Selling or junking a car in Georgia

How do I sign over a car title in Georgia?

The seller completes the assignment on the back of the original title and fills out a bill of sale (Form T-7), keeping copies of both. Handing over or accepting a title signed without the buyer's name filled in is a misdemeanor (O.C.G.A. 40-3-91(c)). Under federal rules, model-year 2011 and newer vehicles need an odometer disclosure until they are 20 model years old.

Can I sell or junk a car without a title in Georgia?

Vehicles of model year 1962 or older don't need a title, and titles are optional for 1963–1985 models. For titled vehicles, a salvage dealer (secondary metals recycler, used parts dealer or scrap metal processor) may accept an owner's affidavit instead of a title for a vehicle at least 12 model years old. The dealer files the affidavit electronically through Auto Data Direct (ADD) and keeps the original for two years. Otherwise, get a replacement title first.

How do I get a duplicate title in Georgia?

Complete and sign an MV-1 Title/Tag Application and take it to your county tag office with the $8 replacement title fee. Bring a T-4 for any paid-off lien still on record and the damaged title if you have it. If the title was lost before transfer, the previous owner applies for the replacement.

Do I need to file a release of liability in Georgia?

Georgia's protection for sellers is canceling the registration. Cancel it online through DRIVES e-Services, or in person at the county tag office in your county of residence with Form MV-18J. Cancel the registration before canceling insurance to avoid penalties.

What do I do with the plates after selling a car in Georgia?

Plates do not go with the vehicle; they stay with the seller. A plate can be surrendered with Form T-158 (Report of and/or Surrender of GA License Plate).

What happens to the title when a car is junked or salvaged in Georgia?

Under O.C.G.A. 40-3-36, an owner of a scrapped, dismantled or demolished vehicle mails three things to the DOR MVD Salvage Unit, P.O. Box 740384, Atlanta, GA 30374-0384: the original Georgia title, a signed statement giving year, make, VIN and title number, and any plate with Form T-158. The title is cancelled and the VIN flagged so the vehicle can't be titled again. Salvage dealers cancel titles through ADD, report purchases within 48 hours, and securely destroy cancelled titles and plates.

What can I do about an abandoned vehicle on my property in Georgia?

Under the Abandoned Motor Vehicle Act, only towing and storage firms may remove vehicles from private property, at the request of the property owner or police. The firm must notify the owner, lienholders and security-interest holders, and can get owner information with Form MV-603 for a $2 research fee. Authorized businesses must send public-sale proceeds to DOR. Model-year 1985 and older vehicles can't be titled this way.

Official sources

1. Georgia DOR: Sell a Car
2. Georgia DOR: Responsibilities of Sellers and Buyers
3. Georgia DOR: Replace Lost or Stolen Title
4. Georgia DOR: Title Not Required or Optional Titles
5. Georgia DOR: Scrapped, Dismantled or Demolished Vehicle
6. Georgia DOR Policy Bulletin MVD-2021-04 Notice to Secondary Metals Recyclers, Parts Dealers and Scrap Metal Processors
7. Georgia DOR: Abandoned Vehicles
8. NHTSA Consumer Alert: Changes to Odometer Disclosure Requirements

This guide summarizes public rules and is not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with Georgia Department of Revenue, Motor Vehicle Division before you sell.