Renewing your Georgia vehicle registration online or by mail

Georgia sends you a renewal notice 30 to 60 days before your registration expires. You can renew through the Georgia Department of Revenue website, by mail using that notice, or in person at a county tag office. The online method is fastest — it takes about 10 minutes and you get your new registration when ready. By mail takes one to two weeks. In person is useful only if you need to change information on your registration or if you have not received a renewal notice.

Your registration renewal is separate from your vehicle inspection. Georgia requires an inspection every 12 months, and you must have a current inspection before you renew. If your inspection has expired or is about to expire, you need to get that done first at any Georgia-approved inspection station — this costs around $20 to $30 depending on your vehicle type.

You will need your current registration card, your vehicle identification number (VIN), and a payment method. If you are renewing online, you also need to know your renewal notice number, which appears on the notice Georgia mailed you. If you have lost that notice, you can still renew using your VIN and driver's license number instead.

Key Takeaways

  • Georgia sends renewal notices 30 to 60 days before expiration, and you can renew online, by mail, or in person at a county tag office.
  • Your vehicle must have a current inspection before you renew your registration, and inspections are valid for 12 months.
  • Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and you receive your new registration when ready; mail renewal takes one to two weeks.
  • You need your current registration card, VIN, and either your renewal notice number or your driver's license number to renew.
  • Registration renewal fees vary by vehicle type and weight, and Georgia charges an additional $20 title ad valorem tax (TAVT) on most vehicles.

Renewing online through the Georgia Department of Revenue

Go to the Georgia Department of Revenue website and select the vehicle registration renewal option. You will enter your renewal notice number (found on the notice mailed to you) or your VIN and driver's license number. The system will pull up your vehicle information and show you the renewal fee.

Review the information on screen to make sure it is correct. If you need to change your address, vehicle information, or add or remove a lienholder, you cannot do that online — you will need to renew in person at a county tag office instead. Once you confirm everything is accurate, you pay the renewal fee by credit card or debit card. Georgia will email you a temporary registration receipt when ready, and your physical registration card will arrive by mail within one to two weeks.

Keep that temporary receipt in your vehicle until your new card arrives. It is valid proof of registration if you are stopped by law enforcement.

Renewing by mail using your renewal notice

Your renewal notice includes a payment envelope and instructions. Write a check or money order for the amount shown on the notice, sign the back of the notice itself, and mail both together to the address printed on the envelope. Do not send cash.

Processing takes one to two weeks from the time Georgia receives your payment. Your new registration card will be mailed to the address on file. If you do not receive your new card within three weeks of mailing, contact the Georgia Department of Revenue to check the status. Keep your old registration card in your vehicle until the new one arrives.

Renewing in person at a county tag office

Find your county tag office through the Georgia Department of Revenue website. Bring your current registration card, your vehicle inspection certificate (dated within the past 12 months), and a valid form of payment — cash, check, debit card, or credit card. Some offices accept all payment types; others do not, so call ahead if you want to confirm.

The staff will verify your vehicle information, confirm your inspection is current, and process your renewal. You will receive your new registration card on the spot. This is the only option if you need to change your address, add or remove a lienholder, or correct information on your registration.

Understanding Georgia registration fees and taxes

Georgia registration renewal fees depend on your vehicle's type and weight. A standard passenger car costs less to renew than a truck or commercial vehicle. In addition to the base registration fee, Georgia charges a title ad valorem tax (TAVT) on most vehicles — this is a one-time tax based on your vehicle's value, and it is collected when you first register or renew.

The TAVT is calculated as a percentage of your vehicle's assessed value. If your vehicle is more than 10 years old, the tax is lower. If you are renewing a vehicle you have owned for several years, you have likely already paid TAVT when you first registered it, so you may not owe it again. The renewal notice Georgia sends you will show the exact amount due.

If you are unsure what you owe, call your county tag office or use the Georgia Department of Revenue website to look up your vehicle. Do not pay more than the amount shown on your renewal notice.

What to do if your registration has already expired

If your registration expired before you renewed, you can still renew through any of the three methods above — online, by mail, or in person. However, you should not drive your vehicle on public roads with an expired registration. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you may receive a citation.

If your registration has been expired for more than a few months, contact your county tag office before you renew. Some offices require you to renew in person if the registration is significantly overdue, or they may assess a late fee. It is faster to call and ask than to attempt an online renewal that might be rejected.

Getting a replacement registration card if yours is lost or damaged

If your registration card is lost, stolen, or damaged but your registration is still current, you can request a duplicate card. Go to the Georgia Department of Revenue website, select the duplicate registration option, and pay a small replacement fee — usually around $5 to $10. You can also request a duplicate in person at any county tag office.

A duplicate card takes one to two weeks to arrive by mail. If you need proof of registration when ready, ask for a temporary receipt at the tag office, which you can carry in your vehicle until the duplicate arrives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my registration if my vehicle inspection has expired?

No. Georgia requires a current inspection before you renew. You must get an inspection at any approved inspection station first, then renew your registration. An inspection is valid for 12 months from the date it is issued.

What happens if I drive with an expired registration?

Driving with an expired registration is a violation. If you are stopped, you may receive a citation and fine. Renew as soon as possible, even if it is overdue. Most renewal methods work for expired registrations.

Do I have to renew in person, or can I do it online or by mail?

You can renew online or by mail if your vehicle information is correct and you do not need to make changes. If you need to update your address, add a lienholder, or correct information, you must renew in person at a county tag office.

How long does it take to get my new registration card after I renew online?

You receive a temporary registration receipt when ready when you pay online. Your physical registration card arrives by mail within one to two weeks. The temporary receipt is valid proof of registration until your card arrives.

What if I lost my renewal notice and do not have my renewal notice number?

You can still renew online using your vehicle identification number (VIN) and driver's license number instead of your renewal notice number. The Georgia Department of Revenue website will pull up your vehicle and show you what is due.