Whitfield County Tax|Motor Vehicles

Overview

Renewal Information
A tag renewal notice lists ad valorem tax and tag renewal fees due along with any other applicable fees that must be collected to renew the vehicle’s registration. Renewal notices are mailed approximately 45-60 days prior to the registration expiration date by the State of Georgia. If a tag renewal notice is needed, please contact us to request a notice be mailed to the address on file. Call: (706) 275-7510 or wctco@whitfieldcountyga.com

New Purchase Information
All title / registration transactions require a current Georgia driver's license reflecting your current physical address in Whitfield County. The Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) offers one free change of address on a Georgia driver’s license online or in person at one of their facilities. Visit their website for more information. Businesses wishing to title a vehicle to the business must provide their active business license during each initial registration process.

Voluntary Registration Cancellation
Cancelling the registration notifies our office, law enforcement, and the Department of Revenue that said vehicle is not and will not be on the road. Cancelling the registration does not destroy the registration. It only renders it inactive.

Specialty Tags
Specialized and personalized plates are issued to private passenger vehicles only that are owned by Georgia residents. A list of all available specialty plates can be found HERE. From this list, click the desired type of specialty plate to view a sample of the plate, requirements and applicable fees.

Disabled Persons
A disabled person's license plate costs $20 (same as standard) plus any other fees and penalties which may apply, including ad valorem tax and title tax, if applicable. If the vehicle currently has a valid Georgia license plate and a disabled person's license plate is being requested for the same vehicle, a disabled person license plate will be issued at no cost. Disabled person’s license plates do not need an affidavit to renew, but are renewed each year as any registration is renewed. If you are permanently disabled, you can also apply for a disabled person plate for each vehicle you own.

Dealer and Fleet Services

Dealer
Titles may be processed by mail, walk through, or by drop off. For optimal efficiency in processing title work, all dealership applications should be complete and ready to process at time of submission. Incomplete paperwork will be returned to the dealership for correction.

Drop offs and Mail-ins are processed in the order in which they are received. Please allow 24 hours to process these submissions.

TAVT Calculator is available on the Department of Revenue website. The calculator does not include penalties and fees which may apply if the title is not submitted by the mandated deadline.

Fleet Fleet renewals may be processed by mail or by drop off. For optimal efficiency in processing fleet work, review renewal notices for deletions and registration cancellations. If any renewal notices are missing, please contact our office at 478.621.6500.

When all renewal notices are ready to process, please submit the following:

A copy of fleet insurance card.
Form 2290 for each vehicle with a GVW of 55,000 lbs. or more.

Disabled Persons

Disabled Persons Placards and Plates
To obtain a disabled person's license placard (which hangs from the rear-view mirror) or plate, submit the following to our office:

MV9-D – Disabled Person’s Parking Affidavit, completed, signed and notarized by a Georgia licensed healthcare practitioner
Georgia driver's license or Georgia ID card with a current Whitfield County address

Note: The licensed healthcare practitioner or doctor designates whether the disability is temporary or permanent.

Permanent Disability:

Parking Placard (Blue Hang Tag) - Permanent placards are reissued every four years but a new MV9-D is not required. To renew a permanent placard, the person who was initially issued the placard must bring their current placard and their Georgia driver's license or Georgia ID with current Whitfield County address to our office. One (1) placard is valid; multiple placards may not be issued.

License Plate (Blue Emblem Plate) - A disabled person's license plate standard fee is $20 plus any other fees and penalties which may apply, including ad valorem tax and title tax, if applicable. If the vehicle currently has a valid Georgia license plate and a disabled person's license plate is being requested for the same vehicle, a disabled person license plate will be issued at no cost. Disabled person’s license plates do not need a new MV9-D to renew, but are renewed each year as any registration is renewed. If you are permanently disabled, you can also apply for a disabled person plate for each vehicle you own.

Temporary Disability:

Temporary Disabled Person's Placards (Red Hang Tag) - Temporary placards are valid for six months from the issue date. To renew a temporary placard, a newly-completed MV9-D form must be submitted.

Insurance Requirements

Proof of insurance is required when issuing a tag or renewing a decal. Georgia law requires all insurance companies submit vehicle insurance policy information, and validity of same, electronically to the Georgia Electronic Insurance Compliance System (GEICS). Insurance cards are not acceptable proof of insurance coverage for motor vehicle transactions. Changes or cancellations to vehicle insurance are electronically updated to the state system by the insurance company. For most companies, this takes about 24 to 48 hours.

Printed Proof of Georgia Insurance
An original 30-day Insurance Binder with an effective date that is less than 30 days may be accepted for the following reasons:

A vehicle is purchased from an individual.
Tag was cancelled during time period with no insurance. Tag reinstatement is requested.
Owner has moved in from out of state.

Fleet or Self Insured policy Fleet card or self-insurance documents are required to be submitted with all vehicle transactions including renewals. The card must be presented at the time of registration or renewal.

Lapse of Insurance, Suspensions and Waivers A lapse in insurance occurs when a vehicle has not carried valid Georgia liability insurance coverage for a period of more than 10 days. Insurance companies report the lapse to the Georgia Department of Revenue (DOR), and a notice of pending registration suspension is generated and mailed by the DOR. A lapse will result in a $25 pending suspension fee which must be paid within 30 days.

If the pending-suspension fee of $25 is not paid by the due date, the registration is suspended by the DOR. To reinstate the registration, the vehicle must have valid Georgia insurance coverage, the $25 pending suspension fee plus a $60 reinstatement fee must be paid, as well as any other registration fees, ad valorem taxes or penalties due. Any additional lapses in coverage and/or suspensions will result in additional fines and penalties including cancellation of the vehicle’s registration.

Cancelling Insurance Before cancelling insurance on a vehicle, cancel the registration first to avoid penalties.

Cancelling the registration is highly recommended if the vehicle is:

Sold or traded-in
Registered in another state
Repossessed, stolen, wrecked, salvaged by an insurance company, or junked
Stored or rendered inoperable

Cancelling the registration notifies our office, law enforcement, and the DOR that the vehicle is not, and will not be, on the road. Cancelling the registration renders it inactive while maintaining the record.

Registration can be reactivated at any time, provided insurance is restored and any outstanding taxes due are paid.

New Residents

New to Whitfield County? Welcome to Whitfield County…we look forward to serving you!

Moving to Whitfield County from another Georgia county?
The registered owner of the vehicle must submit the change of address request. Please notify us within 30 days of establishing residency in one of the following ways:

By Email - Email us at wctco@whitfieldcountyga.com. Include tag number and a scanned copy or picture of owner’s driver’s license with new Whitfield County address.
By Mail - Mail the change of address request to Whitfield County Tax Commissioner 1013 Riverburch Parkway Dalton, GA 30721. Include a copy of the owner’s driver’s license or a lease agreement with new Whitfield County address.
In Person - Address changes may be done in person by visiting us at the Whitfield County Tax Commissioner’s Office | 1013 Riverburch Parkway Dalton, GA 30721, and presenting a valid Georgia driver’s license or ID card with the current Whitfield County address.

The plate/tag number remains the same, though a new gray decal to replace the old county information will be given. Of course, if using an “In God We Trust” decal, it can be kept in lieu of a county decal.
The Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) offers one free change of address on a Georgia driver’s license online or in person at one of their facilities. Visit their website for more information.

Moving to Whitfield County from another state? Out-of-state title applications and registration require visiting the Whitfield County Tax Commissioner’s Office and bringing the following:

A valid GEORGIA driver’s license/ID which shows a current Whitfield County address (to obtain a Georgia driver’s license reflecting a Whitfield County address, apply for a driver’s license at the DDS website.
Proof of Georgia Insurance
Proof of ownership

Out of State Title:

Must have original title with owner(s) name printed on front
All listed owners on original title must be present or have a Limited Power of Attorney* and copy of driver’s license for the owner who is absent

Leased Vehicle:

Copy of lease agreement
Original Limited Power of Attorney authorizing lessee to register vehicle in Georgia (obtained from the leasing company).
Current registration from previous state

Title held by Lien Holder:

All listed owners on original title must be present or have an original Limited Power of Attorney* and copy of driver’s license for the owner who is absent
Current registration from previous state
Name, address, and phone number of Lien Holder

* Limited Power of Attorney form must include Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and may be found HERE.

New out-of-state residents are charged 3% of the vehicle's fair market value for title ad valorem tax (TAVT) at the time of title application.

Expiration:
All registrations in Georgia expire at midnight on the birthday of the owner (first person listed on title). If a renewal notice is not received in the mail at least a month ahead of the birthday of the primary owner, then contact our office and we will be happy to send you the renewal notice. Remember that it is the responsibility of the owner to renew the registration before the deadline.

Purchasing a Vehicle

New Purchases
All vehicles 1986 and newer require a title to transfer ownership. Transfer of ownership must be processed in the county in which the new owner lives.

Note: Salvage vehicles are not eligible for a Georgia registration until they have been rebuilt and have passed inspection. For more information on salvage vehicles, visit the Georgia Department of Revenue website. www.dor.ga.gov.

Businesses wishing to title a vehicle to the business must provide their active business license during each initial registration process.

Purchased from a Dealer When a vehicle is purchased from a dealership, the dealer submits the necessary documents to apply for title. The title application must be processed either prior to or at the same time the registration is issued. The dealer also submits proof of insurance, copy of purchaser’s driver’s license reflecting Whitfield county address, prior title/MSO, title ad valorem tax (TAVT) and a completed MV-1 form.

Note: It is the sole responsibility of the dealership to collect and submit TAVT to the tag office to submit title application. If a vehicle is purchased from a dealership, the customer (or purchaser) cannot submit title application/registration or pay TAVT with a personal check.

Initial Registration All title work must be completed before a tag will be issued.

Dealerships may purchase a tag for the customer.

If a dealership purchases and submits the tag request with the title application electronically, the tag will be mailed to the customer directly from the Department of Revenue in Atlanta.

If the dealership does not purchase a tag, the new owner must visit our office to purchase a tag. The owner must provide a copy of a valid driver’s license with current Whitfield county address.

Effective July 1, 2015:

If a brand new vehicle (i.e., one that has never been the subject of a sale at retail to the general public) is purchased, the state offers the option of purchasing a two-year registration during the initial registration period for a $40 fee (standard plates only). Annual registration renewal applies thereafter. Availability offered for passenger cars designed to carry 10 passengers or less only.

Purchased from an Individual or Business For a vehicle purchased from an individual or business (other than a dealer) in a casual/private sale, the new owner is required to apply for the title and registration. The new owner must title and register the vehicle in their name within seven (7) days of the purchase date per law enforcement if vehicle is driven and within 30 days to avoid late penalties from the Department of Revenue (DOR).

When the seller has provided a title properly signed over, the purchaser needs to bring the following items to our office:

Title correctly signed over to new owner
New owner(s) present with valid identification, first owner must have valid Georgia driver's license or Georgia identification card reflecting the Whitfield County address.
Valid Georgia Insurance
If the vehicle is leased, provide the original lease agreement that includes the names and addresses of the leasing company and the lessee(s).

TAVT is collected at the time of titling. To use the online TAVT calculator provided by the DOR for a TAVT estimate, click HERE.
If vehicle is purchased from an individual or business and the Certificate of Title is in the possession of a bank or other financial institution, the purchaser or lien holder must apply for the Georgia title and registration. If financing the vehicle, the lien holder normally submits the necessary documents to apply for title.

Initial Registration All title work must be completed before a tag will be issued. Tag may be applied for at the time of title application.

If financing, the lien holder will send notification to the new owner that the title application has been processed. The new owner will then need to visit our office to register the vehicle.

Renewals

Renewal notices are mailed approximately 45-60 days prior to the registration expiration* date by the Georgia Department of Revenue (DOR). A tag renewal notice lists ad valorem tax (if applicable) and tag renewal fees due along with any other applicable fees that must be collected to renew the vehicle’s registration.

*Birthday of primary owner for individuals and alphabetically for businesses

If a tag renewal notice has not been received, call (706) 275-7510 to request a duplicate renewal notice, check the DOR website or email request to wctco@whitfieldcountyga.com.

Failure to receive a renewal notice does not relieve the registered owner/taxpayer from the obligation to register/renew the vehicle’s registration by the due date (midnight of the primary owner’s birthday). If the owner does not receive a renewal notice, it is still the owner’s responsibility to renew by the expiration date. Penalties applied by the state cannot be waived due to the owner not receiving a renewal notice.

If the primary owner has recently moved and has not received a renewal notice, notify us of the change of address. A valid driver’s license with a Whitfield County address or a copy of your lease agreement must be submitted. If the primary owner is a company, a valid business license at the new address must be submitted. Also, please include a copy of the fleet card if renewing fleet vehicles.

We offer 3 ways to renew your registration:

Online - The DOR website offers lookup availability to renew registration.
By Mail - Complete the requested information on the renewal notice and remit payment by check. Be sure to include the tag number. If the amount is not listed, please call (706) 275-7510 or email wctco@whitfieldcountyga.com. Mail renewal using the return envelope provided or address envelope to Whitfield County Tax Commissioner | 1013 Riverburch Parkway Dalton, GA 30721.
In Person - Visit our office at the Whitfield County Tax Commissioner’s Office | 1013 Riverburch Parkway Dalton, GA 30721 between the hours of 8:00 am – 4:55 pm.

Legislation Effective July 1, 2015 impacting renewals:

Georgia House Bill 170 adds new fees for alternative fuel vehicle owners. More information
House Bill 170 also adds new highway impact fees for all vehicles over 15,500 lbs. - gross vehicle weight rating. More information

Special Tags

Specialized license plates may be applied for at our office. If the specialty plate is in inventory and all requirements for issuance are met, the plate will be issued at the time of application. If the plate is not in inventory, a temporary permit will be assigned until the plate can be issued and mailed from the Department of Revenue in Atlanta.

Specialized and personalized plates are issued to private passenger vehicles only that are owned by Georgia residents.

A list of all available specialty plates can be found HERE. From this list, click the desired type of specialty plate to view a sample of the plate, requirements and fees.

College and University Plates
See list of Available College and University specialty plates HERE. No special requirements.

$25 manufacturing fee per plate. (One Time)
$35 special tag fee. (Yearly)
$20 license plate fee. (Yearly)

Military

Requires special qualifications. Surviving spouses are entitled to apply for the following military license plates in his or her name through our office as long as they do not remarry. A list of military tags can be found HERE.
1 free tag per eligible category; fees are waived for manufacturing and yearly tag renewals.

Special Interest Certain special interest plates require additional documentation before issuance and renewal. More information about requirements and pricing, as well as samples, can be found HERE.

$0 - $25 - Manufacturing fee varies per individual specialty plate (One Time)
$25 - $35 - Special tag fee varies per individual specialty plate (Yearly)
$20 - standard license plate fee (Yearly)

Personalized - Special License Plate with Name and/or Other Letters or Numbers To view if the prestige tag combination you would like is available for purchase please check HERE.
To request a special prestige license plate, submit the following to our office:

A completed MV-9B Special (Personal) Prestige License Plate Application
$35 manufacturing fee per plate (One Time)
$35 special tag fee (Yearly)
$20 license plate fee (Yearly)

Relinquishing the Ownership of a Special License Plate Owners of prestige, college, commemorative or other specialty plates (tags), not requiring special qualifications to obtain, may relinquish the ownership of their tag to another person or persons by providing them with:

A completed Form T-237 Relinquishment of a Georgia Prestige, College, Commemorative, or Other Special License Plate Not Requiring Special Qualifications .
Original registration certificate (tag receipt), retaining a copy for their files
Specialty plate

IMPORTANT:

By signing the form and accepting the plate and registration certificate, the new owner understands that any applicable registration fees and vehicle ad valorem tax will be calculated based on his or her registration period and not the registration period of the previous owner of the plate. The new owner of the specialty plate should not place the plate on their vehicle until it has been properly registered to him or her through our office.

Tag Cancellation & Reactivation

Vehicle registration may be cancelled at any time. However, to avoid insurance suspension fines, it is advised to cancel the registration before cancelling the insurance policy. The vehicle's ad valorem tax must be current.

Cancelling the registration notifies our office, law enforcement, and the Department of Revenue that the vehicle is not, and will not be, on the road. Cancelling the registration renders it inactive but does not remove it.

Cancelling the registration is highly recommended if the vehicle is:

Sold or traded-in
Registered in another state
Repossessed, stolen, wrecked, salvaged by an insurance company, or junked
Stored or rendered inoperable

Reactivating Vehicle Registration Reactivation of a registration can be done at any time, provided the insurance has been restored and any outstanding taxes due have been paid.

We offer 2 ways to cancel registration:

In Person - Whitfield County Tax Commissioner’s Office| 1013 Riverburch Parkway Dalton, GA 30721. The vehicle owner must be present when completing this transaction in person. The owner must provide their valid Georgia driver’s license or Georgia ID card.
Mail - Whitfield County Tax Commissioner’s Office | 1013 Riverburch Parkway Dalton, GA 30721. When submitting request by mail, please include a copy of the owner’s valid Georgia driver’s license or Georgia ID card and a completed Registration Cancellation Form signed by the vehicle owner.

Reactivating a Voluntarily Cancelled Vehicle Registration To reactivate a vehicle’s registration, please provide/complete the following:

Valid Insurance
Ad Valorem tax up-to-date (If applicable)
Tag fee up-to-date

We offer 2 ways to reactivate registration:

In Person - Whitfield County Tax Commissioner’s Office | 1013 Riverburch Parkway Dalton, GA 30721. You must provide your valid Georgia driver’s license and VIN
Mail - Whitfield County Tax Commissioner| 1013 Riverburch Parkway Dalton, GA 30721. When submitting request by mail, please include a copy of the owner’s valid Georgia driver’s license and VIN.

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