Newly Acquired Vehicles

TAVT (Title Ad Valorem Tax)
Effective March 1, 2013, House Bill 386 removed the sales tax and the annual ad valorem tax on newly-purchased vehicles. It replaces these taxes with a new title fee of 6.5% in 2013 and 6.75% in 2014. Below is important information you need to know:

• Vehicles purchased on or after March 1, 2013, will pay the new title tax to the tag agent in the county in which you register the vehicle. This fee will be paid at the time you apply for the title and registration.
• The new title tax is not due every year but is due each time the vehicle is sold and titled. This applies to dealer sales as well as sales between individuals.
• The new title tax is based on a percentage (6.5% in 2013) of the fair market value which is determined by the Georgia Department of Revenue, not the purchase price of the vehicle.
• You will continue to pay the annual ad valorem tax on vehicles that you currently own.
• If you purchase a vehicle between January 1, 2012 and March 1, 2013, you will have the option of paying the new title tax or the annual ad valorem tax. You will have from March 1, 2013 until December 31, 2013, to opt into the new program.
• All other annual vehicle registration requirements, including annual tag renewal fees and decals will remain in effect for all vehicle owners.

Calculate your taxes by using the Title Ad Valorem Tax (TAVT) Calculator.

Purchase From New or Used Dealership

Georgia residents with newly acquired vehicles purchased from a new or used dealership must register within 30 days of vehicle purchase. New vehicle owners must apply for a title prior to or at the time of registration.

The new owner must present a valid Georgia driver's license.

Casual Sale Purchase
When a vehicle is purchased from a casual sale (not from a new or used car dealer), the owner acquiring the vehicle must register and obtain, or transfer, a license plate to operate the vehicle at their county of residence no later than 7 business days after the date of purchase.

A 30 day Temporary Operating Permit (TOP) will be issued to casual sale customers who do not yet have the title. A copy of the registration, valid Bill of Sale, and proof of Georgia Liability Insurance must be submitted to the county tag agent.

For more information, please call us at 912-576-3248.

Power-of-Attorney

If an owner is unable to appear in person, an original, notarized Power-of-Attorney (PDF) and a copy of the Georgia driver's license for that person must be presented at the time of registration.

The Power-of-Attorney must include:

• Year
• Make
• Model
• Vehicle identification number