The Certificate of Title is an important legal document that conveys ownership of a motor vehicle and protects the interest of lienholders. Most vehicles model year 1986 and newer must be titled in Georgia. When a title is required (see later discussion of cases when an identification is not needed), a vehicle cannot be registered (tagged) until a title application has been processed. In most cases, titling is the first for the new resident or a new owner. Georgia law requires you to register your vehicle within 30 days of the purchase date or the date you moved to Georgia, so you need to apply for a Georgia title in time to meet that deadline.
Certificates of Title are issued by the Georgia Department of Motor Vehicle Safety (DVMS). The Tax Commissioner is an agent of the DMVS Commissioner to accept title applications from Habersham County residents.
Although it takes about two weeks to receive a title after the application is submitted to the state, you can tag a vehicle after you apply for a title; it is not necessary to wait until the title document is received.
The following vehicles do not require a title in Georgia:
- 1962 and prior year model vehicles
- Boats and trailers
- Homemade trailers
- Vehicles owned by out-of-state residents with the following exceptions:
- Vehicles obtained through inheritance and repossessions with a Georgia title on record
- Vehicles owned by out-of-state residents that are based in Georgia and used routinely as personal or business vehicles
- Off-road vehicles (example: ATV-All Terrain Vehicles.)
- Self-propelled wheelchairs or invalid tricycles
- Utility trailers with an unladen gross weight of 2,000 pounds or less; this does not apply to a travel trailer or camper, regardless of its unladen gross weight, unless it is the model year 1985 or older
- Mopeds
- A vehicle that is other than a mobile home or crane, the model year of which is before 1986; mobile homes and cranes must continue to be titled unless the year model of the vehicle is previous to 1963
The Tag Office will assist you in ensuring the legal document is appropriately and accurately filled out. Be careful and follow instructions. Do not make any marks on the face of the title. On the reverse, the seller(s) should sign the name(s) shown on the front. The buyer should sign the same way the new title will be issued, agreeing with the name on the driver's license. Beware that the mileage figure cannot be altered. Do not include tenths, only whole miles. Everything else can be handled at the Tag Office by the buyer.
What to bring to apply for a title in your name:
- If required (see above), the existing title is in the seller's name assigned to you on the reverse. (1986 model or newer)
- Bill of sale if identification is not required. (1985 model or older)
- Complete name and street address of the lienholder if the lienholder holds the title
- Lien release from seller's lienholder (may be signed off on the label, or a letter from lienholder will suffice with vehicle identification stated in the letter)
- If the vehicle is jointly owned, both parties must sign the title application or provide a notarized Power of Attorney.
- Copy of driver's license for the owner(s)
If you purchase from an automobile dealer, the dealer will apply for a Georgia title in your name. He will give you a receipt showing that the $18 title fee has been paid. Registration (tagging) is the next step. Either you or your dealer must come in to register your new car. Don't assume the paperwork is done just because the dealer puts your old tag on the new car. Ask about the title and the registration. If taxes are not due, the dealer may transfer your identification for a fee of $5. Be sure this is handled properly.
