by Armando Martinez
License Plate Transfer Process in Georgia
In Georgia, license plates stay with the Seller when it is sold. This means that the buyer will need to apply for and receive a new license plate on the car along with their registration and title within 30 days of their purchase. As a seller, you need to remove the license plate before completing the sale. It's important to note that you cannot transfer license plates from one vehicle to another in Georgia. Once the sale is completed the removed license plates need to be surrendered to the GA Department of Revenue along with a Report and/or surrender of Georgia License plates’ form T-158 Report and/or Surrender of Georgia License Plate. As the seller you must also cancel your vehicle registration either online at https://eservices.drives.ga.gov/_/#1 or in person at your local GADOR office. Be sure to complete the Form MV-18J Application of Voluntary Registration Cancellation before you go. Click here to locate your county tag office to cancel your registration in person.
To transfer ownership of your vehicle, you'll need to provide the buyer with the vehicle's title and a Bill of Sale. The title should be completed with the selling price, date of sale, and odometer reading. The Bill of Sale should include the vehicle's make, model, year, and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
If you have a lien on your vehicle, the lien holder will hold onto the title until the loan is paid off. Once the loan is paid off, they will release the title to you or the buyer.
License Plate Fees in Georgia
License plate fees in Georgia can vary based on the type of vehicle and other factors. Here are some of the fees you may need to pay:
- Title fee: $18
- TAVT (Title Ad Valorem Tax): 6.6% of the fair market value of the vehicle
- Annual registration fee: $20-$30
- Special license plate fee: $35-$80
You may also need to pay fees for emissions testing, local taxes, or other additional fees.
Conclusion
It’s important to understand the license plate transfer process and associated fees when selling your car in a private party sale in Georgia. Be sure to remove the license plate when selling the car, provide the necessary documentation to transfer ownership to the buyer, and inform the DMV of the sale. Expect to pay title fees, TAVT taxes, annual registration fees, special license plate fees, and other potential fees such as emissions testing fees or local taxes. For more information on buyer and seller responsibilities in Georgia, you can visit https://dor.georgia.gov/buying-or-selling-car. By following these steps, you can successfully navigate the license plate process and enjoy a smooth private party car sale in Georgia.
This article was written by Armando Martinez. Armando Martinez is among the nation’s experts on automotive titling, registration, DMV services and document operations. With nearly two decades of experience across a broad range of financial services functions and some of the largest names in auto, from Wells Fargo to Uber, Armando combines vision and ingenuity with a wealth of information so auto shoppers and sellers can learn from his experience.
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