New to Georgia? First things first, welcome (and don’t miss our newcomer’s guide)! Depending on where you’re coming from, you might not be used to needing a vehicle in your everyday life. Although walkability in Atlanta is on the rise, you’ll need to plan for getting around on four wheels rather than two legs – even if you’re living inside the perimeter. Georgia law requires that within 30 days of becoming a legal resident, you must register your vehicle with the Georgia Motor Vehicle Division.

To save you time, we’ve streamlined this process with the necessary steps to get you in your car and on the way to exploring everything Atlanta has to offer.

1. Complete the registration pre-requirements: Before you can complete your vehicle registration, you must do the following:

• Purchase auto insurance that meets Georgia’s standards.
• Apply for a Georgia driver’s license.
• Have your vehicle inspected for emissions and smog at a local gas station or service center. Note: each county has their own requirements, but this step is necessary if you live in one of the following counties: Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, Coweta, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry and Paulding.

2. Apply for the title on your vehicle: When you go to register your vehicle, you’ll also be required to title your vehicle at the same time. For this, you’ll need to bring along proof of ownership, such as your out-of-state title or lienholder info. If your old state does not provide vehicle titles, you must bring your current registration certification for your vehicle along with a Certificate of Inspection completed by a county tag agent or law enforcement officer.

3. Complete and compile the necessary registration materials:

• Fill-out the DOR-Motor Vehicle Title/Tag Application.
• Ensure you’ll have proof of insurance.
• You must have proof that you are a Georgia resident, such as:
  • Lease, deed or closing statement on your apartment or house.
  • Utility bill showing your Georgia address.
  • Shipper’s bill or truck-rental agreement.
• Proof of vehicle ownership (refer back to Step 2).
• Proof of vehicle inspection (refer back to Step 1).
• Payment for all registration costs: You will pay for these taxes and fees by cash, check or money order. Some counties accept credit cards, but call your county’s Tax Commissioner’s Office to make sure. Checks and money orders should be made payable to
  • County Tax Commissioner

4. Make a trip to your county’s Tax Commissioner’s Office: With all of the documents from Step 3 in hand, visit your local Tax Commissioner’s Office and complete your new vehicle registration. Your tag registration will be valid for one year.

If you have questions, contact your local Tax Commissioner’s Office or call the Georgia Motor Vehicle Division call center at 855-406-5221. Their office is located at:

4125 Welcome All Road

Atlanta, GA 30349

Remember that you cannot register your vehicle at the GA MVD office. It must be completed at your county’s Tax Commissioner’s office.
 

Story by Tiffany Jaquins. The Atlanta expert for About Travel, Kate Parham Kordsmeier, can be reached on twitter @KPKords or via email at kpkords@gmail.com. Don't forget to like us on Facebook.