Moving to Georgia: car title and registration costs
Moving to Georgia with a car you own: title and registration come to about $638.00 for a $20,000 car you have owned over a year (estimate). Register within 30 days of moving (Georgia Department of Revenue).
Tax on the car itself: $600.00.
Estimate of government charges. The DMV or county office calculates the final amount.
Your own numbers
Set up for: moving to Georgia · Different situation?
Every line for a new resident
| Line | Group | Amount | Set by |
|---|---|---|---|
| TAVT for new residents (one-time) | State & local tax | $600.00 | Georgia Department of Revenue |
| Title application fee | Title | $18.00 | Georgia Department of Revenue |
| License plate registration / renewal fee | Registration & plates | $20.00 | Georgia Department of Revenue |
| Annual ad valorem ('birthday') tax: only for vehicles NOT under TAVT | Yearly taxes | you fill in | Georgia Department of Revenue |
Deadlines
- Apply for title within (days of purchase or transfer): 30 days (Georgia Department of Revenue)
- New resident: register within (days of moving): 30 days (Georgia Department of Revenue)
- Private (casual) sale: register within (business days of purchase): 7 days (Georgia Department of Revenue)
- Dealer sale: apply for registration within (days of purchase) if the dealer doesn't: 30 days (Georgia Department of Revenue)
- Temporary operating permit valid for (days): 45 days (Georgia Department of Revenue)
Sales tax when you move
- TAVT for new residents (one-time): New Georgia residents bringing a vehicle pay TAVT at 3% of fair market value (assessment-manual value) when first titling in Georgia.
Checklist before the DMV visit
- Your out-of-state title (or the lender's details if there is a loan) and current registration
- Proof of insurance that meets the state's requirements
- Your new driver license or ID, and proof of your new address
- Odometer reading; some states also need a VIN or safety/emissions inspection
- Proof of sales tax you paid when you bought the car, if it was recent (several states credit it or exempt you)
After that: yearly renewal
See registration and title fees in Georgia for the yearly cost.
Official tools: Georgia DOR TAVT Estimator · Georgia DOR Annual Ad Valorem Tax Estimator · Georgia DOR Fees, Fines, Penalties
Sources
- Georgia Department of Revenue: Vehicle Taxes - TAVT and Annual Ad Valorem Tax
- Georgia Department of Revenue: New to Georgia?
- Georgia Department of Revenue: Motor Vehicles Fees, Fines, and Penalties
- Georgia Department of Revenue: Georgia Motor Vehicle Online Manual (Version 2025-2026)
- Georgia Department of Revenue: When & Where to Register Your Vehicle
FAQ
How long do I have to register my car after moving to Georgia?
New resident: register within (days of moving): 30 days, per Georgia Department of Revenue.
Do I pay sales tax when I bring my car to Georgia?
New Georgia residents bringing a vehicle pay TAVT at 3% of fair market value (assessment-manual value) when first titling in Georgia.
How much does it cost to register an out-of-state car in Georgia?
About $638.00 for a $20,000 car owned over a year (estimate of title and registration).