Georgia Private Car Sale Checklist
Use this checklist to prepare for a private vehicle sale in Georgia. Requirements can vary by vehicle type, lien status, and situation, so always confirm with the Georgia Department of Revenue — Motor Vehicle Division before completing the transaction.
Quick answer
Georgia sellers sign the back of the title, complete odometer disclosure for vehicles under 10 years old, and remove their license plate — Georgia plates generally go with the owner, not the vehicle. The buyer must apply for title and pay the Title Ad Valorem Tax (TAVT) at the county tag office within 30 days of purchase — check the Georgia DOR Motor Vehicle Division website for the current TAVT rate.
Key facts
- State
- Georgia
- Agency
- Georgia Department of Revenue
- Process
- Sell a Car
- Notary required
- No
- Bill of sale
- Conditional
- Odometer disclosure
- Yes
- Filing deadline
- 30 days
- Last verified
- 2026-05-10
- Official source
- Georgia Department of Revenue ↗
Key facts from official sources
Title Ad Valorem Tax (TAVT) is a one-time tax paid by the buyer at the county tag office. It generally replaces annual sales tax in Georgia.
Georgia DOR — Title Ad Valorem Tax (TAVT) ↗Georgia generally does not require notarization for private vehicle sales.
Georgia DOR — Motor Vehicle Division ↗Odometer disclosure is required for vehicles under 10 years old. Completed on the title.
Georgia DOR — Motor Vehicle Division ↗Quick reference
Notary required?
✗NoBill of sale?
◆ConditionalOdometer disclosure?
✓Yes⏱ Important Deadlines
- 30-day deadline: Buyer must apply for title and pay Title Ad Valorem Tax (TAVT) at county tag office within 30 days of purchaseOfficial source ↗
Seller Checklist
Items the seller typically needs to prepare or provide.
Required Forms
Special requirements
Georgia generally does not require notarization for private vehicle sales.
Not required by state law but recommended as a record of the transaction.
Required for vehicles under 10 years old. Completed on the title.
Step-by-step process
- 1Seller signs the back of the title in the seller's signature section and completes odometer disclosure.
- 2Seller removes their license plate — Georgia plates stay with the owner.
- 3Provide the buyer with the signed title and a bill of sale (recommended).
- 4Buyer applies for title and pays TAVT at the county tag office within 30 days.
Common mistakes to avoid
- ✗Seller leaving plates on the vehicle — Georgia plates go with the owner.
- ✗Buyer missing the 30-day title application deadline.
- ✗Not accounting for the Title Ad Valorem Tax (TAVT) — it replaces sales tax in Georgia.
- ✗Missing the odometer disclosure on the title.
Official links
Source verification
This page covers 5 researched claims about Georgia sell a car:
Directly cited from official sources
Inferred — confirm with agency before acting
Researched from Georgia Department of Revenue — Motor Vehicle Division. Requirements can change — always verify with the official agency before submitting documents.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a bill of sale to sell a car privately?
Requirements vary by state. In Georgia, check with the Georgia Department of Revenue — Motor Vehicle Division for the current requirement. A bill of sale is always recommended as a record of the transaction.
What happens if the buyer doesn't transfer the title?
You could remain liable for tickets, tolls, and accidents. File a release of liability or notice of sale with your state agency as soon as the sale is complete.
Can I sell a car with a lien?
Yes, but the lien must be satisfied at or before closing. The lienholder must release the lien before a clean title can be issued to the buyer.
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Last reviewed: 2026-05-10 · Reviewed by the Car Paperwork editorial team · Based on official Georgia Department of Revenue — Motor Vehicle Division sources · Independent resource · Not legal advice