How car tax works in Georgia (TAVT)
Georgia does not charge sales tax on cars. Instead you pay the title ad valorem tax (TAVT) once, when you title the car. The rate is 7% of the vehicle's fair market value, and it replaces both sales tax and the old yearly ad valorem tax.
- New car from a dealer: 7% of the higher of the selling price (including the doc fee and freight) or the state value, minus your trade-in and any rebates the dealer applies.
- Used car from a dealer: 7% of the state's fair market value, minus trade-in.
- Private sale: 7% of the state's fair market value. A trade-in does not count.
- New residents: 3% of the fair market value.
- Family transfers: 0.5% if the car already has a Georgia title and TAVT was paid.
The state's official estimator asks for a VIN and the exact book value. This calculator works with the price you know. If you have the state value, enter it under "More options" for an exact figure.
Title and tag fees in Georgia
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Title fee | $18 |
| Registration / license plate (annual) | $20 |
| Alternative fuel (EV) fee, Jul 2026 – Jun 2027 | $238.59 |
Example: a $32,000 new car
Price $32,000.00, $1,000.00 manufacturer rebate, $8,000.00 trade-in and a $799.00 doc fee, bought from a dealer:
| Title ad valorem tax (7%) | $1,665.93 |
| Title fee | $18.00 |
| Registration / license plate | $20.00 |
| Total taxes | $1,665.93 |
|---|---|
| Total government fees | $38.00 |
| Out-the-door price | $33,502.93 |
| After the trade-in, you pay | $25,502.93 |
Common mistakes
- Calculating a city or county sales tax: Georgia cars pay TAVT instead.
- Forgetting that the doc fee is included in the TAVT base on a new car.
- Expecting a trade-in credit on a private sale.
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