Georgia Bonded Vehicle Title Guide
Georgia handles bonded titles through the Department of Revenue’s Motor Vehicle Division, with applications filed at your county tag office — and it carries the longest bond term of any state in this guide.
How the Bond Amount Is Calculated
Georgia requires a surety bond equal to twice (2x) the average retail value of your vehicle, based on figures the Department of Revenue maintains — but never less than $5,000, even if your vehicle is worth far less. That $5,000 floor catches a lot of older, lower-value vehicles by surprise, so factor it in before you assume your bond will be cheap.
Required Forms
- Title/Tag Application (Form MV-1)
- Certificate of Title Bond (Form MV-46), underwritten by an insurance company licensed to write surety bonds in Georgia
- Affidavit Supporting Certificate of Title Bond Application (Form MV-46A)
Your insurance company can verify the required bond amount directly with the Motor Vehicle Division at 855-406-5221 before issuing the bond.
Filing Window
You must apply for your title within six months of your bond’s issue date. If you let that window lapse, you’ll need a new bond before you can proceed — so don’t purchase the bond until you’re ready to file.
Filing and Fees
Applications go through your county tag office. The standard Georgia title fee is $18, plus an additional $5 if you also need a replacement serial/VIN plate. The county tag office typically processes paperwork within 1-3 business days, but full Department of Revenue approval generally takes 4-5 weeks from there.
How Long the Bond Stays Attached
Georgia’s bond stays in effect for 4 years — a full year longer than most other states — unless the state is notified of a breach of the bond’s conditions. Once that period passes without a claim, the bond requirement is released.
Georgia FAQ
Why is Georgia’s minimum bond $5,000 even for cheap vehicles? It’s a flat statutory floor written into Georgia’s bonding requirement — it applies regardless of your vehicle’s actual value, so a $1,500 car still needs at least a $5,000 bond.
What happens if I miss the six-month filing deadline? Your bond becomes unusable for the application and you’ll need to purchase a new one before re-filing — there’s no extension process, so it’s worth lining up your paperwork before you buy the bond, not after.
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