Georgia Used Car Sales Tax & Fees (Revised 2024)
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Buying and Selling Used Cars in Georgia
Georgia has just over nine used car dealerships for every 100,000 residents. The top-selling Georgia vehicle is the Ford F-150, a classic pickup truck that's a favorite nationwide. If you're in the market for a used pickup or another car, you'll want to learn about Georgia's taxes and fees on used vehicles. Knowing about the extras can help you set a realistic buying budget.
We've put together a guide to used car taxes in Georgia and fees to simplify the research process. While Georgia doesn't charge sales or use tax on vehicle purchases, you may need to pay the Title Ad Valorem Tax (TAVT). Learn more below.
While Georgia has no so sales tax on cars, it charges a Title Ad Valorem Tax (TAVT) at a rate of 7% based on the value of the car.
Georgia DMV and State Fees
| Item | Cost | Details |
|---|---|---|
| TAVT | 7% of the vehicle's fair market value; 3% for new resident vehicle registrations | Paid at the time the vehicle is titled and every time the vehicle transfers ownership or a new resident registers a car. Some people may qualify for an exemption, such as disabled veterans or public safety first responders. If you acquire the vehicle through an inheritance or family transfer, a reduced TAVT of 0.5% of the vehicle's fair market value applies. |
| Title application or transfer | $18 | |
| License plate registration fee | $20 | License plate registration includes a set of regular plates, but you can request specialty or vanity plates for an additional fee between $25 and $35. |
| Mailing fee | $1 | |
| Emission inspection | Varies | Your vehicle may require an annual emissions inspection if you live in a county within the Atlanta metro area. Gasoline-powered cars and trucks require inspection if manufactured between 2000 and 2021. Used vehicle dealers must provide proof of a valid passing emissions inspection when selling the vehicle. |
Georgia Dealership Fees
Additional fees may appear during the sales process if you buy your vehicle from a dealership in Texas.
| Item | Cost | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Documentation Fees | Varies | Georgia does not limit the amount of document fees a dealership may charge. If the dealer charges document fees, they must be included in the vehicle's advertised sales price rather than listed separately. Government fees, such as tax, title, and registration, may be excluded from the vehicle's sales price. |
| Extended Warranty | Varies | Dealerships may offer an extended warranty for your used vehicle, which can help pay for any expensive future repairs or maintenance. Buying a warranty will increase the cost of your car, but you may be able to finance the cost as part of your loan. |
Georgia Insurance Requirements
Before registering (or driving) your used car in Georgia, you must obtain liability auto insurance that meets state standards. If you purchase your vehicle with a loan, the lender may require you to get comprehensive and collision coverage, too.
Since insurance can add significantly to your monthly auto expenses, it's a good idea to check your options with various providers. Some insurers may offer discounts that you qualify for, which can reduce your costs.
Miscellaneous
| Item | Cost | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle history report | Varies | You may ask your dealership to provide a copy of the vehicle's history report, which notes any accidents or other negatives that can impact its value. If purchasing the vehicle from a private party, you can buy a vehicle history report from Carfax or AutoCheck. |
| Vehicle inspection | Varies | No one wants to discover their newly purchased vehicle needs significant repairs. Avoid lemons by taking a used vehicle for a full inspection at a trusted service center. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Georgia charge a sales tax for used cars?
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Is there a way to avoid Georgia TAVT tax?
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What is the maximum amount a car dealer can charge?
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Premiums are sourced from over 30,000 zip codes across 200 insurance companies. We estimate premiums based on public filings for policies seeking 50/100 in liability with $500 deductibles for collision and comprehensive coverage. Estimated rates are based on a 35-year-old single female with a good credit score and no history of accidents or violations driving a 2023 Toyota RAV4 LE. We partner with Quadrant Information Services to source our data and assume no unique benefits or discounts are applied for these rates (unless otherwise stated). Your own rates may be different.