Vehicle Registration

Vehicle Initial Registration (First Time Tag Issuance)

All vehicles that move upon the public roads must be registered and tagged within 30 days after you move to Georgia or within 30 days after you purchase the vehicle. However, Georgia residents who purchase vehicles from private owners must register the vehicle within 7 business days. Registration and application for the title must be made in person at one of our three locations.  If registration has not been completed within 30 days of purchase, penalties will apply.

Note:  Under normal circumstances, the information provided below is required to register a vehicle. Other documentation may be required upon review of the paperwork.

Note: Salvage vehicles are not eligible for a Georgia title or registration until they have been rebuilt and passed inspection. For more information on salvage vehicles, visit the Georgia Department of Revenue website.

Registering a vehicle via a private purchase:

  • If you purchase a vehicle via a casual sale (non-dealer purchase), you are required to register the vehicle within seven (7) business days. The following information is required to complete the registration:
  • Original Title (1986 and newer vehicles) or bill of sale (1985 and older)
  • Georgia Driver’s License or ID Card. If DL or ID card does not have your current DeKalb County address, you are required to provide one of the following:
    • Lease, deed or closing statement
    • Current utility bill – gas, light or water
    • Current paycheck stub
    • Current bank statement
  • Passing Georgia Emissions Test (if required)
  • Valid Georgia Insurance

Registering a vehicle via a dealer purchase:

  • Dealer must apply for the title (contact your dealer for further information)
  • Georgia Driver’s License or ID Card. If DL or ID card does not have current DeKalb County address, you are required to provide one of the following:
  • Lease, deed or closing statement
  • Current utility bill – gas, light or water
  • Current paycheck stub
  • Current bank statement
  • Passing Georgia Emissions Test (if required)
  • Valid Georgia Insurance

If your 45-day Georgia temporary permit is due to expire, please visit our office with your bill of sale.

Registering vehicle leased from a dealer:

  • Dealer must apply for the title (contact your dealer for further information)
  • Original lease agreement that includes the names and addresses of lessee(s) and the leasing company
  • Georgia Driver’s License or ID Card. If DL or ID card does not have current DeKalb County address, you are required to provide one of the following:
  • Lease, deed or closing statement
  • Current utility bill – gas, light or water
  • Current paycheck stub
  • Current bank statement
  • Passing Georgia Emissions Test (if required)
  • Valid Georgia Insurance

If your 45-day Georgia temporary permit is due to expire, please visit our office with your bill of sale.

Vehicles currently registered in another state:

If you are a new resident, welcome to DeKalb County, state law requires that newcomers obtain a Georgia Driver’s License or ID card to register their vehicle(s). Please click here to see our New Resident Checklist

Under all circumstances above, if any owner is unable to appear in person, an original notarized Power-of-Attorney and a copy of the Georgia driver's license for the absent person must be presented at the time of registration. The Power-of-Attorney must include the year, make, model, and vehicle identification number of the vehicle.

For vehicles to be registered in a business name, the business must provide the following:

  • Proof of business incorporation (Secretary of State) or DeKalb County business license
  • Proof that business is located in DeKalb County
  • Representative must show proof that he/she is a member/employee of the business

Any paperwork and license plates processed by the DeKalb County Tax Commissioner’s Office can only be returned to the registered owner of the vehicle or their appointed Power-of-Attorney

Duplicate Registration:

There is a cost of $1.00 for a duplicate registration. Duplicate registrations are only available by mail or in person. Currently, there is no online or phone process available.

To apply for a duplicate registration, please visit any of our three locations or simply submit a check for $1.00 (do not send cash) with a note requesting a duplicate registration including:

  • Owner name
  • VIN or tag number
  • Owner date of birth (if applicable)
  • Owner’s address

And should be mailed to:

          DeKalb County Tax Commissioner
          Motor Vehicle Division
          PO Box 100025
          Decatur, GA 30031-7025

Pdf files
New res checklist effective 1-1-2017.pdf157.44 KB

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