NEWS
Our normal business hours are Monday thru Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.
The Tax Commissioner's Office will be closed on Monday, September 6, 2010 for Labor Day.
The 2010 Property Tax Bills have been tentatively scheduled to be mailed by September 15, 2010 with a due date of November 15, 2010.
EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2011 House Bill 1005......VEHICLES ACQUIRED FROM OTHER THAN A DEALER. Within seven (7) business days of purchase or other acquisition of a vehicle, the new owner shall, pursuant to O.C.G.A 40-2-29 apply to the owner's County Tag Agent and present the Certificate of Title, previous registration, and insurance, accompanied by applicable fees. If the Certificate of Title is in the possession of a security interest or lien holder, the County Tag Agent shall issue a temporary operating permit valid for 30 days.
EFFECTIVE MAY 26, 2010 special license plate fee changes. House Bill 1055 increased special and prestige license plate fees. Special license plate fees have increased from $25 to $35 and special tag renewal fees have increased to $35. There will now be an annual fee of $35 for all special license plates. These plates include: Wildlife, Wildflower, Hobby Antique and Educator. For those who currently have a prestige automobile or motorcycle license plate, you will have an increase of $10. License plates without an increase are Military and Disabled Person. The new fees can be found at http://motor.etax.dor.ga.gov. On the left side of the page click "Plate Samples".
ATTENTION: IRP CUSTOMERS...You now may pay your Ad Valorem Tax and Report Mileage ONLINE! There are several other options available to IRP customers at this site. Visit Online Services at the Department of Revenue's website.
EFFECTIVE MARCH 1, 2009 Credit Card payments of any kind will no longer be accepted over the phone. However, they are available online.
EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2008...........You must apply for a title within 30 days from the vehicle purchase date. If you fail to apply for the title, you will be charged a late filing fee of $10.00.
RENEW TAGS ONLINE ... In order to renew your tags online, you must have a RIN (Renewal Identification Number). These numbers are found on your Tag Renewal Notices. Renewals can be made over the Internet at anytime, 24 hours per day, 7 days a week at www.dor.ga.gov. On the left side of the Home Page click "Online Services" then click "Tag Renewal"........then follow the prompts.
We are now collecting Sales Tax on out of state vehicle purchases. Please remit funds by cash, certified check, or credit card. Personal checks will not be accepted.
SPECIAL INTEREST LICENSE TAGS.... The Georgia Department of Revenue, Motor Vehicle Division has approved the following new tags. (FFA and 4H) Support Agriculture in Georgia, Joanna Tag - Pediatric Cancer Research, Choose Life, Atlanta Clemson Club, and Atlanta Gator Club. You may request these tags at your county tag office with the $25.00 manufacturing fee and a $35 special tag fee. Click HERE to view and print a Special Interest License Plate Application.
The Georgia Department of Revenue, Motor Vehicle Division will allow The Gold Star Tag (honoring the family members of service members who have been killed in action) to begin issuance. This tag will only be issued to a family member directly related to the fallen member (un-married spouse, legal mother, legal father, sibling, and step-parent). More information on this tag and other Special Interest Tags, visit the State of Georgia Department of Revenue, Motor Vehicle Division.
Beginning January 1, 2006, Georgia Sales Tax must be paid on all vehicles purchased from any business or dealership outside the State of Georgia prior to registration of the vehicle. Stephens County Sales Tax Rate is 7%. Mail a copy of your bill of sale with payment to: Georgia Department of Revenue, 3700 Atlanta Hwy, Suite 268, Box 108, Athens, GA 30606. (706-542-6058)
Vehicle owners who cancel insurance on a motor vehicle are required to come into the office and cancel the tag. The tag has to be cancelled the same day insurance coverage is cancelled. If the vehicle is later reinsured, the owner must bring a binder from their insurance company and reinstate the tag. Failure to do so will result in fines and/or suspension of registration by the Georgia Department of Revenue.
We cannot accept checks for lapse/suspension reinstatement fees. Methods of payment are cash, money order, and credit/debit cards. (Master, Visa, Discover)
HANDICAP PLACARDS...The Tax Commissioner’s Office is now issuing Handicap mirror placards. The application is available on our Motor Vehicle Website.
Important Notice:
Pursuant to O.C.G.A. 48-5-493. (a) (1) It shall be unlawful to fail to attach and display on a Mobile Home the decal as required by Code Section 48-5-492. (2) Any person who violates paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by a fine of not less than $25.00 nor more than $200.00, except that upon receipt or proof of purchase of a decal prior to the date of the issuance of a summons, the fine shall be $25.00.