Motor Vehicle Registration

General Information

Ad valorem Tax is a tax based on 40% of the fair market value of your vehicle that is assessed annually and must be paid at the time of registration. Payment of Advalorem taxes is a prerequisite to receiving a tag or renewal decal. Advalorem taxes are due each year on all vehicles including vehicles that are not operational, even if a tag or registration renewal is not being applied for. Taxes must be paid by the last day of your registration period to avoid a 10% tax penalty (no less than $5.00). Tax amounts vary according to the vehicle make and model and the tax district in which the owner resides. Advalorem tax collections are distributed to the State, County, Schools, Cities and other levying authorities. This revenue will be used to fund their general operations.

Method of Payment

Payment may be in the form of a Company or Personal check, Money Order or Certified Funds made payable to: Echols County Tax Commissioner.
Checks must have name, local address (PO Boxes are not acceptable), and bank account number pre-printed on the check. Please enter your home and business phone numbers, driver’s license number, and tag number on the face of your check.
We cannot accept starter, counter, third party, payroll, or checks with an out of state or PO Box address. Please do not send cash through the mail.

Newly Acquired Vehicles

Georgia residents with newly acquired vehicles must register within 30 days of vehicle purchase. New vehicle owners must apply for a title prior to or at the time of registration. Registration and application for the title must be made in person at the office. The new owner must present a valid Georgia driver’s license. If an owner is unable to appear in person, an original notarized Power of Attorney and a copy of the Georgia driver’s license for that person must be presented at the time of registration. The Power of Attorney must include the year, make, and model and vehicle identification number of the vehicle.

If a bank, credit union, or other lender has applied for the title, the application for title must be received and verified by the Georgia Department of Motor Vehicles. This applies to vehicles purchased or leased. If you have leased a vehicle, you must provide the lease agreement at the time of registration.

If you have possession of the title and wish to make application, the back side of the original title must be completely filled out, recording the buyer name, the seller name, both signatures, the date of sale and current odometer reading. Do not use whiteout, or cross through an error on the back of a title. A notarized affidavit of correction will need to be completed which must accompany the title, and MV1 form if corrections to a title must be made. These forms are available at our office. Please note both seller and buyer may be needed to complete an affidavit of correction, depending on the error.

If the vehicle is purchased from an automobile dealer, the dealer assignment section must be completed with registered dealer’s name, dealers master tag number and date of sale. Latest registration information of the vehicle will be required. Valid Georgia driver’s license number, birth date, and proof of insurance requirements click here www.dor.ga.gov/ will also be required.

Registration Bill

The tag renewal and registration bill is a single part, laser printed, bar coded form designed to simplify the handling and processing of your registration. The registration bill will list Advalorem taxes and tag fees due on your vehicle. You are required to complete certain information and affix your signature on the registration form in order to receive a tag or renewal decal. The registration bills are mailed out 45 days prior to the vehicle owner(s) birthday (expiration date). Registrations can only be accepted during the 30 day period preceding and ending on the vehicle owner(s) birthday.

We encourage registrations by mail to save time and money. Registration payments should be mailed early so as to allow time for return of your tag or renewal decal before your current tag expires on your birthday. When mailing your registration payment, please allow 7 days for processing and return of your tag or renewal decal. Registration payments must be postmarked no later than your birthday to avoid penalties. Late penalties are 10% of the Advalorem tax (no less than $5.00) plus 25% of the tag fee.

Registrations will be delayed and even considered late, if vehicle body color, date of birth, social security number, electronic transmission of insurance company information click here www.dor.ga.gov/ signature, or other requested information is not provided on the form. To ensure timely processing and avoid penalties, please carefully read the instructions that are included with the registration form and enter all the required information in the appropriate spaces. By completing ALL SECTIONS of the registration form, timely processing is assured and penalties avoided.

Not receiving a registration bill does not relieve the registrant/taxpayer from the obligation to register and pay taxes during their birthday registration period. Vehicle registration and payment of taxes are the responsibility of the registrant/taxpayer. If an annual registration bill is not received, please call 229.559.5253 to request a duplicate and a bill will be mailed to you within 7 days.