Moving to Georgia: Insurance, Registration and License Deadlines
New residents usually face two different deadlines handled by two different agencies.
- Register your vehicle within
- 30 days
Register at your county tag office within 30 days of moving. Missing the deadline can bring a fine of up to $100.
- Get a state license within
- 30 days
Anyone who has been a Georgia resident for 30 days must hold a Georgia licence before driving here.
- Emissions inspection
- Required in 13 metro Atlanta counties
Gasoline passenger vehicles registered in Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, Coweta, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry, Paulding or Rockdale must pass an annual test before registration. The three most recent model years are exempt — for 2026 registrations that means 2024 and newer.
- Handled by separate agencies
- Yes, and in this order
The licence comes from DDS, the registration from your county tag office under the Department of Revenue — and you cannot register the car until you hold the Georgia licence or ID. Same 30-day deadline for both, so do the licence first.