How to transfer or correct a car title in Georgia

To change a car title in Georgia, you work with the Georgia Department of Revenue's Motor Vehicle Division. The exact steps depend on what you're changing: if you're transferring ownership after buying or selling a car, you'll use one process; if you're correcting a name or address on an existing title, you'll use another. Both require documents you send by mail or deliver in person to a county tag office, and both take several weeks to process.

Georgia does not issue paper titles for most vehicles registered after 2010 — your title exists as a record in the state system. When you need to change it, you're updating that record, not replacing a physical document. Understanding which change you need to make and which documents the tag office requires will determine how quickly the process moves.

Key Takeaways

  • Transferring ownership after a sale requires the seller's signature on the title, the buyer's information, and a completed Form T-4 (process for Title and Registration) sent to your county tag office.
  • Correcting a name, address, or other information on an existing title requires a written request, proof of the correct information, and sometimes a certified copy of a legal document like a marriage certificate or court order.
  • Georgia tag offices process title changes by mail or in person, and most changes take 15 to 30 business days after the office receives your documents.
  • If your title shows a lien (money owed on the car), the lender must sign off on any ownership transfer before the title can change.
  • You can find your county tag office location and contact information through the Georgia Department of Revenue website or by calling 404-657-9300.

Transferring ownership after buying or selling a car

When you buy a used car in Georgia, the seller must sign the title and give it to you. You then take that signed title, along with a completed Form T-4 (process for Title and Registration), to your county tag office. The form asks for your name, address, driver's license number, and the vehicle identification number (VIN). You'll also need to bring proof of a Georgia address — a utility bill, lease, or insurance document dated within the last 60 days works.

If the title shows a lien (the seller still owes money to a bank or credit union), the lender must release that lien before you can register the car in your name. The seller is responsible for paying off the loan and getting the lender's signature on the title. If the lien is not released, the tag office will not process your transfer. Ask the seller to confirm the lien is cleared before you hand over payment.

Submit the signed title and Form T-4 to your county tag office by mail or in person. Include a check or money order for the title transfer fee, which varies by county but typically ranges from $18 to $25. The tag office will send you a confirmation and a new registration card once the transfer is complete, usually within 15 to 30 business days.

Correcting a name, address, or other information on your title

If your title shows the wrong name, an outdated address, or other incorrect information, you can request a correction without transferring ownership. Write a letter to your county tag office explaining what is wrong and what the correct information should be. Include your current vehicle registration, your driver's license number, and the VIN.

Depending on what you're correcting, you may need to provide supporting documents. If you changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or a legal name change, include a certified copy of the marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you're correcting an address, include a current utility bill or lease showing your new address. If the title lists the wrong owner entirely, you'll need documentation proving who the actual owner is — this situation often requires a court order or a bill of sale from the previous owner.

Mail your letter, documents, and a check for the correction fee (typically $10 to $15) to your county tag office. Processing takes 15 to 30 business days. Call the tag office before sending to confirm what documents they need for your specific correction.

Adding or removing a co-owner

If you want to add someone else's name to your title or remove a name that is already there, you'll need to submit a new Form T-4 along with a notarized statement from all current owners. The statement must say that all owners agree to the change. Both the person being added and the person being removed (if applicable) must sign this statement in front of a notary public.

Bring the notarized statement, your current title, the completed Form T-4, and the fee to your county tag office. If you're adding a co-owner, that person should also bring a form of identification. The tag office will process the change and issue a new registration reflecting the updated ownership.

What to do if you've lost your title or it's damaged

If your title is lost, stolen, or too damaged to read, you can request a duplicate from your county tag office. Complete Form T-4 and write "Duplicate Title" at the top. Include your current vehicle registration, your driver's license, and the VIN. Pay the duplicate title fee, which is typically $10 to $20.

You can submit this request by mail or in person. Processing usually takes 15 to 30 business days. Until you receive the duplicate, you can still register and drive the vehicle using your current registration card — the title is a separate document used mainly when you sell the car or refinance a loan.

Where to send your documents and how long it takes

Every county in Georgia has a tag office (also called a county tax commissioner's office) that handles title changes. You can find your county office's address, phone number, and hours on the Georgia Department of Revenue website by searching for your county name. Some offices accept documents by mail; others require you to visit in person. Call ahead to confirm what your office accepts and whether you need an appointment.

Processing times are typically 15 to 30 business days after the tag office receives your complete process. If documents are missing or unclear, the office will contact you to ask for corrections, which can add one to two weeks to the timeline. Once approved, you'll receive a new registration card by mail. The title itself remains a record in the state system and is not mailed to you unless you request a duplicate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to notarize the seller's signature on the title?

No. The seller's signature on the title does not need to be notarized in Georgia. However, the signature must be original ink — photocopies are not accepted. If the seller is not present when you submit the title, you cannot forge their signature; the tag office will reject the process.

What if I bought the car from a private seller and they won't sign the title?

If the seller refuses to sign, you cannot legally transfer the title. You have no ownership rights without the seller's signature. If you have already paid for the car, you may need to consult an attorney about your options, as this is a civil matter between you and the seller.

How do I change my title if I got married or divorced?

Submit a letter to your county tag office requesting a name correction, along with a certified copy of your marriage certificate or divorce decree. Include your current registration and driver's license. The tag office will update your title record and send you a new registration card with your correct name.

Can I change my title online?

Georgia does not offer online title transfers or corrections. All changes must be submitted by mail or in person to your county tag office. Some offices may accept documents by email — call your local office to ask.

What happens if I sell my car but the buyer doesn't register it in their name?

You remain the registered owner until the buyer completes the title transfer at their county tag office. If the car is involved in an accident, parking violation, or other incident, you may be held liable. Contact the buyer and ask them to complete the transfer when ready. If they do not, you can file a report with your county tag office stating that you sold the vehicle and no longer own it.