What you need to do to transfer a car title in Georgia
To transfer a car title in Georgia, you complete an process for Certificate of Title (form T-7), gather proof of ownership and identification, and submit everything to your county's tag office along with the transfer fee. The process takes about two weeks if you mail it in, or same-day if you go in person. The seller signs the back of the title or a separate power of attorney form, and you bring that signed document with your proof of purchase to the tag office.
Georgia does not have a central DMV office for title transfers — you work with your county tag office instead. Each county handles its own title processing, though the forms and rules are the same statewide. You can transfer a title by mail, in person, or through an authorized tag agent (a private business licensed to handle DMV transactions).
Key Takeaways
- The seller must sign the back of the title or complete a power of attorney form before you submit anything to the tag office.
- You need the signed title, proof of purchase (bill of sale or purchase agreement), your ID, and proof of Georgia residency to transfer ownership.
- Your county tag office processes title transfers, not a state office — find yours by searching "[your county] tag office" online.
- The transfer fee in Georgia is $18 for a standard title transfer, though fees may vary slightly by county.
- If the title has a lien on it, the lienholder must sign off on the transfer, which usually happens at the bank or lender's office.
Documents the seller must provide and sign
The seller gives you the original title document with their signature on the back. Georgia titles have a signature line on the reverse side — the seller writes their name there and dates it. If the title is damaged or the signature line is full, the seller can complete a Power of Attorney for Motor Vehicle (form T-4) instead, which you bring along with the original title.
You also need a bill of sale or purchase agreement showing the sale price, the vehicle identification number (VIN), the date of sale, and both the buyer's and seller's names and signatures. This document protects both of you and serves as proof of the transaction. Many private sales use a straightforward bill of sale template; dealerships provide their own paperwork.
If the car has a lien (the seller still owes money on it), the lender must sign a release of lien or provide a lien release letter. This usually happens at the bank or credit union where the seller has the loan. The lender sends the release directly to you or the tag office, or the seller brings it to you at the time of sale.
What you bring to the tag office
Bring the original signed title, the bill of sale, your driver's license or state ID, and proof that you live in Georgia. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your name and address.
You also need the $18 transfer fee, payable by cash, check, or card depending on your county's tag office. Some counties accept payment online if you mail in your documents; others require payment in person. Call your county tag office to confirm what payment methods they take.
If the title has a lien release, bring that document too. If you are transferring the title on behalf of someone else, bring a signed power of attorney form (form T-4) from that person along with your ID.
How to find your county tag office and submit documents
Search online for "[your county name] tag office" or "[your county name] motor vehicle office" to find the address, phone number, and hours. Georgia's tag offices are run by individual counties, so each one has its own location and hours. Some larger counties have multiple offices; smaller counties may have just one.
You can submit your transfer in three ways: in person at the tag office, by mail, or through an authorized tag agent. In-person transfers are processed the same day if you arrive before closing time and all documents are complete. Mailed transfers take about two weeks from the date the tag office receives them. Tag agents (private businesses) can process transfers faster in some cases, though they charge a service fee on top of the state fee.
If you mail your documents, send them to your county tag office with a cover letter listing what you are enclosing. Keep a copy of everything for your records. The tag office will mail your new title to the address you provide on the process.
Timeline and what happens after you submit
Once the tag office receives your complete process, they verify the information, check for liens or outstanding issues, and process the title transfer. In-person submissions are usually done the same day. Mailed submissions take 10 to 14 business days. The tag office then mails your new title to the address on your process.
You do not receive a temporary title or proof of ownership while you wait. If you need to drive the car before the new title arrives, ask the tag office for a receipt showing your process was submitted — some insurance companies and police will accept this as temporary proof of ownership, though it is not required by law.
If the tag office finds a problem with your process (a missing signature, incomplete bill of sale, or unpaid lien), they will contact you by phone or mail. Respond quickly so the transfer does not stall. Once your new title arrives in the mail, the transfer is complete and you are the legal owner.
Transferring a title when there is a lien
If the seller still owes money on the car, the lender (bank, credit union, or finance company) holds the lien and must release it before you can own the title free and clear. The seller contacts their lender and requests a lien release letter or lien release document. This document shows the loan is paid off and the lender gives up their claim to the vehicle.
The lender may mail the release directly to the tag office, or they may give it to the seller to pass along to you. Bring the lien release to the tag office with your other documents. Without it, the tag office will issue a title with the lender's name still listed, and you will not have full ownership until the lien is removed.
If the seller is paying off the loan as part of the sale, this often happens at closing with a title company or attorney handling the transaction. They make sure the lender is paid and the lien release is obtained before you take ownership. If you are buying from a private seller, confirm the lien release is in hand before you hand over money.
Special cases: inherited titles, out-of-state titles, and salvage titles
If you inherited the car, you need the original title, a death certificate, and a court document showing you are the legal heir (such as a will or probate order). The process is similar to a standard transfer, but the tag office may ask for additional paperwork depending on the estate situation.
If the car was registered in another state, you need the out-of-state title, a bill of sale, and your Georgia ID and proof of residency. The tag office will process it as a title transfer and issue a Georgia title. Some states' titles are not recognized by Georgia; if yours is not, the tag office will tell you what additional steps are needed.
If the car has a salvage title (meaning it was declared a total loss by an insurance company), the transfer process is the same, but the new title will also be marked as salvage. You cannot register a salvage title vehicle for road use in Georgia unless it has been repaired and inspected by the state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer a title if the seller is not present?
Yes. The seller can sign the title or complete a power of attorney form (T-4) in advance, and you submit it with your other documents. The seller does not have to be at the tag office. If the seller is out of state or unavailable, a notarized power of attorney is safest to avoid questions.
What if the title is lost or damaged?
The seller can request a duplicate title from their county tag office before the sale. This takes about two weeks. If the title is damaged but readable, the tag office may accept it anyway; call ahead to ask. A duplicate title costs around $18 and must be obtained before you can transfer ownership.
Do I need a notary to transfer a title in Georgia?
No, notarization is not required for a standard title transfer. The seller's signature on the back of the title or on the power of attorney form is sufficient. However, a notarized power of attorney can prevent delays if the seller is not present or if the tag office questions the signature.
How long does it take to get the new title in the mail?
If you submit in person, the tag office processes it the same day and mails it within a few days. If you mail your process, expect 10 to 14 business days from the date they receive it. Delivery time depends on your address and the postal service, so allow a few extra days after processing.
What if I buy a car from a dealership instead of a private seller?
Dealerships handle the title transfer for you as part of the sale. They submit the paperwork to the tag office and you receive the new title in the mail. You still need to provide your ID and proof of residency, and you pay the transfer fee, but the dealership manages the process.