Georgia Vehicle Bill of Sale Overview
Selling or buying a vehicle in Georgia comes with a tax structure unlike most other states. Since March 2013, Georgia has used the Title Ad Valorem Tax (TAVT) — a one-time 7% tax on fair market value — instead of annual vehicle property tax or traditional sales tax. Your bill of sale plays a key role in documenting the transaction, even though the TAVT is based on the state's assessed fair market value rather than the price listed on the bill of sale.
The Georgia Department of Revenue (DOR) Motor Vehicle Division oversees titling and registration statewide, but the actual transaction is processed at your local county tag office. Georgia has 159 counties — the second most of any state — and each county tag office handles title transfers, registration, and TAVT collection. A properly completed bill of sale is accepted at every county tag office across the Peach State.
One important distinction in Georgia: the title assignment must be notarized before the county tag office will process the transfer. While the bill of sale itself does not strictly require notarization, most parties handle both documents together at a notary to streamline the process. Georgia also requires emissions testing in 13 metro Atlanta counties, so buyers in those areas should plan for an additional step before registration.
7%
TAVT (one-time)
30 Days
Transfer deadline
Yes
Notarization required
13 Counties
Emissions required
Georgia DOR Requirements
Georgia's Department of Revenue sets the statewide requirements for vehicle transfers. Here's everything you need to gather before heading to the county tag office:
Important: Georgia's Notarization Requirement
Georgia requires the seller's signature on the title assignment to be notarized. Without a notarized title, the county tag office will not process the transfer. Plan to visit a notary together when completing the sale — many banks and UPS stores offer notary services.
What the Seller Must Provide
- Notarized Title Assignment: The seller must sign the title in the presence of a notary public and complete all fields including buyer's name, sale date, sale price, and odometer reading
- Bill of Sale: A completed bill of sale with buyer/seller information, full vehicle description, VIN, sale price, date, and both signatures
- Odometer Disclosure: Federal requirement — mileage must be recorded on the title or a separate disclosure form
- Lien Release: If the vehicle had a loan, documentation showing the lien has been satisfied is required
What the Buyer Must Bring to the County Tag Office
- Notarized Title: With the seller's notarized signature and all fields completed
- Bill of Sale: Signed by both parties
- Valid Photo ID: Georgia driver's license or state-issued ID
- Proof of Insurance: Georgia minimum liability coverage ($25,000/$50,000/$25,000)
- Emissions Certificate: Required if the vehicle will be registered in one of 13 metro Atlanta counties
- Payment: Title fee ($18), registration fee ($20), and TAVT (7% of fair market value)
How to Fill Out a Georgia Vehicle Bill of Sale
Complete each section of your Georgia vehicle bill of sale carefully. Our template walks you through every required field so your document is ready for the county tag office.
Enter Seller Information
Provide the seller's full legal name exactly as it appears on the Georgia vehicle title, along with a current mailing address and phone number. If the title lists co-owners joined by "and," both owners must sign. If joined by "or," either owner may complete the sale independently.
Enter Buyer Information
Record the buyer's full legal name as it should appear on the new Georgia title, current residential address, and phone number. The county where the buyer resides determines the tag office where the transfer must be processed and whether emissions testing is required.
Describe the Vehicle
Enter the year, make, model, body style, and color. Record the complete 17-character VIN from the dashboard plate or driver's side door jamb. Cross-reference the VIN against the title to confirm they match — the county tag office will reject any transfer with a VIN discrepancy.
Record the Odometer Reading
Document the current odometer mileage at the time of sale and indicate whether the reading is accurate, exceeds mechanical limits, or does not reflect actual mileage. This is a federal requirement under NHTSA regulations. Vehicles 20 years old or older and those exceeding 16,000 lbs GVWR may be exempt.
State the Sale Price
Enter the agreed purchase price in both numbers and words. Note that Georgia's TAVT is based on the state's assessed fair market value, not the price on the bill of sale. If the vehicle is a gift between immediate family members, indicate "$0 — Gift" and the family relationship to qualify for the reduced 0.5% TAVT rate.
Sign, Date, and Notarize
Both parties should sign and date the bill of sale. Remember that Georgia requires the title assignment to be notarized, so plan to complete both documents at a notary public. Print two copies of the bill of sale — one for each party. The buyer must take all documents to the county tag office within 30 days.
Georgia Title Transfer Process
Once you have a signed bill of sale and notarized title, the buyer must visit the county tag office in their county of residence. Georgia's 159 county tag offices all follow the same DOR procedures for title transfers.
Complete the Sale with a Notary
Sign the bill of sale, have the title assignment notarized, exchange payment and keys
Obtain Insurance
Secure Georgia minimum liability insurance before visiting the tag office
Pass Emissions (If Applicable)
Required in 13 metro Atlanta counties — complete before visiting the tag office
Visit Your County Tag Office
Bring notarized title, bill of sale, photo ID, proof of insurance, and emissions certificate if required
Pay TAVT and Fees
Title fee ($18), registration ($20), and TAVT (7% of the state-assessed fair market value)
Georgia Vehicle TAVT & Fees
Georgia replaced traditional vehicle sales tax and annual ad valorem tax with the Title Ad Valorem Tax (TAVT) in 2013. The TAVT is a one-time payment made when the title transfers — after that, you won't pay annual vehicle property tax. Here are the current costs:
| Fee / Tax | Amount |
|---|---|
| Title Ad Valorem Tax (TAVT) | 7% of fair market value (one-time) |
| TAVT — Family Gift Rate | 0.5% of fair market value (immediate family) |
| Title Transfer Fee | $18 |
| Registration Fee | $20 |
| License Plate | $20 (standard) or transfer existing plate |
| Emissions Test | ~$25 (13 metro Atlanta counties only) |
| Duplicate Title | $8 |
Sample Georgia Vehicle Bill of Sale
Below is a preview of our Georgia-specific vehicle bill of sale. Your customized document will include all fields required by Georgia county tag offices and the Department of Revenue.
STATE OF GEORGIA
VEHICLE BILL OF SALE
Private Party Motor Vehicle Transfer
SELLER:
Name: [Seller Name]
Address: [Georgia Address]
County: [County]
BUYER:
Name: [Buyer Name]
Address: [Georgia Address]
County: [County]
VEHICLE INFORMATION
Year: [Year] Make: [Make] Model: [Model]
VIN: [17-digit VIN]
Odometer: [Miles] miles
Sale Price: $[Amount]
Georgia Vehicle Bill of Sale FAQ
Answers to common questions about Georgia vehicle bills of sale, TAVT, title transfers, and county tag office requirements.
Official Georgia Resources
Use these official state and federal resources to verify requirements, locate your county tag office, and access government forms for your Georgia vehicle transaction.
Georgia DOR — Motor Vehicle Division
Title transfers, TAVT, registration, and tag office locator
Georgia DRIVES — Online Services
Check title status, renew registration, and calculate TAVT online
NHTSA — Odometer Fraud Prevention
Federal odometer disclosure requirements and fraud reporting
NICB VINCheck — Free Vehicle History
Check if a vehicle has been reported stolen or salvaged
NHTSA VIN Decoder
Decode any VIN to verify year, make, model, and specifications
IRS — Vehicle Sale Tax Reporting
Federal tax implications of selling a vehicle
Other Georgia Bill of Sale Templates
Need a different type of bill of sale for Georgia? We offer state-specific templates for every type of property transfer.
Georgia Boat Bill of Sale
Boats, jet skis, and watercraft
Georgia Motorcycle Bill of Sale
Motorcycles, scooters, and mopeds
Georgia Trailer Bill of Sale
Utility, travel, and cargo trailers
Georgia Firearm Bill of Sale
Handguns, rifles, and shotguns
Georgia General Bill of Sale
Furniture, electronics, and personal property
Georgia ATV Bill of Sale
ATVs, UTVs, and off-road vehicles
Georgia Horse Bill of Sale
Horses, cattle, and livestock
Georgia Mobile Home Bill of Sale
Manufactured and mobile homes
Create Your Georgia Vehicle Bill of Sale
Answer a few questions and download your Georgia-compliant document in minutes. Accepted by all 159 Georgia county tag offices.
No account required. Free to create and preview.