What You Need to Register a Trailer in Georgia

Georgia requires you to register any trailer you own, whether you use it for personal hauling, business, or storage. The Georgia Department of Revenue handles trailer registration through county tag offices. You will need your vehicle identification number (VIN), proof of ownership, and proof of Georgia residency to complete the process. Most trailers register for a two-year period, and you renew by mail or in person at your local tag office.

The cost depends on the trailer's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) — the maximum weight it can safely carry, including cargo. Heavier trailers cost more to register. You can find your trailer's GVWR on the manufacturer's plate, usually mounted on the frame near the tongue or on the side wall.

Key Takeaways

  • You must register your trailer at your county tag office, and registration lasts two years before renewal is due.
  • Bring your VIN, proof of ownership (title or bill of sale), and proof of Georgia residency to complete registration.
  • Registration cost is based on your trailer's gross vehicle weight rating, which you can find on the manufacturer's plate attached to the trailer.
  • If you buy a trailer from a dealer, ask them to provide the title and VIN before you leave — this speeds up the tag office process.

Documents You Need Before You Go to the Tag Office

Bring your trailer's title or bill of sale. If you bought the trailer new from a dealer, the dealer should give you the manufacturer's certificate of origin or a bill of sale. If you bought it used from a private seller, get a bill of sale signed by both you and the seller, stating the purchase price and date. The tag office will not accept a verbal agreement or a text message as proof of ownership.

You also need proof of your Georgia residency. A Georgia driver's license, utility bill, lease agreement, or mortgage statement all work. The document must show your current address and your name. If your address on your driver's license is not current, bring the license plus one additional document showing your new address.

Have your trailer's VIN ready. For most trailers, the VIN is stamped on the frame near the tongue or on a metal plate on the side. Write it down before you go to the tag office so you do not have to look it up in the parking lot. You will also need the manufacturer's name and the year the trailer was built, both of which appear on the manufacturer's plate.

How to Register at Your County Tag Office

Find your county tag office online through the Georgia Department of Revenue website or by calling your county's tax commissioner's office. Tag offices are run by county tax commissioners, not by a state office, so you must go to the office in the county where you live. Hours and locations vary by county.

Walk in with your documents and tell the clerk you want to register a trailer. The clerk will fill out the registration form (Form T-7, the trailer registration form) or hand it to you to complete. You will provide your VIN, the trailer's GVWR, the year and manufacturer, and your personal information. The clerk will calculate the registration fee based on the GVWR and collect payment. Most tag offices accept cash, check, and card.

You will receive a registration certificate and a metal tag to mount on the trailer. The tag must be visible and readable from the rear of the trailer. Attach it securely so it does not fall off during transport. Keep the registration certificate in your vehicle or with your trailer documents — you must show it to law enforcement if stopped.

Registration Costs Based on Trailer Weight

Georgia charges registration fees on a sliding scale tied to the trailer's GVWR. Lighter trailers (under 2,000 pounds GVWR) cost less than heavier utility or equipment trailers. The exact fee structure changes periodically, so ask the tag office clerk for the current rate when you arrive, or call ahead to find out what your trailer will cost.

Some trailers may may have access to for a lower rate if they are used solely for personal, non-commercial purposes and meet specific weight thresholds. Ask the clerk whether your trailer qualifies for any reduced rate. If you use the trailer for business or commercial hauling, you will pay the standard commercial rate.

Renewing Your Trailer Registration

Your registration expires two years from the date you register. Georgia sends renewal notices by mail about 30 days before expiration. You can renew by mail, online through the Georgia Department of Revenue website, or in person at your tag office. Renewing by mail is the fastest option if you have not changed your address or the trailer's information.

To renew by mail, fill out the renewal notice, include your payment, and mail it to the address shown on the form. Processing takes about two weeks. If you renew online, you will need your registration certificate number and the last four digits of your VIN. Do not let your registration lapse — driving a trailer with an expired tag is a violation and can result in a citation.

What to Do If Your Trailer Has No Title

If you own a trailer but have no title document, you can still register it in Georgia. Go to your county tag office and ask about obtaining a Georgia title through the bonded title process. You will need to provide proof of ownership (a bill of sale, receipt, or other documentation showing you bought the trailer) and pay a bonding fee. The tag office will guide you through the steps.

The bonded title process takes longer than standard registration — typically several weeks — because the state verifies that no one else claims ownership. Once the bonded title is issued, you can register the trailer normally. If you are unsure whether your trailer needs a title before registration, call your county tag office and describe the trailer's age and origin; the clerk can tell you whether a title is required.

Transferring Trailer Ownership in Georgia

If you sell your trailer, the new owner must register it in their name at their county tag office. You do not need to notify the tag office that you sold it, but you should keep a copy of the bill of sale for your records in case a question arises later. Sign the back of the title or provide a separate bill of sale to the buyer, and give them all registration documents.

The new owner will bring the title or bill of sale, their proof of residency, and the trailer's VIN to their tag office to register it. They will receive a new registration certificate and tag. If the buyer lives in a different county, they must register at their own county tag office, not yours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I register a trailer online in Georgia?

You cannot register a new trailer online — you must visit your county tag office in person the first time. Once registered, you can renew online through the Georgia Department of Revenue website if your information has not changed.

What if my trailer does not have a VIN?

Very old trailers or homemade trailers may not have a VIN. Contact your county tag office before you go — they can tell you whether you need to obtain a VIN from the manufacturer or whether you can register without one. Some trailers can be registered using the manufacturer's name, year, and a description instead.

Do I need insurance to register a trailer in Georgia?

Georgia does not require you to show proof of insurance at the tag office to register a trailer. However, your vehicle insurance policy may not cover a trailer you tow — check with your insurance company about adding trailer coverage before you haul anything valuable.

How long does trailer registration take at the tag office?

In-person registration usually takes 15 to 30 minutes if you have all your documents ready. Busier tag offices may have a wait, especially on Fridays or near month-end. Calling ahead to ask about wait times can help you plan your visit.

What happens if I drive a trailer with an expired tag?

Driving with an expired registration tag is a traffic violation in Georgia. You can be cited and fined. Renew your registration before the expiration date shown on your certificate — do not wait until the tag office sends you a reminder.