Tax Bill Inquiry
Most vehicle registration questions are answered on this web site. If you need additional information please call our tag office at (770) 461-3611 and someone will be happy to help you.
REGISTRATION:
Georgia law requires that each motor vehicle owned by a resident of this state will be registered annually in the county of the owners legal residence and domicile. If the motor vehicle is primarily used in connection with an established business enterprise, then registration is required in the county where the business is located. Newly acquired vehicles or vehicles new to the state must be registered within 30 days. After this initial registration, the registration must be renewed upon the owner’s birthday registration period.
Vehicles are required to be registered in the name(s) that appear on the certificate of title. For a recently purchased vehicle, the title must be in your name prior to registration, or you must apply for title at the time of registration. It is important to remember that a tag on the vehicle expires at midnight of the owner’s birthday.
AD VALOREM TAX
Ad valorem tax is a value tax that is assessed annually and must be paid at the time of registration. Payment of ad valorem taxes is a prerequisite to receiving a tag or renewal decal. Ad valorem taxes are due each year on all vehicles including vehicles that are not operational, even if a tag or registration is not being applied for. Taxes must be paid by the last day of your registration period to avoid a 10% penalty (minimum $5). Tax amounts vary according to the vehicle make and model and the tax district in which the owner resides. Ad valorem tax receipts are distributed to the state, county, schools, and cities. These levying authorities use this revenue to fund their general operations.
TAX VALUATIONS
Uniform vehicle valuations used in calculating ad valorem taxes are certified to county tax commissioners by the State Department of Revenue and are derived from regional market publications. Tax valuations are assessed at 40% of the state established fair market value. The ad valorem tax is calculated by taking the 40% assessed value of a vehicle and multiplying it by the current millage rate for the tax district in which the owner resides. By law, county tax commissioners have no authority over determining valuations or placing property assessments. If you dispute the assessed value of your vehicle, you may appeal the valuation to the Board of Assessors. Generally, you should appeal only if you feel that the uniformly applied value does not properly address unique or substandard conditions of your vehicle. For example, a vehicle with excessive or high mileage, or major body damage would be distinctly different in terms of market value as compared to other "like in kind" models. If this is the case with your vehicle, you may contact our office for directions or call the Tax Assessors Office at (770) 460-5730 ext. 5402.
TAGS AND FEES
An annual state tag fee of $20 is required for issuance of regular passenger or light duty truck license plates or renewal decals. Prestige, college, commemorative, or some special tags require a one time $25 manufacturing fee plus an additional $25 annual special tag fee. Wildlife conservation tags require a one time $25 fee which goes in part to establish and protect habitats for endangered wildlife. When ordering a prestige, or college commemorative tag, be sure to include a copy of the State approval letter and the appropriate fees. Other special tags do not require a letter.
New metal license plates are issued generally every five years. Renewal decals are issued for the years in between. Georgia law requires renewal year decals be affixed to the lower right-hand corner of the license plate. Registrations must be renewed each year during the vehicle owner’s registration period to avoid a 25% tag fee penalty.
TAG REGISTRATION BILLS
The tag renewal and registration bill is a single part, laser printed, bar coded form designed to simplify the handling and processing of your registration. The registration bill will list ad valorem taxes and tag fees due on your vehicle. You are required to complete certain information and affix your signature on the registration form in order to receive a tag or renewal decal. The registration bills are mailed out 45 days prior to the vehicle owner’s birthday (expiration date). Registrations can only be accepted during the 30 day period preceding and ending on the vehicle owner’s birthday.
We encourage registrations by mail to save time and money. Registration payments should be mailed early so as to allow time for return of your tag or renewal decal before your current tag expires on your birthday. When mailing your registration payment, please allow 10 days for processing and return of your tag or renewal decal. Registration payments must be postmarked no later than your birthday to avoid penalties. Late penalties are 10% of the ad valorem tax (minimum $5), plus 25% of the tag fee, plus a $1 sheriff’s delinquent fee.
Registrations will be delayed and even considered late, if vehicle body color, date of birth, emission certificate number, name of insurance company, policy number, signature or other requested information is not provided on the form. To ensure timely processing and avoid penalties, please carefully read the instructions that are included with the registration form and enter all the required information in the appropriate spaces. By completing ALL SECTIONS of the registration form, timely processing is assured and penalties avoided.
Not receiving a registration bill does not relieve the registrant/taxpayer from the obligation to register and pay taxes during their birthday registration period. Vehicle registration and payment of taxes are the responsibility of the registrant/taxpayer. If an annual registration bill is not received, please call (770) 461-3611 to request a duplicate bill, or you may fax a legible copy of your registration receipt along with your current address to (770) 461-8442 and a bill will be mailed to you within a few days.
VEHICLE COLOR
State regulations now require the color of a vehicle be recorded on the registration form. Space is provided for this information on the left side of the registration form. Choose the closest color from this list of colors that matches your vehicle: Beige, Black, Blue, Dark Blue, Light Blue, Bronze, Brown, Chrome, Copper, Cream, Gold, Green/Teal, Dark Green, Light Green, Gray, Lavender, Maroon/Burgundy, Orange, Pink, Purple, Turquoise, Red, Silver, Tan, White, or Yellow.
EMISSIONS
Fayette County Tax Commissioner is required by law to ensure emissions compliance at the time of the tag sale. The State Department of Natural Resources and its Georgia Clean Air Force have responsibility over the design, implementation, and public awareness aspects of the emissions program.
Georgia vehicle emission inspection and testing
presently covers a 13-county region and are required for model year
vehicles 1984 and newer. Testing is required annually for all year models
except exempt year models. Exempt year models are the last three model
years. If a vehicle 1984 model year or newer comes from outside the
13-county region, and emissions test must be performed regardless of
the model year to ensure all vehicles entering the region meet the requirements
of the Georgia Clean Air Act. When registering your vehicle you must
submit a current emissions inspection certificate (if applicable) along
with your registration bill, as a prerequisite to receiving a tag or
renewal decal.
Vehicles exempt from emission requirements
are 1983 or older models, current year model and last two preceding
year model vehicles, vehicles with diesel engines, vehicles with a gross
vehicle weight (GVW) of 8500 pounds or more, and motorcycles. Out-of-state
students and senior citizens may be eligible for extensions or waivers
in certain circumstances. Call the Georgia Clean Air Force at 1-800-449-2471
for more information or check with www.cleanairforce.com.
SENIOR CITIZEN EMISSIONS WAIVER: A vehicle that is driven less than 5,000 miles per year, is 10 years old or older, AND is owned by a person 65 years of age or older, may qualify for an exemption. The waiver for this exemption will be processed for approval at the Fayette County Tag Office.
INSURANCE
Georgia law requires that all vehicle owners carry proof of current Georgia liability insurance. When registering a vehicle, the insurance company name and policy number must be provided. If you have a newly purchased vehicle, be sure to have the insurance and policy number established prior to registration.
SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER
The State requires social security numbers for any resident who receives a handicap veteran, former prisoner of war, medal of honor, national guard, purple heart, military reserve or amateur radio tag.
MILITARY PERSONNEL
Military personnel who are claiming residency in other states, and who are in Georgia solely by virtue of military orders, are not subject to Georgia ad valorem taxes, even though they purchase an automobile license tag in Georgia. Qualifications:
You must be an active duty soldier (green military identification card);You cannot be a resident of the State of Georgia (subject to Georgia income taxes);You must be stationed in Georgia (Fort McPherson, Dobbins Air Force Base, Fort Gillem, or the general Atlanta area) pursuant to official military orders;The vehicle must be titled only in the soldier’s name;The affidavit of exemption must be sworn to and notarized, and then it must be signed by the soldier’s immediate commander;The soldier must comply with all inspection requirements in their particular jurisdiction (i.e., emissions);This exemption does not apply to any leased vehicle.
If a soldier is TDY and he or she wants their spouse or family member to execute an exemption, he or she must give their spouse or family member a power of attorney authorizing the family member to do so. The spouse or family member must still comply with the requirement for the immediate commanders’ signature.
BIRTHDATE
The vehicle owner/lessee’s date of birth is required when registering a vehicle. Upon initial registration the owner’s birthday is recorded to establish the next registration renewal period of expiration date of the vehicle license plate. If a vehicle is owned by two or more persons, the birthday of the owner whose name appears first on the certificate of title is used for registration.
Vehicles owned by a business are not required to record a date of birth. The expiration date will be established according to the first letter of the business name. Be sure to check the box on the renewal form that indicates a business registration.
REGISTRATION RENEWAL PERIOD
For Persons: Registrations expire on the vehicle owner/lessee’s birthday and must be renewed during the 30 day period preceding and ending on the owner/lessee’s birthday.
For Business: Registrations in the name of a business, corporation, or organization expire at the end of the business owner’s designated registration month. Business registrations are staggered by month according to the first letter of the company name as shown on the registration application. Business owned vehicle registrations must be renewed during and no later than the end of the designated renewal month.
Business Name |
Registration Mo. |
Business Name |
Registration Mo. |
A - B |
JANUARY |
M - N |
JULY |
C - D |
FEBRUARY |
O - P |
AUGUST |
E - F |
MARCH |
Q - R |
SEPTEMBER |
G - H |
APRIL |
S - T |
OCTOBER |
I - J |
MAY |
U - V - W |
NOVEMBER |
K - L |
JUNE |
X - Y - Z |
DECEMBER |
Registration renewal applications postmarked after the end of any registration period will accrue a 10% ad valorem tax penalty (with minimum $5), a 25% tag penalty, and a $1 sheriff’s delinquent fee.
Registering by mail offers time and money savings benefits and is strongly recommended. Registrants needing assistance may register in person in our tag office located at 140 W. Stonewall Avenue, Suite 109, Fayetteville, GA 30214.
METHOD OF PAYMENT
Payment may be in the form of cash, a Company or Personal Check, Money Order or Certified Funds made payable to: Fayette County Tax Commissioner. Checks must have name, local address (P O Boxes are not acceptable), and bank account number preprinted on the check. Please enter both your home and business phone numbers, a driver’s license number, and tag number on the face of your check. We cannot accept starter, counter, third party, payroll, or checks with an out of state, out of county, or P O box address.
NEW GEORGIA RESIDENTS
New residents from out of state must register in person at our office within 30 days of establishing residency. The original certificate of title from out of state will be required. The owner listed on the face of the original title must be present. If the title lists multiple owners, all owners must be present, or those owners who cannot be present must provide an original notarized Power-of-Attorney. The Power-of-Attorney must include the year, make, model and vehicle identification number of the vehicle being registered. The current registration from the former state will also be requested along with the current mileage of the vehicle. A valid Georgia liability insurance card and policy number must be established prior to registering and proof must be presented at the time of registration. A Georgia Emissions Certificate will also be required. If the title is being held by a lien holder, the loan agreement, showing the owner or owners of the vehicle, a complete description of the vehicle and the name and mailing address of the lien-holder must be presented. If the vehicle is leased, the lessee must have the lease agreement showing a complete description of the vehicle and the complete name and address of the lessor. Also, an original notarized Power-0f-Attorney from the lessor is required to be completed. New residents entering the state of Georgia may be required to pay ad valorem tax at the time of initial registration. Documentation will be required to show proof of when residency was established in Georgia.
Acceptable documents are:
Verification of Fayette County address, i.e., utility bill, lease agreement, etc.If you have a leased vehicle, you must have a Power-of-Attorney from the leasing company.Title - if you own your vehicle.Registration - if you have a lien, we will need complete lienholder’s name and mailing address.Insurance company’s name and policy number.Odometer reading and number of cylinders.Date of purchase of vehicle (day, month, and year).Original Georgia Vehicle Inspection Report. (Must have inspected whether it is an odd year or even year vehicle.)Cost: $18 per title, $20 per plate, plus ad valorem tax based on 40% value of the vehicle. If you pay by check, your check must have your Fayette County address printed on it.
NEW RESIDENTS TO FAYETTE COUNTY
New residents moving to Fayette County from other Georgia counties must register their vehicles within 30 days of establishing residence. A copy of the registration from the previous county will be required. This will contain all the pertinent information needed to transfer the registration to Fayette County. Also, be sure to have the original emissions certificate, and current Georgia Liability insurance card.
You must also have documentation showing your current Fayette County address.
NEWLY ACQUIRED VEHICLES
Georgia residents with newly acquired vehicles must register within 30 days of vehicle purchase. New vehicle owners must apply for a title prior to or at the time of registration. Registration must be made in person at our tag office. If an owner is unable to appear in person, an original notarized Power-of-Attorney for that person must be presented at the time of registration. The Power-of-Attorney must include the year, make, model and vehicle identification number of the vehicle.
If a bank, credit union, or other lender has applied for the title, the application for title must be received and verified by the Georgia Department of Motor Vehicles. This applies to vehicles purchased or leased. If you have leased a vehicle, you must provide the lease agreement at the time of registration.
If you have possession of the title and wish to make application, the back side of the original title must be completely filled out, recording the buyer name, the seller name, both signatures, the date of sale and current odometer reading. Do not use whiteout, or cross through an error on the back of the title. A notarized affidavit of correction will need to be completed which must accompany the title, and MV1 form if correction to a title must be made. These forms are available at our office. Please note both seller and buyer may need to complete an affidavit of correction, depending on the error.
If the vehicle is purchased from an automobile dealer, the dealer assignment section must be completed with registered dealers name, dealers master tag number and date of sale. Latest registration information of the vehicle will be required. Proof of insurance and emissions will be required.
TAG TRANSFERS
License plates are the personal property of the vehicle owner. During a change of ownership, license plates should be removed from the vehicle and retained by the seller. This will allow the seller to transfer the tag to a newly acquired vehicle.
If you trade-in, sell, or dispose of your vehicle, retain your license plate and transfer it to your new vehicle. Eligibility to transfer a tag follows these guidelines:The vehicle the tag was originally issued to, must be sold. An affidavit will have to be signed at the tag office acknowledging that the previous vehicle has been sold.The new registration must read exactly as the previous registration. Ownership must be the same. For example: If the previous registration read John Smith and Suzie Smith, the new registration must read John Smith and Suzie Smith. If the new registration reads Suzie Smith and John Smith, or John and Suzie Smith, the tag cannot be transferred.The tag must be applied to a vehicle of the same kind. Passenger vehicle to passenger vehicle, trailer to trailer, motorcycle to motorcycle, etc.
NAME CHANGE (MARRIAGE OR DIVORCE)
If you wish to have your name changed on your registration due to marriage or divorce, you must first apply for a new title. A name change requires that you appear in person with your original certificate of title and supporting certified legal documents (i.e., certified copy of the marriage certificate or divorce decree). In case of divorce, the divorce decree must give the Year and Make of the vehicle. If a vehicle is financed, only the security lien holder can change the name.
VEHICLE INHERITANCE
When there is a probated will, the applicant must provide the title in the deceased party’s name, if available, along with a certified copy of the Probated Will, or Letter of Testamentary, or permanent Letters of Administration, or Years’ Support that gives a complete description of the vehicle.
Also required are, current validated registration, an original Georgia emission certificate and proof of Georgia Liability insurance on the vehicle.
HANDICAPPED PERSON PARKING PERMIT
Handicapped person parking permits are issued by the Georgia Department of Public Safety. You may reach them at (404) 657-9300.
DRIVER'S LICENSE
In Fayette County the tests for driver's licenses
are given Tuesday through Saturday at 278 McElroy Road, Fayetteville
from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Applicants need to be at this location for
testing by 4:00 p.m. due to the large volume of applicants. Telephone
number is 770-460-2736. For more information, check www.dds.ga.gov.
Only cash will be accepted - NO checks or
credit cards. The fee is $15.00 for renewals although renewals are discounted
to $8.00 for organ donors. The fee for a Learner's Permit is $10.00
cash only.
The Georgia State Patrol will answer questions
at 770-254-7270. It is important that you listen to the tape
in its entirety.