Georgia doesn’t charge sales tax on cars. Instead you pay a one-time title ad valorem tax (TAVT) of 7% of the car’s fair market value when you title it, and then no yearly car property tax.
Georgia car taxes and fees at a glance
| TAVT | 7% one time; 3% for new residents |
|---|---|
| New cars | Higher of the price (with dealer fees) or the state value, minus trade-in and dealer rebates |
| Used cars | The state’s value for the car, minus trade-in on dealer sales only |
| Title | $18 |
| Registration | $20 a year |
Rules worth knowing
- TAVT replaces both the old sales tax and the yearly ad valorem tax on the car.
- Some family transfers and inherited cars pay a reduced rate.
- The Georgia Department of Revenue has its own estimator for the state value of a used car.
Example: what you’d pay in Georgia
Buying a $30,000.00 used car from a dealer, with a $5,000.00 trade-in:
| Title ad valorem tax (TAVT, 7%) | $1,680.00 |
| Title fee | $18.00 |
| Registration (1 year) | $20.00 |
| Taxes and fees | $1,718.00 |
|---|---|
| Out-the-door price | $26,718.00 |
Dealer documentation fees aren’t included in this example; add your dealer’s fee in the calculator.
Frequently asked questions
Is there sales tax on cars in Georgia?
No. Cars titled in Georgia pay the one-time TAVT instead.
Does a trade-in reduce TAVT?
Yes, when you buy from a dealer. It doesn’t on a private sale.
Checked October 2026 against official Georgia sources. Rates and fees change; your dealer or the motor vehicle office has the final numbers. How we calculate.