A Georgia car title transfer is a procedure that individuals are required to complete when transferring the ownership rights over a motor vehicle to another legal entity. Motorists who are wondering “How do you transfer a title on a car?” need to first learn the process of selling or purchasing a motor vehicle prior to beginning the procedure. When performing a title transfer process, both legal entities need to complete their own part of the procedure and prepare the mandatory documentation.

Moreover, they need to find out the GA title transfer requirements that must be met in order to perform a title transfer successfully. Individuals may be able to perform procedures for cars through the Georgia Department of Revenue (GA DOR). To learn more information about title transfers in Georgia, how to complete them and the necessary documents and fees, continue reading the sections below.

What is a car title transfer in Georgia?

Prior to performing title transfers for cars in Georgia, individuals are encouraged to first learn details about how to perform the procedure and to discover the reasons why a vehicle title should be transferred to the new owner. A certificate of title is a legal document issued by the GA DOR and its main purpose is to serve as a proof of ownership over a certain motor vehicle.

Motorists who are transferring their titles need to know that this document is needed in order to transmit the ownership rights to the person who purchases the vehicle. However, both legal entities are expected to participate in the title transfer procedure by preparing their part of the mandatory documentation.

Note: Keep in mind that you cannot complete a car title transfer online in Georgia. Instead, they must complete this procedure in person.

When is a vehicle title transfer required in Georgia?

A Georgia auto title transfer is a procedure that mandates vehicle owners to transfer their ownership rights of a motor vehicle to another legal party which purchases the vehicle. The title transfers for cars are procedures that are conducted at the moment when two legal entities are selling and purchasing either a new or a used motor vehicle.

Moreover, a car title transfer procedure may also be performed by vehicle owners who have inherited a motor vehicle upon the death of the vehicle owner or who have received it as a gift or as a donation from another person. Therefore, motorists who want to discover how to fill out a transfer of title form in Georgia need to know that the process may differ based on their specific situation.

Information and Documents Necessary to Transfer a Title in Georgia

To perform a Georgia car title transfer procedure successfully, motorists are required to prepare certain documentation and submit it to a local GA DOR office. Individuals who are wondering “How do you transfer a title on a car?” need to prepare the following documents and information:

  • Title/Tag Application (form MV-1)
  • Name and address of the lienholder or security interest holder’s name
  • Emission Inspection Certificate
  • Assigned certificate of title
  • Georgia liability auto insurance
  • Payment for the applicable title transfer and license plate fees

Motorists who are transferring a car title in Georgia may be required to provide additional documents to the ones listed above, such as a bill of sale. Therefore, prior to performing a title transfer procedure, individuals may contact the GA DOR and discover more details about the mandatory documentation needed for a complete title transfer.

Steps for Performing a Transfer of Title in Georgia

When motorists want to perform a transfer of car title in Georgia, they need to know the required steps of the procedure. Individuals who are about to conduct a car title transfer procedure need to visit a nearby GA DOR location and complete the following steps:

  • Provide the mandatory documentation.
  • Pay the applicable fees.
  • Transfer license plates.

After completing the steps for a vehicle title transfer, motorists will gain full ownership rights over the motor vehicle and will be able to operate it legally on public roads. Remember that electronic title transfers are not possible for transferring a vehicle title in the state of Georgia.

Note: Motorists who have performed a transfer of car title in Georgia need to apply for a license plate within 30 days from the date of purchase or transfer.

Getting a New Car Title Versus Title Transfers in Georgia

The process of getting a new car title in Georgia may differ from the title transfer procedure. Therefore, vehicle owners are encouraged to discover the differences between these two procedures before filing their requests.

The state Department of Revenue (DOR) issues a new title for a car when motorists purchase a brand-new vehicle or when they move from another state to GA. In general, a new car title is a legal document that serves as proof of the ownership rights over a certain vehicle.

On the other hand, motorists who wish to order a new car title are not required to get a new certificate when transferring the ownership rights to another legal entity. Instead, they simply have to transfer the existing title to a new owner.

The title transfer procedure requires vehicle owners to transfer their ownership rights to another person rather than getting a DMV new title. In most cases, a title transfer is needed when purchasing or selling a motor vehicle. However, they may also be required to transfer a car title when a vehicle has been given to them as a gift, donation or as part of an inheritance.

Car Title Transfer Fees in Georgia

One of the required steps for performing a car title transfer in Georgia is to submit payment to the GA DOR for the applicable fees. In general, motorists who are transferring a car title into their names need to pay the standard $18 title fee. In addition to the transfer fees, vehicle owners will be also mandated to pay a $20 fee for a license plate.

Last updated on Tuesday, March 10 2020.