New to Georgia: Vehicle Registration Information

New Georgia Residents

Individuals have 30 calendar days after establishing residency to register their vehicles. The out-of-state vehicle registration is no longer valid after the 30-day period. If you do not register your vehicle within 30 days, penalties and fines are assessed.

New residents are required to pay a tag fee, a title fee, and a one-time title ad valorem tax (title tax) of 3%. The full amount is due upon titling any motor vehicle. Determine the amount due. 

  • If you have a lienholder: The Georgia title will be mailed to the lienholder on file.
  • If you do not have a lienholder: The Georgia title will be mailed to the registered owner at the address on file.

When registering a vehicle within a few months of your birthday, a decal may be issued for the current year and will expire on your birthday. It is advisable to contact our office for details.

The following is a list of items you will need to bring to a Gwinnett County tag office:

  • Valid Georgia driver's license or valid Georgia identification card with the current Gwinnett address for each owner
  • Original out-of-state title issued in your name OR
  • If you have moved from another state and your lender or leasing company is holding your out-of-state title, you must complete and sign a Statement of Title Held by Lien Holder or Leasing Company and submit it with your original valid out-of-state registration certificate in lieu of your title 
  • If the vehicle is leased, you will also need an original notarized Power of Attorney from the leasing company and the lease agreement (with the name and address of the leasing company)
  • Valid current registration from the former state
  • Date the owner moved to Georgia
  • Current mileage
  • If any owner is not present, a legible photocopy of the valid Georgia driver’s license or valid Georgia identification card is required
 

Once your vehicle is registered, you are required to renew the registration by the vehicle's renewal deadline each year, which is the registered owner’s birthday. For more information about tag renewals in Georgia, click here. 

Any documents, paperwork, license plates or renewal decals processed in a Gwinnett tag office can only be returned to the registered owner of the vehicle or a family member with valid government-issued identification showing the same last name and/or same address as the registered owner.

 

Updated 8/7/2024

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