If you just bought a car in Georgia, you likely have one urgent question: “How do I legally drive this home without a license plate?”
The answer depends entirely on who you bought the car from.
If you bought from a dealer, they are required to hand you a temporary tag. But if you bought from a private seller(like on Facebook Marketplace), you generally cannot get a temporary tag at all. Instead, Georgia law has a specific “7-Day Rule” that protects you.
This guide will clarify exactly how to drive legally after your purchase and what to do if your temporary tag expires before your metal plate arrives.
Scenario A: Buying from a Dealership (The Easy Way)
If you purchased your vehicle from a licensed Georgia dealer, you do not need to visit the Tag Office.
- The Dealer’s Duty: By law, the dealer must issue you a 45-Day Temporary Operating Permit (TOP) at the time of sale.
- Your Role: You simply drive the car. The dealer handles the title and registration paperwork on the back end.
- The Cost: This is included in your “Doc Fees” or administrative costs; you do not pay a separate fee to the state for this initial tag.
Scenario B: Buying from a Private Seller (The “7-Day Rule”)
This is the most confusing part of Georgia law. If you buy a car from an individual, you cannot simply walk into a Tag Office and buy a temporary tag.
So, how do you drive it home?
Georgia law allows you to drive a newly purchased vehicle for 7 days from the date of purchase without a license plate, provided you have the following in your car:
- The Bill of Sale: This must show the date of purchase, the VIN, and the signatures of both buyer and seller.
- Proof of Insurance: You must have valid Georgia liability insurance on the new vehicle (or an existing policy that covers new purchases for a grace period).
After 7 Days: You must visit your County Tag Office to register the vehicle and get your permanent metal license plate. You typically will not be issued a temporary tag; you will go straight to the permanent one.
What if My Dealer Tag Expires? (How to Get an Extension)
If your 45-day dealer tag is about to expire and you still haven’t received your metal plate (usually because the dealer is slow with the title), you can apply for a one-time 30-day extension.
How to Apply for a TOP Extension:
- Visit your County Tag Office: You must go to the Tax Commissioner’s office in the county where you reside.
- Bring Required Documents:
- Form T-226: Application to Extend the Registration Period.
- Bill of Sale / Buyer’s Order: Proving the purchase date.
- Valid Georgia Driver’s License.
- The Fee: There is typically a small fee (e.g., $5.00 to $10.00, depending on the county).
Note: You can only get one extension. If this expires, the vehicle cannot be driven legally until the registration is complete.
Other Special Cases for Temporary Tags
There are very few other reasons Georgia issues a TOP to an individual:
- Failed Emissions: If you cannot pass emissions but have done the repairs, you might qualify for a temporary tag to drive the vehicle to get re-inspected.
- Salvage Vehicles: If you are rebuilding a vehicle and need to drive it to a state inspection center, you can apply for a restricted use permit.
FAQs
Only if you register it first. You have 7 days to transfer the tag at the Tag Office. You cannot just swap them yourself and drive around; the system will show the tag belongs to the wrong VIN, and you will get pulled over.
No. You generally cannot register a car or get a tag without the title. Never buy a vehicle without a title in hand unless you are prepared for a long legal process.
No. For individuals, all temporary permits (extensions) must be handled in person at your County Tag Office. The “online” systems you see are for licensed dealers only.
No. New residents must register their vehicles within 30 days of moving. You will continue using your out-of-state plates until you go to the Tag Office to switch to Georgia permanent plates. You do not get a temporary Georgia tag in the middle.
Conclusion
To stay legal in Georgia, remember: Dealers give you a tag; Private Sellers give you a Bill of Sale.
- Dealer: Use the 45-day sticker they put on your car.
- Private: Use your Bill of Sale as a “permit” for 7 days, then go straight to the Tag Office for your real plate.
If you find yourself waiting on a dealer for more than 45 days, don’t risk a ticket—visit your County Tag Office immediately to file for an extension using Form T-226.
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