How to transfer a car title in Georgia
For private sellers and buyers in Georgia. A dealer trade-in follows the dealer's own process.
To transfer a car title in Georgia, the seller fills in the back of the title, signs under seller, gives the title to the buyer, keeps the plate and cancels the registration. The buyer signs under Buyer and files the Title/Tag Application (Form MV-1) at the County Tag Office within 7 days of the sale.
What do the buyer and seller each do in Georgia?
Seller
- Fill in the assignment on the back of the title: the buyer's full legal name and address, the date of sale and the odometer reading, then print and sign your name.
- Give the signed title to the buyer.
- Keep your license plate: it does not go with the car.
- Cancel the car's registration, online or with Form MV-18J at your County Tag Office.
Buyer
- Print and sign your name under Buyer on the back of the title.
- Never accept a title the seller signed with the buyer's name left blank.
- Sign the Title/Tag Application (Form MV-1).
- Title and register the car at your County Tag Office within 7 days.
If you're not sure what you need, check with the Georgia Department of Revenue, Motor Vehicle Division before you go: dor.georgia.gov
How do I sign over a car title in Georgia?
Step 1 · Seller
Fill in the back of the title.
Use blue or black ink. Enter the buyer's full legal name and address, the date of sale and the odometer reading in whole miles. Don't erase or change anything: a changed purchase date can cost a penalty.
dor.georgia.gov checkedStep 2 · Seller
Print and sign your name under seller.
If the car is jointly owned, each seller prints and signs.
dor.georgia.gov checkedStep 3 · Seller
Never sign a title with the buyer left blank.
Giving or accepting a title assigned in blank is a misdemeanor in Georgia.
dor.georgia.gov checkedStep 4 · Seller
Give the buyer the title and keep your plate.
The plate stays with you: keep it, move it to your next car, or surrender it to DOR. Keep a copy of the title and any bill of sale.
georgia.gov checkedStep 5 · Seller
Cancel the registration.
Online in DRIVES e-Services, or in person with Form MV-18J at your County Tag Office.
dor.georgia.gov checked
We have not confirmed whether Georgia requires a bill of sale. Check with the Georgia Department of Revenue, Motor Vehicle Division before you sell.
Georgia bill of saleHow do I put a car title in my name in Georgia?
Step 1 · Buyer
Check the title and sign under Buyer.
Make sure the seller filled in every section, and print and sign your name.
dor.georgia.gov checkedStep 2 · Buyer
Fill out the Title/Tag Application.
Use Form MV-1. Bring your Georgia driver's license or ID and proof of insurance.
Form MV-1 · Title/Tag Applicationdor.georgia.gov checkedStep 3 · Buyer
Title and register the car within 7 days.
At your County Tag Office. You pay the title fee, the Title Ad Valorem Tax and the plate fee there.
dor.georgia.gov checked
After DOR processes your papers, it issues the new title in the new owner's name.
Georgia guides
How much does a title transfer cost in Georgia?
| Fee | Amount | Who pays | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Title fee | $18 | Buyer | dor.georgia.gov Checked |
| Title Ad Valorem Tax (TAVT, paid instead of sales tax) | 7.0% of the car's fair market value | Buyer | dor.georgia.gov Checked |
| Title penalty if you apply after 30 days (if it applies) | $10 | Buyer | dor.georgia.gov Checked |
| Total of required fees, before tax | $18 |
Fees can change. Check the official page before you pay. Tax depends on the price and on who is buying. The tax rules are on the site of the Georgia Department of Revenue.
Special cases
- Giving a car as a giftNot confirmed yet Gift steps for Georgia are being checked.
- Lost titleUse the Title/Tag Application (Form MV-1).
- The owner diedThe steps depend on the estate and who the title names.
There is a lien on the title
Any loan recorded on the title must be released in the spaces on the title before the buyer can title the car. dor.georgia.gov checked
Common questions
How long do you have to transfer a car title in Georgia?
DOR says the buyer should title and register the car Within 7 days of the purchase date. A $10 title penalty applies if you apply after thirty days.
dor.georgia.govsource 2 checked
Does the seller keep the license plate in Georgia?
Yes. The plate does not go with the car. The seller can keep it, move it to a new car or surrender it to DOR.
georgia.gov checked
How much is the title fee in Georgia?
$18 for the title, plus the Title Ad Valorem Tax.
dor.georgia.govsource 2 checked
Is there sales tax on a used car in Georgia?
Georgia charges the Title Ad Valorem Tax instead: 7.0% of the car's fair market value.
dor.georgia.gov checked
Can I accept a title with the buyer's name left blank?
No. Giving or accepting a title assigned in blank is a misdemeanor in Georgia.
dor.georgia.gov checked
Sources for this page
- dor.georgia.gov/motor-vehicles/
title-motor-vehicles/ Checkedtitle-and-register-vehicle-purchased-casual-sale - dor.georgia.gov/motor-vehicles/
vehicle-registration-license-plates/ Checkedmotor-vehicles-fees-fines-and-penalties - dor.georgia.gov/motor-vehicles/
vehicle-registration-license-plates/ Checkedvehicle-taxes-title-ad-valorem-tax-tavt-and - dor.georgia.gov/responsibilities-sellers-and-buyers Checked
- dor.georgia.gov/transfer-vehicle-titled-georgia Checked
- georgia.gov/sell-motor-vehicle Checked
About this page
This page summarizes official Georgia sources in plain English. Car Title Steps is not a government website, is not connected to the Georgia Department of Revenue, Motor Vehicle Division, and does not file or prepare forms. Confirm each step with the agency before you sign, pay or mail anything. Found a mistake? Email mr@marcelruettgers.com.