Ensuring the proper transfer of a title in Georgia is not only important for good practice but also a legal requirement. A car's title is the ultimate proof of ownership, making it necessary to complete the transfer to establish legal ownership.

Furthermore, having a valid title is essential if you're thinking about using title pawns to cover unexpected expenses. In this article from Georgia Auto Pawn, Inc., we outline the requirements and provide instructions on how to transfer a car title in Georgia.

How To Transfer A Car Title In Georgia: A Step-By-Step Guide

Those who have recently purchased a car from a lot or a private party will need to get a title transfer to have legal ownership of the vehicle. You will also need to get it if you wish to transfer ownership of the vehicle to another party.

The process of transferring legal ownership of a vehicle is necessary because it allows vehicle owners to prove that it is their car. It gives them the legal right to use their car as they see fit, such as for a title pawn or any other loan that requires a vehicle title.

You have a 30-day window after the purchase of a vehicle to register it and get a license plate. This window is only seven days for private sales, so ensure you understand the process so you can handle it efficiently.

Learn more about the process of how to transfer a car title in Georgia below:

1. Prepare The Georgia Title Transfer Requirements

Before beginning the process of getting a title transfer, you should collect all of the items and documents you will need. There is a long list, so it’s best to get them prepared before starting.

Here are the Georgia title transfer requirements:

• A signed MV-1 Title/Tag Application
• Emission Inspection Certificate
• Original title assigned to the original owner
• Bill of sale
• Proof of Georgia auto insurance
• Valid Georgia state driver’s license
• Payment for fees (license plate, title, and ad valorem tax)

Now that you understand everything that you will need, gather what you already have access to, such as the money for fees, original vehicle title, driver’s license, etc. Once you have them, you can start the process by filling out the MV-1 title/tag application form.

2. Fill Out The MV-1 Title/Tag Application

The MV-1 title/tag application is required to provide basic information about the vehicle attached to the vehicle being transferred. You can complete this form online or at your local county tag office. Doing it online will help you go through the process faster.

Here is the information you will need to provide on the MV-1 application for a Georgia vehicle title transfer:

• Vehicle identification number (VIN)
• Vehicle’s make, model, year, body style, color, fuel type, and number of cylinders
• Title number and state it was issued in
• Name and address of owner
• County of residence
• Odometer reading
• District number

While you can begin this part of the process online, it’s important to note that you will need to complete the process at a local county tag office in person. We suggest scheduling an appointment in busier, more populous counties to avoid long wait times.

3. Complete Emissions Inspection And Smog Tests

Generally, your vehicle must pass an emissions test during the title transfer process. It's an annual inspection, and the requirements vary depending on factors like the manufacturing year, vehicle type, and registration location. You will need to get an emissions certificate for a gasoline-powered car or light truck manufactured after 2001.

According to Georgia law, motorcycles, recreational vehicles, and motorhomes are exempt from smog tests, as are diesel vehicles. Other vehicles exempt from these inspections are:

• Vehicles that meet the requirements owned by citizens aged at least 65
• Vehicles over 25 model years or those made in 2015 or later
• Vehicles with a gross weight rating over 8,500 lbs.
• Mopeds and other non-motorized vehicles

However, a check might be necessary if you're trying to get a replacement vehicle registration. Plus, other non-diesel vehicles that need registration must pass a smog check. After getting a Georgia emissions certificate for a title transfer, you can continue the process in person.

4. Visit A County Tag Office To Submit Documents

Once you have gathered all the necessary documents, you can proceed to the nearest county tag office to submit them. Review the requirements mentioned above to ensure you have all the necessary documents, including your vehicle documents and identification.

During this in-person process, you will also have to pay the Georgia title transfer fees and tax. The license plate fee costs $20, and the title fee costs $18.

You will also have to pay the ad valorem tax after titling a vehicle, which is a tax based on the value of your vehicle. The current title ad valorem tax (TAVT) rate is 7% of the market value of your vehicle. If you transfer a title that has already paid its TAVT to a family member, they will only have to pay 0.5% of the market value of the vehicle.

Using Your Georgia Car Title For A Title Pawn

After completing the process above, you will have full ownership of your vehicle title. Transferring your vehicle title allows you to use it as collateral for loans in the event of an emergency. If you need to afford medical bills, home repairs, or unexpected travel costs, you can get a title pawn using your vehicle title.

You can only get a title pawn if you own your vehicle outright. Having a title in your name is not enough; you must also have cleared any debts, judgments, or liens to get approved.

Title pawns allow you to borrow up to $15,000 as long as you have these required items:

• A state-issued photo ID displaying your full name and age
• A lien-free vehicle title in your name
• Your vehicle for a quick inspection

How To Get Approved For A Title Pawn In Georgia

As long as you have the items mentioned above, you should be able to get approved for a Georgia title pawn. The approval process is simple and takes less than a day. Start the process online in a few minutes with our quick loan form and get approved in person in less than 30 minutes.

Here is the step-by-step guide for title pawning in Georgia:

1. Contact one of our Georgia Auto Pawn, Inc. stores by phone or use our simple online inquiry form. You will need to provide your name, zip code, email address, phone number, and vehicle details. The form will be delivered to the store closest to your zip code.
2. Answer your phone when one of our friendly loan representatives calls you to confirm your information. They'll also inform you about the process, outline the required items, and address any questions you may have. You can ask any questions you have about title pawns.
3. Gather your required items and head to the nearest Georgia store location. The verification agent will review your documents and conduct a vehicle inspection to determine the amount of money you qualify for.
4. If you're happy with the amount, you continue with the car title pawn process, which involves signing the loan agreement.
5. Finally, you receive the money you need on the same or the very next business day.

Get Approved For A Georgia Title Pawn – Borrow Up To $15,000 Today!

If you've transferred your title and are looking to secure title cash, Georgia Auto Pawn, Inc. can help. Our process is simple, allowing borrowers to get approved in less than 30 minutes. You can get approved regardless of your credit score, and you get to keep your car

Take a few minutes to apply online with our simple online title pawn form. We will call you to explain the process and help you get approved in person today!

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