What you need to do to transfer a car title in Georgia
To transfer a car title in Georgia, you fill out Form T-7 (process for Title), gather proof of ownership and your ID, and submit everything to your county's Department of Driver Services office along with the transfer fee. The process takes about two weeks if you do it in person, longer if you mail it. Georgia does not allow online title transfers, so you must go to a physical office or use the mail.
The person selling the car signs the back of the title (or a separate power of attorney form if the title is lost). The buyer — that's you — brings the signed title, your driver's license, proof of insurance, and a bill of sale to the county office. You pay a one-time transfer fee, which varies by county but is typically between $18 and $30.
Key Takeaways
- You must complete Form T-7 and bring it to your county's Department of Driver Services office in person or by mail — Georgia does not process title transfers online.
- The seller must sign the back of the title or provide a separate power of attorney; if the title is lost, they can request a duplicate from their county office first.
- You will need your driver's license, proof of insurance, the signed title, and a bill of sale showing the purchase price.
- The transfer fee varies by county and is paid once; processing takes about two weeks in person or three to four weeks by mail.
- If the title has a lien (the car is financed), the lender must sign off, and you may need to wait for the lender to release the lien before the title transfers to your name.
Documents the seller must provide
The seller gives you the original title with their signature on the back. If the title is missing, the seller can request a duplicate from their county's Department of Driver Services office before the sale closes. This takes a few days and costs around $20, so it is worth asking the seller to handle this before you meet.
If the car is financed, the seller's lender holds the title. The lender must sign a release form or provide a letter authorizing the transfer. Ask the seller to contact their lender and request this document — do not assume it will arrive automatically. Some lenders mail it directly to the buyer; others give it to the seller to pass along. Confirm this step is complete before you hand over payment.
The seller should also provide a bill of sale, which is a straightforward document showing the sale price, the vehicle identification number (VIN), the date, and both signatures. Georgia does not require a specific form, so a handwritten bill of sale is legal as long as it includes these details. This protects both of you and gives the county proof of the transaction.
What to bring to the Department of Driver Services office
Bring your valid driver's license or state ID, the signed title from the seller, Form T-7 (which you can fill out before you go or at the office), proof of insurance, and the bill of sale. You will also need the vehicle identification number (VIN), which is on the title and on the car itself (usually on the dashboard or driver's side door jamb).
If the title has a lien, bring the lender's release letter or the signed lien release form. If the seller granted you power of attorney to sign on their behalf, bring that notarized document instead of the title signature. Some counties ask for proof of residency (a utility bill or lease), so call your county office ahead of time to confirm what they need.
The transfer fee is paid at the office. Bring cash, a check, or a debit card — not all offices accept credit cards. If you are mailing the documents, include a check or money order for the fee and keep a copy of everything you send.
How to find your county's Department of Driver Services office
Georgia's Department of Driver Services operates county offices throughout the state. Go to the official DDS website (dds.georgia.gov) and use the office locator tool to find the address, hours, and phone number for your county. Call ahead to confirm they are open and to ask about wait times — some offices get busy on certain days.
If you cannot go in person, you can mail your documents to the county office. Include Form T-7, the signed title, the bill of sale, a copy of your driver's license, proof of insurance, and a check for the transfer fee. Mail it certified with return receipt so you have proof it arrived. Processing by mail typically takes three to four weeks.
What happens if the title has a lien
A lien means the car is financed and the lender owns it until the loan is paid off. The lender's name appears on the title. You cannot take ownership until the lien is released, which happens when the seller pays off the loan or the lender approves the transfer.
Ask the seller to contact their lender and request a lien release letter or a form authorizing the transfer to your name. Some lenders release the lien automatically once the loan is paid; others require a written request. The seller should ask the lender to send the release directly to you or to the county office to speed things up.
If the seller is trading in the car or selling it before the loan is paid off, the lender may require that the sale proceeds go directly to them to pay down the balance. In this case, the lender will handle the title release as part of the payoff. Confirm this arrangement before the sale closes so there are no surprises.
Timeline and what to expect after you submit
If you submit your documents in person at the county office, you will receive a temporary registration and a receipt. The permanent title arrives by mail in about two weeks. Keep the receipt and temporary registration in your car until the permanent title arrives.
If you mail your documents, expect processing to take three to four weeks from the date the office receives them. The permanent title will be mailed to the address you provide on Form T-7. If you do not receive it within a month, call the county office with your receipt number to check the status.
During this waiting period, you can drive the car with your temporary registration. Your insurance should be active before you drive it off the lot. Once the permanent title arrives, store it in a safe place — you will need it if you sell the car later or if you need to register it in another state.
Common mistakes to avoid
Do not skip the bill of sale. Even though Georgia does not require it by law, having one in writing protects you if there is a dispute about the sale price or the condition of the car. It also helps the county process your transfer faster.
Do not assume the seller's lender will handle the lien release automatically. Contact the lender yourself if the seller does not provide the release letter within a few days of the sale. A missing lien release can delay your title transfer by weeks.
Do not forget to bring proof of insurance. Georgia law requires you to have insurance before you can register a vehicle, and the county office will not process your transfer without proof. Call your insurance company before you go to the office and ask them to email or mail you a proof of insurance document.
Do not write on the title yourself. Only the seller should sign it. If you make a mistake or write something the county office does not recognize, they may reject your process and ask you to start over.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer the title if the seller is out of state?
Yes. The seller can sign the title and mail it to you, or they can sign a power of attorney form authorizing you to sign on their behalf. Have the power of attorney notarized before you submit it to the county office. The rest of the process is the same.
What if the title is in two names and only one person is selling?
Both names on the title must sign for the transfer to go through. If one owner cannot sign, they must provide a notarized power of attorney. If the owners are divorced or separated and one refuses to sign, you may need a court order. Contact your county office to discuss your situation.
How much does it cost to transfer a title in Georgia?
The transfer fee varies by county but is typically between $18 and $30. Some counties charge additional fees for duplicate titles or lien releases. Call your county office to confirm the exact amount before you go.
Do I need to transfer the title before I register the car?
You can do both at the same time at the county office. Bring your registration process along with your title transfer documents, and the office will process both. You will pay separate fees for the title transfer and the registration.
What if I lose the title after I receive it?
You can request a duplicate from your county's Department of Driver Services office. Bring your driver's license and pay a fee (usually around $20). The duplicate is legal and has the same value as the original.