State
Select
City
Select
Make
Select
Model
Select
Price Under
Select
Mileage
Select
To legally transfer ownership, the seller must sign the designated seller block on the back of the original Georgia Certificate of Title. Once signed, take this endorsed title and your completed bill of sale to a DeKalb County Tax Commissioner's office. The staff will process your paperwork and issue a new title in your name.
Georgia grants you a strict seven-day grace period to drive the vehicle while you secure your new registration. This countdown starts on the exact date recorded on your completed bill of sale. You must keep your newly signed title and the bill of sale inside the car with you at all times to prove lawful ownership to law enforcement.
Always prioritize safety by meeting in a public, well-lit area during the day. Excellent options include the parking lot of a local DeKalb County Police precinct or a highly visible, busy shopping center parking lot, such as those around Perimeter Mall.
Before paying, carefully inspect the title document. Ensure the seller’s name on the title matches their government-issued ID perfectly. You must also verify that the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) printed on the paper title exactly matches the VIN stamped on the car’s dashboard and driver-side door jamb.
An active lien means a lender still holds a financial claim on the vehicle. You can check for liens on the front of the paper title, or run the VIN through the Georgia Department of Revenue's free online search portal. If a lien exists, the seller must provide you with an official lien release document from the lender before you proceed.
For a comprehensive overview of the car's past, consider getting a vehicle history report using the car's unique VIN. This smart step reveals past collisions, flood damage, salvage brands, and historical maintenance records. Reviewing this vital information helps protect your money before you finalize the deal.
Georgia grants you a strict seven-day grace period to drive the vehicle while you secure your new registration. This countdown starts on the exact date recorded on your completed bill of sale. You must keep your newly signed title and the bill of sale inside the car with you at all times to prove lawful ownership to law enforcement.