Transferring a car title to a family member is important when gifting a vehicle. It gives your family member full ownership of the car if they ever want to use it for a title pawn. While it may seem like a difficult process, there aren’t that many car title transfer requirements you need to meet.

In this article from Georgia Auto Pawn, Inc., we will explain how to transfer a car title to a family member. From the tax implications of a car title transfer to the cost to transfer a vehicle title, we will go over everything you need to know to make the process simple.

The Car Title Transfer Process In Georgia

Gifting a car title to family is essential when you give them a car for their birthday or Christmas. It bestows full legal ownership of the car to your family member. While this can help them access cash using their car title, it also excludes you from any vicarious liability stemming from a car accident.

The following are the five steps involved in transferring a car title in Georgia:

1. Ensure You Meet Car Title Transfer Requirements

Before you jump straight into the process, you need to consider the car title transfer requirements. There will be items you will need to have to process the title transfer. It may take you some time and effort to track down these items, but you must do so before you can transfer a car title to a family member.

The following are the car title transfer requirements in Georgia:

• Your car's original title
• An odometer disclosure statement (if your car is under ten years of age)
• A bill of sale
• A completed Form MV-1
• Identification for the seller (or gifter, in this case) and buyer (receiver of the car)
• Proof of car insurance from your family member

On top of the physical requirements, it's worth noting that you will remain liable for the vehicle until the transfer is complete.

2. Pay Off Loans Before A Vehicle Title Transfer

Transferring ownership with an existing loan isn't possible when gifting a car title to family. Car title transfer laws in Georgia indicate that you can only transfer your car title to a family member if the title is lien-free. Before beginning the car title transfer process, you must pay off existing loans.

If you cannot repay any liens on the vehicle at the moment, you'll need to wait until you can before gifting the car.

3. Understand The Tax Implications Of A Car Title Transfer

Tax laws, including those involved with gifting expensive items (like a car), are always changing. As of February 2025, the IRS allows every person a $19,000 gift tax exclusion per year. In other words, you can gift up to $19,000 without paying any tax on it.

Provided your vehicle has a fair market value under $19,000 and you haven't used up any of your annual exclusion, you can gift a family member your vehicle without worry. That said, there are also Georgia's own tax implications of a car title transfer to consider. The implications for title transfer vary depending on the relationship between you and the other party.

Here's what you need to know about the tax implications of a car title transfer:

• Gift tax exemption — Title transfers between immediate family members (i.e., parents, siblings, children, and spouses) usually qualify under the tax exemption rule. 
• Ad valorem tax — If you're transferring a title to a relative who doesn't qualify for the gift exemption, you'll pay the standard ad valorem tax, which is calculated based on your vehicle's value.

To avoid unexpected fees, review Georgia's tax and car title transfer laws before starting the process. If you feel you meet the requirements and aren’t worried about the tax implications, you can start the process of gifting a car title to a family member.

4. Complete Paperwork For A Car Title Transfer

To transfer your car title to a family member, you must complete paperwork for a car title transfer. You can complete the form online or head to a local DMV office to do it in person. The DMV will process the information and transfer your car title to whoever you decide.

The following is the information you must complete on your car title transfer form:

• The purchaser’s name and address
• The date of sale or ownership transfer
• Odometer reading in complete miles at the time of sale
• Your name printed and signed
• Your family member’s name printed and signed

You will also need the bill of sale, with the vehicle’s make, model, year, VIN, sale price, and the seller and buyer’s names. You must also complete the MV-1 form to establish the change in legal ownership of the car title.

5. Bring The Required Documents To A County Tag Office

You must bring your completed paperwork, along with your car title, bill of sale, odometer disclosure statement, and identification, to a county tag office. There, they will verify that you have everything required, and all of the forms have accurate information.

At this point, you will have to pay fees for the cost to transfer the vehicle title. You will normally only have to pay $18, but will incur a late fee of $10 if the title transfer occurs 30 days after the date of sale.

Once you have paid the cost to transfer the vehicle title, the process is complete. You can transfer the car title to your family member, and they can rest easy knowing the car title is in their name.

Transferring A Car Title Is Important For Title Pawns

Transferring a car title after gifting a car is vital because it allows your family member to pawn their car title. When facing a financial emergency, such as medical bills, home repairs, or unexpected travel costs, they will only be able to borrow money through a title pawn if they have a car title in their name.

Georgia title pawns allow borrowers who have fully paid off their car titles to borrow up to $15,000. You only need three required items to get approved for a title pawn: your driver’s license, a lien-free car title in your name, and your vehicle for a quick inspection.

Unlike other types of loans, you won't have to worry about long-winded, arduous processes. Instead, you'll simply need to follow the steps below:

1. Call one of our stores directly or use our convenient online inquiry form to start the process.
2. Once we receive your information, we'll give you a call to discuss your needs and tell you more about our title pawn, including the requirements. You can also use this opportunity to ask any questions you might have about title pawns,
3. After the phone call, you'll meet with us face-to-face. You can get approved at the Arizona loan store location nearest to you.
4. When you arrive, we'll evaluate your required documents and inspect your vehicle for its value to determine how much you can borrow.
5. If you're happy with the amount you qualify for, we'll show you where to sign the paperwork. You’ll receive your emergency cash the same day you apply or the next business day.

Borrow Money With A Title Pawn In Georgia – Receive Up To $15,000 Today!

By following the steps outlined above and adhering to the car title transfer requirements, you can successfully and legally gift a car. Anyone who has legal ownership of a car title can use it to get approved for title pawns. At Georgia Auto Pawn, Inc., we allow borrowers of all credit types to get fast financial relief with our title pawns.

Apply online and get approved in person in less than 30 minutes. Contact us for assistance today by filling out our online form. Speak to a loan representative on the phone to learn more about the title pawn process.

Note: The content provided in this article is only for informational purposes, and you should contact your financial advisor about your specific financial situation.