What is a Georgia Car Bill of Sale?

A Georgia car bill of sale endows a person with ownership of a vehicle. The individual (or dealer) who sold the automobile releases their liability. If an incident, such as a crash or break-in, occurs after the sale date, the seller cannot take the blame since they signed over the car using the bill of sale and title. Instead, the buyer must pay for repairs, file a claim with their insurance company, or take care of their situation.

What are the Buyer’s Tasks?

Before purchasing the vehicle, the buyer must ensure they receive a good and fair deal. They should inspect the car themselves and have a professional look it over to ensure it does not have major mechanical or cosmetic issues. In addition, the state recommends the individual complete a vehicle identification number (VIN) online check to assess the car’s history.

Buyers planning to purchase the vehicle must complete a bill of sale (Form T-7) with the seller. Individuals can also use a motor vehicle power of attorney (Form T-8) to assign a trusted person with the ability to handle the transaction in their place. They must fill out the document and sign it before the representative meets with the car owner.

After finalizing the bill of sale form, the purchaser (or agent) looks over the title to ensure the seller filled in the correct fields. Buyers must not sign blank or incomplete titles. Both parties can receive fines up to $100 and thirty (30) days in prison if they do not follow the necessary steps in the transfer process. The buyer must enter their full name and signature after the seller thoroughly completes their sections and provides an accurate odometer reading.

Companies buying the car must enter the name of the business and representative. The agent must also include their title or position at the corporation.

The buyer must complete the title and license plate transfer at a Department of Revenue (DOR) location within seven (7) days. After thirty (30) days, the DOR starts to charge additional penalties if the new owner does not carry out the transaction.

What are the Seller’s Tasks?

Once the buyer and seller decide to engage in a private car exchange, they must fill out a bill of sale (Form T-7). Each person must enter accurate information, then endorse it by signing their name.

Next, the seller must fill out the applicable sections of the title. They cannot give the buyer a blank title, or else they can receive charges up to $100 and/or go to prison for thirty (30) days or less. In addition, they cannot alter the sale date. If they do, the state serves them a $10 penalty. The odometer reading must also happen on the purchase date.

When completing the title, the seller must provide their credentials, including their legal name and current address. They must also enter the sale date (or ownership transfer date) and signature to authenticate the information therein. Businesses must include their name as well as the title and name of the representative signing.

As soon as the seller completes the bill of sale document and title, they must cancel their registration (online or in-person) and insurance policy. The individual must cancel their registration within thirty (30) days of canceling the insurance plan.

The seller must keep all documentation concerning the sale and the previous license plates and tags. They can transfer the plates to a replacement or new vehicle or give them to the DOR (Form T-158).

How to Register a Car in Georgia (5 Steps)

Vehicles operating within state borders require a title and registration. Residents who have purchased a used car through a private sale must register and title it within seven (7) business days. If they bought it from a dealership, the state extends the grace period to thirty (30) days. Incoming residents also have thirty (30) days from their move-in date to apply for their license, title, and registration (§ 40-2-21).

Step 1 – Driver’s License

New residents must have a Georgia driver’s license before titling or registering their vehicle. Appointments occur online through the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS).

Individuals seventeen (17) years of age or older can transfer their license from out-of-state. If their ID has an expiration date of more than two (2) years ago, they must obtain a driving record from their previous state and pass the written, road, and vision exams.

If the person has never had a license, they must apply as a new applicant. The DDS only issues new Class C licenses to residents eighteen (18) years or older. Applicants must complete an online preliminary form to set up an appointment and enter their personal information. They must also schedule their road test.

When they go to the DOR on their meeting day, they must provide photo identification (ID), social security number, proof of Georgia residency and U.S. citizenship, and the payment. In addition, they must pass the vision, knowledge, and road skills tests.

Step 2 – Automobile Insurance

Residents must have a valid insurance policy before registering the vehicle. The state requires the individual to have $25,000 coverage for the bodily injury or death of one (1) person and $50,000 for two (2) or more people. The plan must also include $25,000 coverage for property damage.