Vehicle registration in DeKalb County happens through the Tag Office, which is part of the county government
DeKalb County's Tag Office handles all vehicle registration for residents. You'll register your car, truck, motorcycle, or other vehicle there, not through the state. The Tag Office issues your license plate, registration card, and decal — the physical proof that your vehicle is registered.
Registration is required before you can legally drive on public roads in Georgia. The Tag Office also collects property taxes on vehicles, which is why registration and tax are handled together in one process. You cannot separate them.
Key Takeaways
- DeKalb County Tag Office is located in Decatur and handles all vehicle registration; you cannot register online or by mail for a new registration.
- You will need your vehicle title, proof of insurance, a valid ID, and proof of residence to register a vehicle.
- Registration fees and property tax amounts depend on your vehicle's value, age, and type; the Tag Office calculates both when you explore.
- Renewal can be done online, by mail, or in person, but new registrations and title transfers require an in-person visit.
- The Tag Office is open Monday through Friday during standard business hours; wait times are typically shorter early in the morning or mid-week.
What documents you need to bring
Bring your vehicle's title — the legal document proving ownership. If you just bought the car, the title should be in your name or show you as a co-owner. If the title is still in someone else's name, you cannot register it yet; the previous owner must sign it over to you first.
You also need proof of insurance. Georgia law requires liability insurance before registration. Your insurance company will give you a declarations page or ID card showing your policy number and coverage dates. Bring that document with you.
Bring a valid photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. You also need proof that you live in DeKalb County: a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current address. The document must be recent, usually within the last 60 days.
If you are registering someone else's vehicle or acting as a representative, bring a signed power of attorney or notarized letter giving you permission to register on their behalf.
Registration fees and property tax
The Tag Office charges a registration fee and collects property tax on your vehicle. The registration fee is a flat amount set by the county. Property tax is calculated based on your vehicle's assessed value, which depends on its make, model, year, and condition.
Newer vehicles have higher assessed values and therefore higher property tax. A five-year-old sedan will cost less in property tax than a brand-new truck. The Tag Office uses a standard depreciation schedule, not the market price you paid.
You can call the DeKalb County Tag Office or visit in person to find out the exact amount before you register. They can tell you the total cost once you provide your vehicle's year, make, and model. Costs vary widely, so asking ahead prevents surprises at the counter.
Where the Tag Office is located and hours
The main DeKalb County Tag Office is in Decatur. The address and phone number are available on the DeKalb County government website. Some satellite locations may also offer registration services, though the main office handles all transactions.
The Tag Office is open Monday through Friday during standard business hours. It is closed on weekends and county holidays. Wait times are typically shorter early in the morning or on Wednesday and Thursday afternoons. Avoid the first and last week of the month if possible, as those are peak times.
You can call ahead to ask about current wait times or to confirm that the Tag Office has what you need before you visit.
New registration versus renewal
A new registration is what you do when you buy a vehicle for the first time or move to DeKalb County from another county or state. You must do this in person at the Tag Office. You cannot do it online or by mail.
A renewal is what you do every year or every three years (depending on your vehicle type) to keep your current registration active. Renewals can be done online through the DeKalb County website, by mail, or in person. Online renewal is the fastest option if your information has not changed.
If you are transferring a title from another person or another state, that counts as a new registration in DeKalb County and requires an in-person visit.
Registering a vehicle you just bought
When you buy a vehicle, the seller signs the title over to you. Make sure the title is signed and dated by the seller and that your name is written in the new owner section. If anything is missing or unclear, ask the seller to correct it before you leave.
Take the signed title, your proof of insurance, your ID, and proof of residence to the Tag Office. Tell the staff member that you are registering a newly purchased vehicle. They will verify the title, calculate your registration fee and property tax, and issue your license plate and registration card on the spot.
You should register your vehicle within 30 days of purchase. Driving an unregistered vehicle is illegal, even if you have insurance and the title is in your name.
Renewing your registration online or by mail
If your registration is expiring and you are renewing with the same vehicle and the same owner, you can renew online. Go to the DeKalb County website, find the Tag Office section, and look for the online renewal option. You will need your current registration card and a valid payment method.
Online renewal takes a few minutes and your new decal will be mailed to you within one to two weeks. Your registration is active when ready after you pay, even though the physical decal has not arrived yet.
If you prefer to renew by mail, send your registration card, a check or money order for the renewal fee, and a note with your phone number to the Tag Office address. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope if you want your new decal mailed back to you. Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal — usually two to three weeks.
What to do if your registration expires or you lose your decal
If your registration expires, you can still renew it at any time. There is usually a late fee added to your renewal cost, but you can renew online, by mail, or in person. Do not drive with an expired registration; you can be stopped and ticketed.
If you lose your license plate or your registration decal, go to the Tag Office in person. Bring your registration card and ID. The Tag Office will issue a replacement plate or decal for a replacement fee. Replacement plates take longer than decals — you may need to wait a few days or pick it up later.
If your plate is stolen, file a police report first. Bring the report to the Tag Office along with your registration card and ID. The report may waive or reduce the replacement fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I register my vehicle online if I just moved to DeKalb County?
No. New registrations and transfers from another county or state must be done in person at the Tag Office. You need to bring your title, proof of insurance, ID, and proof of residence. Online registration is only for renewals of vehicles already registered in DeKalb County.
What if my vehicle title is still being processed by the lender or previous owner?
You cannot register the vehicle until the title is in your name. If you bought the car and the title has not arrived, contact the seller or the lender to find out when it will be mailed to you. Once you have it, you have 30 days to register. If the title is delayed, keep proof of purchase and insurance in your vehicle in case you are stopped.
How much does it cost to register a vehicle in DeKalb County?
The registration fee is a flat amount set by the county, but property tax varies based on your vehicle's value and age. Call the Tag Office with your vehicle's year, make, and model to get an exact quote before you visit. Costs typically range from under $100 to several hundred dollars depending on the vehicle.
Do I need to register my vehicle if I have a temporary tag from the dealership?
Yes. A temporary tag is valid for a limited time only — usually 30 days. You must register your vehicle with the Tag Office before the temporary tag expires. After registration, you will receive a permanent license plate and decal.
What if I cannot visit the Tag Office in person?
For renewals, you can register online or by mail. For new registrations or title transfers, you must visit in person or send someone with a notarized power of attorney on your behalf. The person you send must bring all the same documents you would bring, plus the notarized letter giving them permission to act for you.