You are required to maintain Georgia liability insurance coverage on all vehicles registered in the state of Georgia. Failure to do so will lead to fines and the eventual suspension of your Georgia vehicle registration. Insurance cards are not considered acceptable proof of insurance for vehicle registration purposes in Georgia.

Electronic submission of Insurance

Insurance companies are required to transmit insurance information electronically within 30 days. Please verify the accuracy of your VIN number on your insurance card. If the VIN is incorrect, then your insurance information will not be transmitted properly.

What is proof of insurance in Georgia?

What is proof of insurance in Georgia?

  • Purchase from private owner - One of the following:
    • Electronic insurance transmission by your insurance company
    • Insurance binder less than 30 days old
    • Declarations page less than 30 days old
  • New residents to Georgia - One of the following:
    • Electronic insurance transmission by your insurance company
    • Insurance binder less than 30 days old
    • Declarations page less than 30 days old
  • Purchase/Lease from dealership
    • Electronic insurance transmission by your insurance company only
  • Renewals
    • Electronic insurance transmissions by your insurance company only
  • Fleet Policy
    • A Georgia Fleet insurance card with the words “Georgia Fleet” on it
  • Self-Insured
    • A Self-Insurance card and a Certificate of Self-Insurance
Your insurance card is still valid proof of insurance for the following
  • Traveling in another state that may not be able to access the Georgia database
  • Exchanging information if you are involved in an accident
  • Vehicles covered on a Fleet Policy
  • Vehicles covered on a Self-Insured Policy

To verify your electronic insurance status, please click here.

Insurance Pending Suspension (Lapse) and Suspension Fees
  • Pending Suspension (Lapse) - $25.00
  • Reinstatement Fee for a 1st or 2nd suspension within a 5 year period - $60.00
  • Reinstatement Fee for a 3rd or subsequent suspension within a 5 year period - $160.00
Avoid Lapse Fees and Insurance Suspensions: Cancel your registration, timely.

A lapse in insurance occurs when a vehicle has not carried valid Georgia liability insurance coverage for a period of 10 days or more. Your insurance company reports the lapse to the Georgia Department of Revenue (DOR), and a notice of pending registration suspension is generated and mailed by the DOR. A lapse will result in a $25 pending-suspension fee which must be paid within 30 days of the date of the letter.

If the $25 pending-suspension fee is not paid by the due date, the registration is suspended by the DOR. To reinstate the registration, the vehicle must have valid Georgia insurance coverage, the $25 pending-suspension fee plus a $60 reinstatement fee must be paid, as well as any other registration fees, ad valorem taxes or penalties due. Any additional lapses in coverage and/or suspensions will result in additional fines and penalties including cancellation of the vehicle’s registration.

You can cancel your registration in person, by mail, drop box or online as follows:

In Person

Mail

  • Mail completed MV-18J form to DeKalb County Tax Commissioner, P.O. Box 100025, Decatur, GA 30031-7025

Drop Box

Online

For more information on insurance lapses, fines, and suspensions, Click here.

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