Frequently Asked Questions


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Motor Vehicle FAQ
What is TAVT?

TAVT stands for Title Ad Valorem Tax. 

Any vehicle purchased from a dealer or individual on or after March 1, 2013, is subject to a one-time TAVT based on the value of the vehicle. The TAVT replaces the Annual Ad Valorem Tax (AVT) and the sales and use tax on most vehicles titled in Georgia.

How much will the TAVT be?
TAVT is based on a percentage of the value of the vehicle. For used vehicles, the value is
based on the fair market value as determined by the Georgia Department of Revenue (DOR).

For new vehicles, the value is the retail selling price less any reduction for the trade-in value of another motor vehicle and any rebate.

Once the value is established, TAVT is calculated by multiplying the value by the current year’s TAVT percentage. The percentage rates are as follows:

  • From Jan. 1, 2020 through Jun. 30, 2023, the rate is 6.6% for current residents.
  • For new Georgia residents registering their vehicle(s) in Georgia for the first time, the rate is 3%.
  • The rate may be adjusted in the future, but it will never exceed 9%. If increased, the rate is set by the DOR Commissioner and published by August 31.
What is the "fair market value" and how is it determined?
The DOR determines the motor vehicle value by averaging fair market values and wholesale
values from multiple assessment manuals. 
How often do I pay TAVT?
TAVT is due when you transfer the title of a vehicle into your name. You do not pay it yearly. You are still required to renew your vehicle’s registration each year on or before your birthday. 

If you purchased your vehicle before March 1, 2013, you will pay a yearly tax, or AVT at the time of registration renewal.
Where do I pay the TAVT?
TAVT is paid to the county where you live. If you purchase the vehicle from a dealer, the
dealer is required to remit the TAVT payment.
What if I live in Georgia and purchase a vehicle out-of-state?
TAVT is due at the time you title and register the vehicle in Georgia and must be paid in your county of residence. 

If you purchase from a dealership, the TAVT and any other fees are usually collected at the time of purchase and sent to our office for processing. Generally, there is nothing more you need to do. You can contact our office 2-3 weeks after purchase to inquire about the status of your registration. 

If you purchase from an individual with an out-of-state title, you will be responsible for paying TAVT, title fees, and registration fees at the county you live in. You MUST have an ID with a Glynn County address.
What if I want to sell my vehicle to a family member? Do they have to pay the TAVT?

Spouses, Parents, Grandparents, or siblings can transfer vehicles with a reduced tax rate by supplying a signed and notarized MV-16 form.  This form does not apply to extended family, such as cousins, aunts and uncles, or nieces and nephews. 

If the previous owner paid the annual Ad Valorem Tax, you can continue to pay AVT  or pay the applicable TAVT.

• If the previous owner already paid the new TAVT, you must pay the TAVT in an amount
equal to 1/2 of 1% of the fair market value.
• An ‘immediate family member’ is defined as spouse, parent, child, sibling, grandparent or
grandchild.
• A notarized affidavit, (MV-16) to support the relationship is also required. 

I am moving in from out-of-state -- what do I pay?
New residents pay the full TAVT amount when they title and register their vehicles in Georgia for the first time. The percentage for new residents is 3%.
Does this apply to salvage titles/vehicles?
Yes, salvage vehicles are subject to TAVT at the rate of 6.6% of the fair market value. Additionally, when the salvage process is complete and a rebuilt title is issued, the customer must pay the full TAVT at the current year’s rate.
What if I inherited the vehicle from someone in my family who has passed away?
If the previous owner paid the Annual Ad Valorem Tax (AVT), you can continue to pay the AVT or pay the TAVT.

If the previous owner already paid the TAVT, you must pay TAVT in amount equal to 0.05% of the fair market value.
An affidavit to support the relationship will also be required.

All other inheritance rules apply.
If I add a name to my title, do I have to pay TAVT again?
Yes, TAVT is due when adding a name to a title; however, it is not due when removing a name or removing/adding a lienholder.
Will I have to pay the TAVT on a leased vehicle?
Yes, the TAVT is required to title a leased vehicle. 

If you chose to purchase the vehicle at the end of your lease, you will be required to pay tax again.
Do non-profit and religious organizations have to pay TAVT?
Non-Profit will pay 6.6% of the Fair Market Value if the vehicle was purchased by the non-profit. If the vehicle was donated, then a 1% TAVT will apply. 

For donated vehicles the following items will need to be submitted:

Religious organizations will pay full 6.6% TAVT for purchased and donated vehicles.
If I trade in my car, how do I get a new tag?

This really depends on your dealership and how they decide to process your title work. Sometimes dealers purchase new tags on your behalf, and they are mailed to you. In some cases dealers expect you to purchase your own tag from our office. 

When in doubt, ask your dealer how they chose to handle your tag. If your temporary tag will expire soon, you can contact our office and we will let you know what to do next.  

Keep in mind that the title work can take up to 4 weeks, so you won't be able to get a new tag right away. 

Do I have to cancel my tag if I sell my car?

Although you are free to keep your tag, and use it on another vehicle in the future, you still need to cancel your registration. 

You can cancel your registration in our office, or on our eservices website here. 

Will I get charged if I don't cancel my registration if my car is inoperable, or sold?

As long as your vehicle has insurance, you do not have to cancel your registration. However, if you drop your insurance for any reason, and do not cancel your registration first, you will receive an insurance lapse suspension penalty. 

 

Do I have to have insurance on my car before getting a tag?

Yes! Although you don't need insurance to have a vehicle titled in your name, if you wish to have it registered and receive a tag it must be insured. 

What is the process of getting a title?
The process of obtaining a title depends on how you came into ownership of the vehicle. You may need specific documents depending on your situation. And in some cases, (like when purchasing through a Georgia dealership) you may not need to do anything at all. 

Learn how to fill out the back of a title by clicking here. 

Read through our Types of Title Transfer page to determine which situation applies to you, and learn about what documents you need. 

Then, bring your paperwork, including the original title (and proof of insurance if you plan on registering) to our office.

Keep in mind, we do not accept title work after 4:30 p.m. 

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