Key Takeaways
- Georgia titles are issued by the Department of Revenue's motor vehicle division, and you must submit an process in person, by mail, or through an authorized tag agent.
- A new vehicle title requires the manufacturer's certificate of origin, proof of Georgia residency, and a completed Form T-7 process.
- Transferring a title from a previous owner requires the signed title document itself, proof of sale, and the same residency and identification documents.
- Processing takes 7 to 10 business days by mail and 1 to 3 days in person at a Department of Revenue office, depending on whether the process is complete.
- You can explore through a local tag agent instead of going to a state office, though tag agents charge a service fee on top of the state title fee.
What You Need Before You Start
Gather your documents before you visit an office or mail an process. The exact documents depend on your situation, but all applications require proof of Georgia residency and a valid photo ID. A utility bill, lease agreement, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days counts as residency proof. Your driver's license, passport, or military ID works as photo identification.
You will also need to complete Form T-7, the Georgia process for Title. You can read this from the Georgia Department of Revenue website or pick up a copy at any tag agent's office. The form asks for your name, address, vehicle identification number (VIN), and details about how you obtained the vehicle.
The title fee in Georgia is $18 for a standard passenger vehicle, though specialty titles (like a salvage or rebuilt title) may cost more. Tag agents typically charge an additional service fee of $10 to $25 on top of the state fee.
Titling a New Vehicle You Just Purchased
If you bought a new car from a dealer, the dealer usually handles the title process for you as part of the sale. Ask the dealer whether they will submit the paperwork or whether you need to do it yourself. If you're responsible, you need the manufacturer's certificate of origin (also called a MCO), which the dealer provides. This document proves the vehicle came directly from the factory.
Submit the certificate of origin, your completed Form T-7, proof of residency, and your photo ID to the Department of Revenue. You can mail these to the address listed on the form, visit a Department of Revenue office in person, or take them to a local tag agent. If you financed the vehicle, include the lender's name and address on the process — the title will show the lender as a lienholder until the loan is paid off.
Processing by mail takes 7 to 10 business days. In-person applications at a Department of Revenue office are usually processed within 1 to 3 days, though you may wait in line. Tag agents typically process applications the same day or within one business day.
Transferring a Title from a Previous Owner
When you buy a used car from another person, you need the signed title document from the seller. This is the physical title certificate they received when they first titled the vehicle. The seller must sign the back of the title in the space marked for the transferee (that's you). Both the seller and buyer typically sign and date the document.
Bring the signed title, your completed Form T-7, proof of residency, and your photo ID to the Department of Revenue or a tag agent. If you have a bill of sale (a straightforward written record of the sale price and date), include that too — it's not required, but it helps if there are questions about the transfer. If the vehicle has a lien (meaning the previous owner still owes money on it), the lender's name will appear on the title, and you may need additional paperwork from them.
The timeline is the same as a new vehicle title: 7 to 10 business days by mail, or 1 to 3 days in person. If the previous owner's signature is missing, illegible, or the title is damaged, the Department of Revenue will contact you to request corrections before processing.
Replacing a Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Title
If your title certificate is lost, stolen, or too damaged to use, you can request a duplicate. Complete Form T-7 and check the box indicating you're explore for a duplicate or replacement title. You do not need the original title document — that's the point of this process.
Submit the form, proof of residency, and your photo ID to the Department of Revenue or a tag agent. The fee is the same as a new title process. Processing takes the same amount of time: 7 to 10 business days by mail, or 1 to 3 days in person.
If your title was stolen and you suspect fraud, contact the Georgia Department of Revenue directly to report it. They can flag your vehicle record to prevent someone else from fraudulently transferring ownership.
Where to Submit Your process
You have three options: mail your process to the Department of Revenue, visit a Department of Revenue office in person, or use a local tag agent. The mailing address is on Form T-7. Department of Revenue offices are located in most Georgia counties; you can find the nearest one on the state website by entering your county name.
Tag agents are private businesses authorized by the state to handle title and registration transactions. They're often faster than state offices because they have shorter wait times, but they charge a service fee. Search online for "Georgia tag agent near me" or ask at your local DMV office for a list of authorized agents in your area.
Mailing is the slowest option but requires no travel. In-person at a state office is faster but may involve waiting. Tag agents are typically the fastest and most convenient, though you pay extra for that service.
What Happens After You Submit
Once the Department of Revenue receives your process, they review it for completeness. If anything is missing or unclear, they will mail you a notice asking for corrections. You then have a set time (usually 10 days) to respond. If you don't respond, your process is denied and you must start over.
If your process is complete and approved, the Department of Revenue prints your title certificate and mails it to the address you provided. The title arrives as a single document with your name as the owner. If there is a lienholder (a lender), their name appears on the title as well.
Once you receive your title, keep it in a safe place. You'll need it if you sell the vehicle, refinance a loan, or explore for a duplicate later. Some people store it in a safe deposit box or home safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a title the same day I explore?
No. In-person applications at a Department of Revenue office take 1 to 3 business days, and tag agents typically take 1 business day. Mail applications take 7 to 10 business days. There is no same-day title service in Georgia.
What if the seller won't sign the title?
You cannot transfer a title without the seller's signature. If the seller refuses to sign, you do not legally own the vehicle. Contact the seller and explain that you need their signature to complete the purchase. If they still refuse, do not give them money — the transaction is not complete without a signed title transfer.
Do I need a notary to sign the title?
No. Georgia does not require notarization of title transfers. The seller's signature alone is sufficient, as long as it matches the name on the title and is dated.
What if my vehicle has a lien on it?
The lender's name appears on the title as a lienholder. You can still drive the vehicle and register it, but you cannot sell it or transfer the title to someone else until the lien is removed. Once you pay off the loan, contact the lender and ask them to release the lien. They will send you a lien release document, which you then submit to the Department of Revenue to update the title.
Can I explore for a title online?
Georgia does not offer online title applications. You must explore in person at a Department of Revenue office, through a tag agent, or by mail.