Use our Georgia Car Registration Fee Calculator to instantly estimate your vehicle’s registration costs. Get a fast, accurate breakdown of what you’ll owe.
7% Tax Brackets
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What is the Georgia Car Registration Fee?
The standard Georgia vehicle registration fee is $20 annually. This basic fee applies to all passenger vehicles and must be paid during your birthday month each year when you renew your registration. However, the total cost of registering a vehicle in Georgia includes several additional components beyond this base fee.
How Much to Register a Car in Georgia?
The cost depends heavily on whether you are registering for the first time (expensive due to tax) or renewing (cheap).
Detailed Fee Table (2025–2026)
| Fee Type | Amount | Frequency | Who Pays? |
| Title Fee | $18.00 | One-Time | Everyone registering a new/used car. |
| License Plate (Tag) Fee | $20.00 | Annual | Everyone (Standard passenger plate). |
| Title Ad Valorem Tax (TAVT) | 7.0% of Value | One-Time | Standard Buyers: 7% of the car’s Fair Market Value. New Residents: Reduced rate of 3% of value. Family Transfers: Reduced rate of 0.5% of value. |
| Emissions Inspection | ~$25.00 | Annual | Residents of the 13 Metro Atlanta counties* only. (Required for vehicles aged 3–24 years old). |
| Electric Vehicle (EV) Fee | ~$220.00 | Annual | EV Owners Only. This replaces the gas tax. (Adjusts for inflation every July 1st). |
| Mailing / Online Fee | ~$3.00 – $5.00 | Per Transaction | If paying online with a card (service fee). |
*The 13 Emissions Counties: Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, Coweta, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry, Paulding, and Rockdale.
2. Do You Have to Register Your Car Every Year?
Yes. Even though you pay the big tax (TAVT) only once, you must renew your registration (decals) every year.
- Deadline: Midnight on your birthday.
- Grace Period: None. Police can ticket you the day after your birthday.
Step-by-Step Renewal Guide
Step 1: Check Emissions (Metro Atlanta Only)
If you live in one of the 13 counties listed above and your car is between 3 and 24 years old (e.g., for 2025, model years 2001–2022), you must pass an emissions test first.
- Cost: ~$25 (at any local testing station/oil change shop).
- Timing: Do this 4–6 weeks before your birthday.
Step 2: Receive Renewal Notice
The state will mail or email a renewal notice about 45 days before your birthday. It will list your Renewal Code (RIN) and the total fees due.
- Note: Even if you don’t receive the mail, you are still responsible for renewing on time.
Step 3: Pay the Renewal Fee ($20)
You have four ways to pay:
- Online (Fastest): Go to Georgia DRIVES e-Services. You will need your Tag Number and VIN or RIN.
- Kiosk (Instant): Many Kroger/Publix locations have yellow “GA Tag Kiosks.” You scan your license, pay, and the machine prints the sticker instantly.
- Mail: Send a check with the renewal stub.
- In-Person: Visit your County Tag Office (expect lines).
Step 4: Apply the Decal
Once you pay, you will receive a new colored sticker (decal) with the current year.
- Peel off the old sticker on your license plate.
- Stick the new one in the bottom right corner.
- Keep the paper registration receipt in your glove box.
Summary of Total Costs
- First Year (New Car): ~$1,500+ (mostly the 7% tax).
- Every Year After (Gas Car): ~$20 (or ~$45 if you need emissions).
- Every Year After (Electric Car): ~$240 (Renewal + EV Fee).
Georgia Car Registration Fees Calculator 2026 UPDATED
Use our Georgia Car Registration Fee Calculator to instantly estimate your vehicle’s registration costs. Get a fast, accurate breakdown of what you'll owe.
Price Currency: USD
Application Category: Finance
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