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To legally take ownership of the vehicle, the seller must sign the designated seller block on the back of the original Georgia Certificate of Title. Once they sign it, take the endorsed title and your completed bill of sale to a DeKalb County Tax Commissioner's office. The staff there will process your paperwork and issue a new title in your name.
Before you hand over any money, carefully inspect the title document. Ensure the seller’s name on the title perfectly matches their state-issued ID. 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 bank or credit union 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 tool. If a lien exists, the seller must give you an official lien release document from the lender before you proceed.
We suggest buying a comprehensive 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 hard-earned money before you finalize the deal.
No. Standard Georgia vehicle sales between private parties do not require a notary public. The current owner simply signs their legal name in the specified seller box located on the reverse side of the title. They also need to accurately record the vehicle's exact current mileage at the exact moment of the sale.
If the seller cannot find the original title, they must apply for a duplicate title through the Georgia Department of Revenue before transferring ownership to you. Never exchange money for a vehicle without receiving a properly signed, official paper title in hand.
Absolutely. You should always hire a dependable, independent mechanic to evaluate the car before you agree to buy it. North Druid Hills features many excellent auto repair shops capable of uncovering hidden mechanical defects. A trained professional can easily spot costly engine or transmission problems that you might easily miss during a quick test drive.