The short answer
If you don't renew your Georgia tag during your registration period, the county adds a penalty of 25% of the license plate fee and 10% of any annual ad valorem tax due. On the standard $20 tag that's $5. Most cars bought since March 1, 2013 pay the one-time title tax (TAVT) instead of annual ad valorem tax, so for them the penalty is just the $5. The fine for driving with an expired tag isn't published by the Department of Revenue, so we show it as not available.
When a Georgia tag expires
| Where you live | When to renew |
|---|---|
| Most counties (year-round registration) | From 30 days before your birthday until midnight on your birthday. If the car is registered to more than one person, the first person listed counts. |
| Calhoun, Clay, Stewart and Turner counties | Any time from January 1 to April 30 |
| Talbot County | January (birthdays January to March), February (April to June), March (July to September) or April (October to December) |
| Vehicles registered to a business | A month set by the first letter of the business name (the DOR page lists them) |
The DOR says many counties let you renew online up to 90 days before your birthday. Not getting a renewal notice doesn't excuse a late renewal: counties send notices as a courtesy, and the penalties still apply.
The penalty for renewing late
| Part of the renewal | Late penalty |
|---|---|
| License plate fee ($20 standard tag) | 25% ($5 on a $20 tag) |
| Annual ad valorem tax, if you pay it | 10%, at least $5 |
Specialty plates and mailing fees are part of the renewal too. The DOR's fee page lists the penalty as 25% of "license plate fees", so a specialty plate may raise it; check with your County Tag Office.
Worked examples
| Car bought in 2020 (TAVT paid) | Car bought in 2012, $150 annual ad valorem tax | |
|---|---|---|
| Standard tag | $20.00 | $20.00 |
| Annual ad valorem tax | $0.00 | $150.00 |
| Penalty: 25% of $20 | $5.00 | $5.00 |
| Penalty: 10% of ad valorem tax | $0.00 | $15.00 |
| Total to renew late | $25.00 | $190.00 |
The $150 ad valorem tax is an example only; your county's bill shows the real amount. Mailing fees aren't included.
Fines for driving with an expired tag
| Situation | Fine |
|---|---|
| Driving with an expired registration | Not available. The DOR doesn't publish an amount, and we couldn't read the state code from an official site. |
| Driving while the registration is suspended, revoked or cancelled | A criminal offense, with added penalties if convicted (DOR). The amount isn't published. |
Don't let the insurance lapse
A registered Georgia car must keep liability insurance on record with the DOR. A lapse is 10 or more days in a row with no liability coverage on record. The DOR then charges these fines, and if the lapse fine isn't paid, the registration is suspended:
| Insurance fine | Amount |
|---|---|
| Insurance lapse | $25 |
| Reinstatement after suspension, first or second offense | $60 |
| Reinstatement, more than 2 offenses in 5 years | $160 |
If you're taking a car off the road, cancel the registration (online through DRIVES e-Services or with Form MV-18J) before you cancel the insurance.
What renewal costs
For most cars the yearly renewal is the $20 tag, plus annual ad valorem tax only on vehicles that aren't under TAVT. In counties that require it, you also need a passing emissions inspection before you can renew. Run the Georgia calculator with "Renewal only". For fines in other states, see what an expired registration ticket costs.
What this guide doesn't cover
The court fine for an expired tag, emissions test fees, specialty plate fees and mailing fees.
Bought or sold a car? See Georgia title transfer fees for the title fee, tax and deadline.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a grace period for an expired tag in Georgia?
The DOR doesn't list one. In most counties your registration period ends at midnight on your birthday, and the late penalty applies after that.
How much is the late fee for a Georgia tag?
25% of the license plate fee ($5 on a $20 tag) plus 10% of any annual ad valorem tax you owe. Most cars under TAVT pay only the $5.
Will Georgia waive the penalty if I didn't get a renewal notice?
No. The DOR says penalties and fees aren't waived when a notice doesn't arrive.
How much is a ticket for an expired tag in Georgia?
The state doesn't publish an amount, so we can't give one.
Calculate your Georgia fees
Example for a $30,000 car. Enter your own price to update it.
- Tag & registration (1 yr)$20.00
- Title fee$18.00
- TAVT7% of fair market value$2,100.00
Total excludes items marked "not available".
What you'll pay later
Renewal at today's rates: $20.00/yr
Year 1 $2,138.00 · Years 2–5 $20.00/yr · 5-year total $2,218.00
Estimate only, at today's rates for the same car.
Rates and sources for every fee are on the Georgia car registration fee calculator page.
- Georgia DOR – Motor Vehicles Fees, Fines, and Penalties (late renewal penalty, insurance fines)
- Georgia DOR – Georgia County Registration Renewal Periods Vary
- Georgia DOR – Vehicle Registration Renewal FAQ
- Georgia DOR – Renew Vehicle Registration
- Georgia DOR – Registration Suspension (insurance lapse)
- Georgia DOR – Title Ad Valorem Tax (TAVT) and Annual Ad Valorem Tax
General information, not tax or legal advice. Fees and tax rules change; confirm with the agency listed before you pay.
Related guides
- PenaltiesCar registration late fees in all 50 statesLate registration renewal fees by state from official sources: $5 in Missouri, $10 in Michigan and Virginia, $20 in Illinois, none in Maryland or Pennsylvania.Read guide →
- GeorgiaGeorgia title transfer fees: TAVT, the $18 title fee and late penalties (2026)A Georgia title costs $18, but the real cost is TAVT: 7% of fair market value, 0.5% for immediate family, 3% for new residents. $20,000 car: $1,438.Read guide →
- RankingsCheapest and most expensive states to register a car in 2026The 50 states we cover, ranked by what it costs to register a $30,000 car in 2026: fees alone and with sales tax, from official rates.Read guide →