How to Transfer Title To Family Member in Georgia

Below is a guide I created for anyone who needs to transfer a title to a family member in Georgia. If you have any additional questions, feel free to leave them in the comments below.

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Related Articles To Read:

• How To Sign Over A Car Title
• How to Transfer A Car Title To A Family Member
• Can Someone Else Sell My Car For Me

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Required Documents

• The current, original vehicle title signed over to the new owner (family member) by the seller
• Completed Form MV-1 Title/Tag Application
• Completed Form MV-16 Affidavit to Certify Immediate Family Relationship (notarized)
• Proof of Georgia liability insurance in the new owner’s name
• Payment for the $18 title transfer fee and any applicable taxes

1. Sign Over the Title

The current owner (seller) should sign the back of the title in the “Transfer of Title by Owner” section:

• Enter the odometer reading (Unless Exempt)
• Print and sign their name as it appears on the front of the title
• Enter the new owner’s (buyer’s) name and address

For Exempt Vehicles: Vehicles that are 20 model years old or older are exempt from odometer disclosure requirements. For these cars simply put “Exempt” in the space provided for the odometer reading.

2. Complete Form MV-16

Both parties must complete and notarize the MV-16 Affidavit to certify the immediate family relationship. This form exempts you from paying sales tax on the vehicle transfer.

3. Visit the County Tag Office

Take all the required documents to your local county tag office and submit them along with payment for the fees. The clerk will process the title transfer into the new owner’s name.

Please update the new owner’s insurance information in Georgia’s database within 30 days of the transfer.

If The Owner Is Deceased:

1. Gather Required Documents

Before beginning the process, it’s necessary to gather the following documents:

• The original vehicle title in the deceased owner’s name, if available.
• The death certificate of the deceased owner.
• Documentation proving the relationship between the deceased and the inheritor, such as a marriage certificate or birth certificate.
• Form T-20 Affidavit of Inheritance, required if there is no will or probate.
• Form MV-1 Title/Tag Application.
• A valid Georgia driver’s license or ID of the inheritor.
• Proof of Georgia liability insurance in the name of the inheritor.

2. Determine if the Estate is Being Probated

The process varies slightly depending on whether the estate is undergoing probate:

• If there is a will and the estate is being probated, Letters Testamentary naming the executor will be necessary. The executor is then responsible for transferring the title.
• If there is no will and the estate is not being probated, the inheritor can claim the vehicle using Form T-20.

3. At the County Tag Office

Depending on whether the estate is being probated, the inheritor or executor will need to submit different documents:

• Without probate, the inheritor must submit Form T-20, the death certificate, proof of relationship, and complete the MV-1 application.
• With probate, the executor submits the Letters Testamentary, the death certificate, and the MV-1 application.
• The title transfer fee of $18 will be paid by the inheritor or executor.
• To register the vehicle, the inheritor must provide proof of Georgia insurance and a valid driver’s license.

4. Title is Transferred

After the necessary paperwork is completed and fees are paid, the county tag office will issue a new Georgia title in the inheritor’s name. If the inheritor does not reside in Georgia, they must title the vehicle in their state before transferring it to Georgia.

Relevant Georgia Websites:

• Georgia Department of Revenue Vehicle Services: https://dor.georgia.gov/vehicles
• County Tag Office Locations: https://dor.georgia.gov/county-tag-offices
• MV-1 Title Application: https://dor.georgia.gov/document/form/mv-1-title-tag-application/download
• MV-16 Family Transfer Affidavit: https://dor.georgia.gov/document/form/mv-16-affidavit-certify-immediate-family-relationship/download

Once again, if you have a situation that falls outside of the guidance I provided above, please leave it in the comments below, and I will do my best to answer you.