Georgia does not legally require buyers to conduct a VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) check before purchasing a used car. However, it is highly recommended that they look up a car's history by VIN to ensure transparency and reduce the risk associated with buying used vehicles.
Georgia is the largest state east of the Mississippi River and is renowned for having one of the largest road networks in the country. These vast road networks have led to more vehicles on the road. Most Georgia residents prefer trucks due to their sturdy nature, performance, and reliability. As a result, the state has a huge market for used pickup trucks.
If an individual is considering buying a car from a private seller, a local dealer, or an online auction in Georgia, looking up its VIN is always a good idea. VIN checks can offer valuable information about the car, which can help save money and your life. Using the VIN information, buyers can identify if the vehicle is legitimately owned or is stolen. Additionally, potential buyers can know the vehicle's history, for example, if the car was recalled, rebuilt, salvaged, or has undergone any major repairs.
In Georgia, the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS) can be used to look up a car's VIN. Potential buyers can also use free or paid online services to provide information about a car's condition and history.
VIN verification is a process that potential car owners should perform before purchasing a used car. It confirms the accuracy of the VIN on a vehicle, ensuring that it matches the information on its official documents, such as the title.
In Georgia, the state requires all cars to have their VINs verified in order to register a vehicle that does not have a current or valid title. Additionally, people should get their car's VIN verified if they do not have the correct title for their out-of-state car.
Only law enforcement agencies, such as County Sheriff's Offices, may conduct VIN verification in the state. Additionally, the Motor Vehicle Division of the Georgia Department of Revenue may sometimes conduct VIN verification.
Individuals who take their cars for VIN inspections must provide proof of ownership and insurance. Owners who do not have a car title must offer additional supporting paperwork as proof of ownership.
Therefore, VIN verification agencies advise owners to bring tag and registration details (original or copies), a current or previous title copy, a bill of sale, or any other paperwork proving ownership.
Law enforcement officers must inspect and complete the T-22B form to verify a VIN in Georgia. Vehicle owners must fill out the most current version of the form, which they should provide to the State Department of Revenue.
Georgia has the 18th fewest cars per person in the nation. The percentage of households with at least one vehicle is 93.7%, with an average of 2.3 per household. In 2022, the state had 9,542,400 registered vehicles.
A Georgian driver can drive an average of over 18,300 miles per year, remarkably higher than other states. It is among the states where people drive the most.
The Honda Accord is the most popular car in Georgia. The car has a long-standing reputation for reliability, affordable price, and resale value. Other popular cars include the Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado, and the Toyota Camry.
In 2022, there were 384,527 crashes in Georgia, resulting in more than 150,000 people getting injured. In addition, in the first half of 2023, there were 13.3% fewer fatalities in Georgia compared to 2022.
The state had 1,786 fatal accidents, resulting in 1,844 deaths in 2022. In 2021, Georgia had 1.49 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles driven. It resulted in over 1700 fatalities.
Impaired driving fatalities in Georgia were 391 in 2021. The drunken driving fatalities per 100k residents rate in the state is 3.6.
The NHTSA reported that distracted driving in Georgia caused 50 fatal crashes of drivers in 2021.
The Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) is the state's DMV. The department handles driver-related functions with assistance from the Motor Vehicle Division in the Georgia Department of Revenue. Some of the functions of the departments include:
Georgia car owners have access to resources that govern compliance with federal laws on safety and emissions. They include:
Shopping for a used car in Georgia is like shopping in any other state. Buyers should consider the mileage, interior and exterior conditions, and the car's age. In addition, they must find out everything they can about the vehicle before purchasing. Essential steps of the buying process include:
The Georgia Lemon Law does not cover any vehicles that are leased or purchased as used. Therefore, buyers of used vehicles need to be careful when buying a used car in the state.
Before buying a car, buyers must complete a VIN check to determine its title and vehicle history report.
Sellers must transfer the title to buyers after the purchase is complete. Sellers have 30 days from the purchase to obtain a license plate or transfer an existing plate from a vehicle they no longer own. During the transfer, you should have a valid title payment of all fees and taxes, a complete and signed MV-1 Title/Tag Application, and an Emission Inspection Certificate if it applies.
Georgia may impose a title Ad Valorem tax of 7.0% on most vehicles purchased after March 1st, 2013. In addition, an annual Ad Valorem Tax applies to most vehicles bought before the same date.
Individuals should conduct a VIN check in Georgia for the following reasons:
Potential buyers of used vehicles have a couple of ways to check the VIN of a car. They include:
The NMVTIS is an electronic system that can provide potential buyers with information about a car's condition and history using its VIN. Per the State Revenue Department, this is the advisable way to lookup a VIN.
A person can also use the NHTSA website to find information on the history of their vehicle. Potential buyers can use a car's VIN or license plate number to get the required information.
A person can also use InfoTracer to check a car's VIN before purchasing it. The website is an approved NMVTIS Data Provider.
If a person is looking to replace a vehicle's VIN, the State of Georgia requires them to:
When a person wants to register a new car in the state, they should follow these simple procedures:
It is important to note that all title applications and license plate registrations should be completed in a County Tag Office.
For example, when registering a new vehicle in the state, Georgia requires all vehicle transfers to be completed in a County Tag Office. After selling or buying a car, transferring the car's title is important, and it also involves transferring VINs. When visiting the County Tag Office, the state requires:
Vehicle history reports in Georgia will include information about the car's background and condition. The exact details will differ according to the vehicle, county, and providers. However, the standard information includes title information, accident history, and odometer readings. Additionally, the report may contain information about maintenance and inspection, outstanding loans or liens on the car, and some about previous owners.
A person can use the NHTSA website to get a car's VIN using its license plate. Likewise, Georgia residents may use free or paid online services like InfoTracer to find vehicle information such as VIN by researching the license plate.
Georgia does not have statewide vehicle inspection requirements. However, 13 counties require residents to take their vehicles through annual emissions inspections. In addition, people who move to any of these counties must undergo the testing process within 30 days. The inspection requirement applies to all light-duty vehicles, 24 years old and newer. In addition, it applies to all light-duty trucks, 24 model years old and newer, with a total weight rating of 8,500 pounds or less. The Georgia Clean Air Force (GCAF) handles the annual emission testing for these 13 counties.
Vehicle inspection reports in Georgia checklist information such as: