check.
By mel
September 10, 2008 4:39 PM | Link to this
Gwinnett’s DDS office does not accept change as payment (i.e. quarters, nickels, dimes). (I was informed that the most they will accept change-wise is a dollar in change.) They also do not accept part cash/part card payments either. I found that out this morning when I tried to use my last dime, literally. I wish they had a sign on the door stating that. The last time I checked, quarters were still legal tender… Oh well…