Replacing a Lost Vehicle Title in Georgia
Your Georgia vehicle’s title is an extremely important document which plays a big role in verifying and transferring ownership. It establishes you as the legal owner of your car, and records important information such as the vehicle identification number, license plate number, make, model, year of manufacturer, money still owed, and original purchase price. Without a certified title on hand, you will not be able to sell your vehicle or transfer ownership in any way. You should always keep your title in a safe place, but in the event you lose it, there is a simple process for getting it replaced by the local tax commissioner office.
How to Apply for a Replacement Georgia Title
To get started on acquiring a replacement for a lost vehicle title in Georgia, every legal owner of the vehicle should go in person to the local tax commissioner’s office. There, you will complete a Title/Tag Application, which will include a current description of the vehicle such as make/model, and the present odometer reading. You should also bring whatever remains of your old title with you (if it has been damaged beyond use), though this is obviously not possible if it has been lost or stolen. You will receive your new title in the mail within 60 days of application, though some locations host an expedited service for an additional $10.
Special Conditions for Replacing Your Georgia Title
The process is slightly more complicated if your name has legally changed since your original title was issued to you. You’ll need to bring the appropriate documents verifying your name change, such as your marriage certificate, divorce decree, etc. After that, just fill out your title application using your new name, and the new title will be issued appropriately.
If your vehicle is still under lien, or has had debts paid off since the last title issuance, your new title needs to reflect these facts. Present lien holders should be included, while any debts that have been paid off need to be included on a special lien release form to verify they are no longer involved in the ownership of the vehicle. Lien holders are required to participate in any activities regarding the replacement or transfer of the title, as they are still considered owners of the vehicle.
Georgia Title Replacement Fees
Fortunately, though it does require you to show up in person at the tax commissioner’s office and fill out the appropriate forms, the fee for replacing your title is very affordable. You can pay with a personal check or money order made out to the office of the Tax Commissioner; be sure to include your drivers license number on the check. If you file for a replacement Georgia title and it gets lost in the mail, the DDS will send you another title free of charge. This is all the more reason to get a lost title replaced as quickly as you possibly can.
