How to Renew Car Registration in Georgia

Applying for a car registration renewal in Georgia is a yearly task that you must complete before your vehicle’s credentials expire. Failure to renew your registration credentials on time may result in penalty fees.

As a reminder to apply for DMV registration renewal before your license plates expire, the Georgia Department of Revenue (DOR) sends you a notice during your registration month. Even if you do not receive this reminder card, however, you will still be responsible for renewing your registration and license place sticker tags in a timely manner.

To help you apply for a tag renewal in GA, the DOR provides you with the opportunity to renew your credentials online, in person or by mail. If you choose to renew your registration credentials in person, you may visit a county tag office or self-service kiosk. To learn more about these renewal methods and the process to renew your registration materials, review the information below.

Applying for a License Plate Tag Renewal in Georgia

Knowing how to perform a car reg check and renewal is crucial, as failure to renew your vehicle’s license plate tags during your registration month may result in penalty fees. However, the steps you must take to renew your registration materials may vary depending on the county where you live.

Keep in mind that not all counties allow you to apply for renewal online or at a DOR self-service kiosk. If these renewal methods are not available in your county, you must apply in person or by mail. Be sure to review your DMV car registration renewal notice for specific information about renewing your credentials in a timely manner.

Renewing Online

You may renew registration online using the state’s DRIVES e-Services portal if the county where you live participates in this program. If your county allows you to renew your registration credentials online, your renewal notice will provide you with specific instructions for doing so.

To check vehicle registration status online before applying for a renewal, you must also be able to identify your vehicle by providing its license plate or vehicle identification number (VIN), and you must verify your identity by providing your driver’s license number or Letter ID number.

In Person at a County Tag Office

To perform your GA car registration check and renewal in person rather than online, you must visit a county tag office to present your renewal notice, payment for the applicable fee and proof of your identity.

Depending on the situation, you may also need to present proof of a valid automobile insurance policy and a valid emissions inspection certificate.

In Person at a Self-Service Kiosk

To apply for GA DOR vehicle registration renewal at a Self-Service Kiosk rather than a local tag office, you must live in a participating county like Banks, Coweta, Fayette, Haralson, Oconee or Whitfield. 

Additionally, your address, liability insurance policy and vehicle emissions certificate must be current with the DOR. If you cannot renew at a Self-Service Kiosk, you must visit a county tag office.

By Mail

To apply for Georgia DOR registration renewal by mail, you must forward several important documents to your county tag office. These documents include:

• Your DOR tag renewal notice
• Proof of a liability insurance policy
• A valid emissions inspection certificate, if applicable.

To learn more about available application methods and to get guidance on renewal, download our free guide.