Registration

The process of transferring the name on a title (Georgia or out-of-state title) and purchasing a tag for your vehicle is known as registration. This process must be done at the county tag office of the owner's residence. For more information visit http://dor.georgia.gov/motor-vehicles for registration or http://dor.georgia.gov/general-title-information for titles.

New residents to Georgia must have the following documents in order to register a vehicle:

Vehicle with No Lien

1. Out of State Title
2. Current Registration from Previous State
3. Proof of Georgia Insurance
4. Georgia Drivers License with Emanuel County Address
5. Current Milage

Vehicle with Lien

1. Loan Agreement with Complete Name and Address of Lien Holder
2. T-17 Affidavit of Lien Holder (available at tag office)
3. Proof of Georgia Insurance
4. Georgia Drivers License with Emanuel County Address
5. Current Milage

Birthday Tax to Disappear in Vehicles Purchased after March 1, 2013

A new law that changed the way motor vehicles are taxed in Georgia went into effect on March 1, 2013. Motor vehicles purchased after March 1, 2013 and titled in this state are exempt from sales and use tax and the annual ad valorem tax, also known as the “birthday tax.” These taxes are replaced by a one-time tax that is imposed at the time the vehicle is titled. This one-time tax, which is called the title ad valorem tax (“TAVT”), is based on the fair market value of the vehicle determined by the state. The rate for this tax changes yearly and is applicable to dealer and casual sales but excludes non-titled vehicles, such as trailers and other non-motorized vehicles, which will remain subject to ad valorem tax. Vehicles purchased prior to March 1, 2013, will stay in the old system and owners are expected to pay annual ad valorem tax on their birthday. To view frequently asked questions concerning the new TAVT system or to use the calculator, visit the Georgia Department of Revenue website www.dor.georgia.gov.

Fees

• Tag Fee for passenger vehicles $20.00
• Title Transfer Fee $18.00
• Trailer Tag Fee $12.00*
• Replacement (Tag, Decal, or Title) $8.00

A highway impact fee is $50 for vehicles 15,500 to 26,000 pounds and $100 for 26,001 pounds and over. This fee is required every year at tag renewal. The weight for these vehicles is determined by the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR).

For trucks with a gross vehicle weight over 14,000 (Truck and load), tag fees are based on the weight. (GVWR).

*Trailers with a gross vehicle weight of less than 2,000 pounds are not required to be titled in Georgia. The previous registration is required and/or bill of sale.

Certain persons may be eligible for a handicapped tag or parking placard. To obtain the form necessary to acquire this tag please visit the Georgia Department of Revenue Website www.dor.georgia.gov.

Vehicle Tag Renewals

RENEW TAG ONLINE

Vehicle Tag Renewals can be processed by mail by completing the renewal form received in the mail and returning it to the Tax Commissioners Office or bringing this form to the office. Renewals must be made on or before the birth date of the primary owner when owned by an individual, or the last day of the month for a business.

The penalty for late registration is 10% of the tax and 25% of the tag fee. These penalties begin immediately following the due date.

We accept check, debit/credit cards or cash for payment of Tag Renewals.

The telephone number for the tag office is (478) 237-3351. The office is located at 101 South Main Street, Swainsboro. Office hours are Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.

For further information regarding vehicle registration please visit the State of Georgia Department of Motor Vehicle Website http://dor.georgia.gov/motor-vehicles.