In most cases, you can register a car in Georgia without a separate bill of sale. If the car is 1986 or newer and comes with a properly assigned title, that title is your proof of ownership. That’s what Georgia’s Motor Vehicle Division wants to see. There’s no need to hunt for a bill of sale unless you’re dealing with exceptions. Instead, it’s all about knowing which documents really matter, so let’s walk through the scenarios.
Key Points
- Most 1986+ titled cars in Georgia can be registered without a bill of sale.
- Older vehicles, light trailers, and missing-title cases usually require one.
- Always bring insurance, emissions proof (if needed), and funds for TAVT/fees.
- Deadlines matter: 7 days for private sales, 30 days for new residents.
What Georgia’s Tag Office Is Looking For
Georgia’s DOR MVD has three core concerns when registering a vehicle:
- Proof of ownership
- Proof of insurance
- Payment of taxes and fees
For modern rides (1986 or newer) with a clean title, that title covers ownership. You rarely need a separate bill of sale, unless you’re in a unique situation.
When a Bill of Sale Isn’t Required
1986 or newer vehicles, private sale
If you purchased a 2017 sedan and you’re given a properly assigned Georgia title, you just bring that, your ID, proof of insurance, an MV-1 application, emissions (only if required where you live), and you’re set. There’s no bill of sale required, even though some counties might still appreciate a copy for their files.
If you’re ever in a situation where the vehicle’s history is unclear or there’s a dispute over ownership after an accident, Weatherby Law Firm can help clarify your legal position before you head to the tag office.
New residents with an out-of-state titled vehicle
Come in with your out-of-state title, your ID, insurance, MV-1 form, proof of emissions (if needed), and pay TAVT and fees. There’s no bill of sale required.
Dealer purchases
The dealer usually handles title filings. Your buyer’s order is enough paperwork; there’s no need to bring a separate state bill of sale to the tag office.
When a Bill of Sale Is Required or Highly Useful
Older vehicles
- 1985 and older cars: Titles are optional for vehicles from 1963 to 1985; none for 1962 or earlier. In those cases, you must bring a bill of sale to prove ownership.
- Trailers and tow dollies ≤ 2,000 lb: No titles are required here. A bill of sale (and prior registration, if available) is needed, and sometimes a VIN inspection (T-22B) is required.
- Out-of-state or non-title jurisdictions: If your car came from a place that didn’t issue a title, Georgia usually asks for the previous registration, a T-22B, and a bill of sale – to confirm ownership and purchase price.
- Bonded-title situations: If title is missing for a vehicle that needs one, you’ll go through a bonded title process, which typically requires a bill of sale, inspection, plus a surety bond (usually twice the fair market value).
Georgia’s Title Rules Driving All This
It comes back to these rules:
- Titles required for 1986-newer vehicles.
- Titles optional for 1963–1985 (but skipping it now can make future titling more complex).
- Titles never issued for light trailers, tow dollies, etc.
- Registration can’t happen if title is required but not in hand or applied for.
What to Bring to the Tag Office
If you have a titled vehicle (1986 or newer):
- Georgia driver’s license or ID
- Properly assigned title
- MV-1 application form
- Proof of insurance (in state system or binder)
- Emissions test, if your county requires it
- Money for TAVT and fees
If it’s 1985 or older and not titled:
- Bill of sale
- Possibly a T-22B inspection (if Georgia has no record)
- Registration fees and annual ad valorem tax
If it’s a trailer or dolly under 2,000 lb:
- Bill of sale
- Seller’s prior registration, if available
- T-22B inspection if needed
Taxes (TAVT, Bill of Sale, Family Transfers)
Georgia’s Title Ad Valorem Tax (TAVT) sits at 7% of fair market value. Most used car values come from the DOR’s valuation database. If your car isn’t listed there, Georgia uses the greater of the bill of sale value or a trusted market guide. Having a real, well-used bill of sale can lower your tax bill in some cases.
If you’re transferring between immediate family members, bring an MV-16 affidavit to tap reduced TAVT rates.
Emissions: Only in the Atlanta Metro Area
Here are three quick facts:
- 13 metro counties enforce emissions checks.
- For 2025, model years 2001 to 2022 need testing; older and newer models are exempt.
- The test result goes into the system electronically – double-check before your tag appointment.
Don’t Miss These Deadlines
- Private (casual) sales: Register within seven business days.
- Dealer sales (if dealer doesn’t file): You have 30 days, though the temporary plate lasts 45.
- New residents: Register within 30 days of establishing residency with your vehicle.
Smart Tips to Keep Your Tag Visit Efficient
- Carry a bill of sale anyway. Even when not mandatory, counties often welcome it, as it helps with valuation, questions, and paperwork.
- Stick to deadlines: casual sales (seven business days), dealer (30 days), new residents (30 days).
- If emissions apply, test beforehand so you’re not caught off-guard.
- Know your TAVT rate of 7%. If DOR’s valuation doesn’t list your car, your bill of sale will set the floor.
- For family transfers, bring the MV-16 to get reduced rates.
FAQs
Endnote
When you have a titled car (1986 or newer) with a properly assigned title, you’re usually good to register in Georgia without a separate bill of sale. However, if you’re dealing with an older vehicle, light trailer, missing title, or an out-of-state or non-title situation, a bill of sale becomes critical.
Be sure to include insurance, emissions (where needed), TAVT, or ad valorem, and the right paperwork for your peace of mind and smoother service. Plan ahead, bring the papers, meet deadlines, and you’ll breeze through the tag office like you’ve done it a dozen times before.
