Georgia issues replacement titles through the Department of Revenue, and the process takes about two weeks by mail or one to two days in person
Georgia's Department of Revenue, Motor Vehicle Division handles all title replacements. You can request a duplicate title by mail, in person at a local county tag office, or online through the Georgia DMV website. The fastest route is in-person at your county office — you'll walk out with a temporary title the same day and receive the official title by mail within one to two weeks. By mail alone, the process takes roughly two weeks from the date the office receives your request.
You'll need to provide proof of ownership (your current title, registration, or insurance documents), a completed process form, and a fee. Georgia charges a flat fee for title replacement that does not vary by county. The state does not require a vehicle inspection or emissions test for a duplicate title — only for a title transfer to a new owner.
Key Takeaways
- Georgia's Department of Revenue processes duplicate titles, and you can submit your request by mail, online, or in person at any county tag office.
- In-person requests at a county tag office produce a temporary title on the spot and the official title within one to two weeks by mail.
- You need proof of ownership (current title, registration, or insurance), a completed process, and the replacement fee.
- Georgia does not require a vehicle inspection or emissions test for a title replacement, only for transfers to a new owner.
- If your vehicle has a lien, the lienholder's name appears on the replacement title automatically — you do not need to contact them separately.
What documents you need to bring or send
The core requirement is proof that you own the vehicle. Georgia accepts your current title (even if damaged or faded), your vehicle registration card, or a current insurance declaration page showing your name and the vehicle identification number (VIN). If you have none of these, you can use a bill of sale or purchase agreement, though this requires additional verification and takes longer.
You'll also need to complete Form T-7, the process for Duplicate Title. This form is available on the Georgia DMV website, at any county tag office, or by mail request. The form asks for your name, address, driver's license number, the vehicle's VIN, make, model, and year, and the reason for the replacement (lost, stolen, or damaged). You do not need a notarized signature for a mail request, but the form must be signed and dated.
Bring or include a valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or military ID). If you're explore by mail and your address on file differs from your current address, include a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days to verify your residence.
How to request a replacement title by mail
Send a completed Form T-7, a copy of your proof of ownership, a copy of your ID, and a check or money order for the replacement fee to the Georgia Department of Revenue, Motor Vehicle Division. The mailing address is listed on the form and on the Georgia DMV website. Do not send cash.
Processing time is roughly two weeks from the date the office receives your envelope. The office will mail the new title to the address you listed on the form. If you need the title sooner, do not use mail — go in person instead.
Keep a record of what you sent (take photos of the form and documents before mailing) and consider using certified mail with return receipt so you have proof of delivery. If your request does not arrive within three weeks, contact the Motor Vehicle Division directly to confirm receipt.
How to request a replacement title in person at a county tag office
Locate your county tag office using the Georgia DMV office finder on the state website. Bring your proof of ownership (original or copy), your completed Form T-7, your valid ID, and payment in cash, check, or card (accepted methods vary by office). Walk in during business hours — most offices do not require an appointment for title replacements, though some busy locations may ask you to call ahead.
The staff will review your documents, process your process, and issue a temporary title on the spot. This temporary title is valid for 30 days and allows you to drive the vehicle, register it, or sell it while you wait for the official title to arrive by mail. The official title typically arrives within one to two weeks.
County tag offices are usually open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some have extended hours or Saturday appointments. Call ahead if you're unsure about hours or whether the office is busy that day.
How to request a replacement title online
Georgia's DMV website offers an online title replacement service through a portal. You'll need to create an account, enter your vehicle information and VIN, upload a photo or scan of your proof of ownership and ID, and pay the fee by credit or debit card. The online system does not issue a temporary title — you'll receive only the official title by mail, which takes about two weeks.
The online option is useful if you cannot visit a tag office and do not need the title urgently. Some users report the upload process can be slow or reject image files that are too large; if this happens, try compressing the image or using a different file format (PDF or JPG work best). If the system rejects your submission multiple times, call the Motor Vehicle Division or visit in person instead.
What to do if your vehicle has a lien
If a bank, credit union, or other lender holds a lien on your vehicle, their name appears on your title. When you request a duplicate title, Georgia automatically includes the lienholder's name on the replacement — you do not need to contact the lender or provide their permission. The replacement title will show the lien exactly as it appeared on the original.
If the lien has been paid off but still appears on your title, you'll need to request a lien release from the lienholder first. Once you have the release document, submit it along with your title replacement request. The Motor Vehicle Division will issue a new title without the lien.
Fees and payment methods
Georgia charges a single flat fee for duplicate titles, regardless of the vehicle's age, value, or whether it has a lien. The fee does not change based on whether you request by mail, in person, or online. Payment methods vary slightly: in-person requests accept cash, check, and card; mail requests require check or money order; online requests accept credit and debit cards only.
Do not send cash by mail. If you're paying by check, make it payable to the Georgia Department of Revenue. Some county tag offices may charge a small additional processing fee for in-person service, though this is rare and should be posted at the office.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a replacement title in Georgia?
In person at a county tag office, you receive a temporary title when ready and the official title within one to two weeks by mail. By mail or online, the official title takes about two weeks from the date of processing. If you need the title urgently, visit a tag office in person.
Can I drive my vehicle while I wait for the replacement title?
Yes. If you received a temporary title in person, it's valid for 30 days. If you requested by mail or online, you can drive using your current registration and insurance until the new title arrives. You cannot sell the vehicle without the official title.
What if I lost my title and don't have any proof of ownership?
You can use a bill of sale, purchase agreement, or loan documents showing your name and the VIN. The Motor Vehicle Division may require additional verification, such as a notarized statement or a police report if the title was stolen. Call the office to ask what documents they'll accept before you submit.
Do I need to notify my lender if I request a duplicate title?
No. If a lien exists, Georgia automatically includes it on the replacement title. You do not need to contact the lender or provide their permission. If the lien has been paid off, you'll need a lien release from the lender before requesting the duplicate.
Can someone else pick up my replacement title for me?
If you requested by mail or online, the title is mailed to the address you provided — no pickup is needed. If you requested in person and received a temporary title, only you can pick up the official title when it arrives, unless you provide written authorization and a copy of your ID to the tag office in advance.