Vehicle Registration and Renewal in Georgia

For new Georgians and long-time Georgia residents alike, registering your car can be a bit of a headache. The Georgia Motor Vehicle Division does their best to make the process as painless as possible. We’ll go through the most common steps for you so that you can get your Georgia vehicle registered quickly and easily.

First Time Georgia Vehicle Registration

New to the state? The Georgia Department of Revenue handles first-time Georgia vehicle registration (as well as renewals). The Georgia DOR website has all the information you’ll need to get your car registered. You’ll need to do a couple of things before you can put Georgia plates and tags on your car. First, you’ll need to get a Georgia drivers license, which you can do at a Georgia Department of Driver Services office. Second, you’ll need to provide proof of ownership, or an affidavit of title if the car title is held under lien. You’ll also need to make sure that your car passes any required Georgia emissions test; not all Georgia counties require them, so check with your local DOR tag office to see if yours does.

Renewing Your Georgia Car Registration

Renewing your Georgia registration will probably be a bit easier for you! Many Georgia drivers are eligible to renew their registration online. When you receive your vehicle registration renewal notice, you may see a note that lets you know that you’re eligible for online renewal. Keep the notice! You’ll need to have the RIN number handy when you fill out the online renewal form.

If you’re not eligible to renew your registration online, you’ll need to do it in person at your local DOR tag office. Be aware that if you live in certain counties, you may be required to have your car pass an emissions test prior to registration renewal. The MVD will notify you if that’s the case.