You picked out your trailer, hooked it up and pulled it home. Now comes the paperwork. Georgia handles trailer titles and tags a little differently from cars and trucks, and the rules depend mostly on how much the trailer weighs.
Here is how trailer registration works in Georgia, when a trailer needs a title, and what to bring to the tag office. Rules and fees change, so confirm the details with the Georgia Department of Revenue or your county tag office before you go.
Do Trailers Need a Title in Georgia?
It depends on weight. According to the Georgia Department of Revenue:
- Trailers weighing 2,001 lb or more require a Georgia title.
- Trailers weighing 2,000 lb or less do not get a title.
- Boat trailers and homemade trailers are not titled, regardless of weight.
The DOR's page on titles not required or optional lists every exception.
Which Trailers Fall on Each Side of 2,000 lb?
Empty weight varies by brand and options, so always check the trailer's paperwork. As rough reference points from our lot:
| Trailer | Approximate empty weight | Likely title status |
|---|---|---|
| 6x12 utility, single axle | About 850 lb | Under 2,000 lb, no title |
| 6x12 enclosed, single axle | About 1,200 lb | Under 2,000 lb, no title |
| 7x14 enclosed, dual axle | About 2,000 lb | Right at the line; check the exact weight |
| 8.5x24 enclosed, dual axle | About 3,600 lb | Over 2,000 lb, title required |
| 7x14 dump, 4-foot walls | About 4,800 lb | Over 2,000 lb, title required |
Most equipment trailers, car haulers and dump trailers land above 2,000 lb. Many small utility and enclosed trailers land below it.
Do Trailers Need a Tag in Georgia?
Yes. A trailer you tow on Georgia roads needs to be registered and carry a license plate, whether or not it is titled. The title shows ownership. The registration and tag let you use the trailer on public roads.
How Long Do You Have to Register?
Georgia's motor vehicle rules give you seven business days from the date of purchase to register a vehicle and get a license plate. Plan your tag office trip for the week you buy.
Where to Register Your Trailer
Trailer registration is handled at the County Tag Office in the county where you live. If the trailer is used mainly by an incorporated business in a different county, the business's county may handle it instead. The Department of Revenue keeps a list of county tag offices, and some counties let you start some steps online.
What to Bring to the Tag Office
Requirements depend on whether the trailer needs a title. In general, plan to bring:
- Proof of ownership: for a new titled trailer, this is usually the manufacturer's certificate of origin assigned to you, plus the bill of sale. For a trailer that does not need a title, the bill of sale and any prior registration show the chain of ownership.
- Form MV-1 Title and Tag Application for trailers that need a title.
- A valid Georgia driver's license or ID.
- Proof of insurance, if the tag office asks for it for your trailer.
- Payment for the plate fee and applicable taxes.
Ask us at the time of sale which documents you will leave with, so you have everything for the tag office.
What About Homemade Trailers?
Georgia does not title homemade trailers. Instead, you apply for a serial plate at your county tag office with a notarized Form T-23 Homemade Trailer Affidavit. After the plate is riveted on and a Georgia law enforcement officer certifies it on Form T-22C, you return the form to get a license plate. The serial plate number becomes the trailer's identification number.
Check the VIN Before You Go
Before you leave for the tag office, find the VIN on the trailer itself. It is usually on a plate or sticker on the tongue or the front of the frame. Make sure it matches the certificate of origin or title and the bill of sale exactly. A single wrong character can mean a second trip. Take a photo of the VIN plate so you have it on your phone if anyone asks.
A Quick Registration Checklist
- Confirm the trailer's empty weight to know whether it needs a title.
- Match the VIN on the trailer to your paperwork.
- Gather proof of ownership, your ID and any forms your county asks for.
- Visit your county tag office within seven business days of purchase.
- Mount the plate on the rear of the trailer where it is lit at night.
- File your title, registration and bill of sale together for when you sell the trailer someday.
Fees and Taxes
You will pay a license plate fee and applicable ad valorem tax. The amounts vary with the trailer and your county, so check with your tag office for an exact figure.
Buying From Out of State?
If you live outside Georgia and buy a trailer here, you will generally register it in your home state. Bring your paperwork to your own state's motor vehicle office and ask what they need.
Start With the Right Trailer
If you are still shopping, our page on trailers for sale in Georgia shows the types we stock, and our trailer FAQ lists typical empty weights by size. Every listing shows the trailer's specs, and we are glad to answer questions about any unit.
Come see us at 8834 Tara Blvd, Jonesboro, GA 30236, just south of Atlanta. We are open Monday to Friday 9 AM to 5 PM and Saturday 9 AM to 4 PM. Call (770) 603-8511 or text (404) 383-8194 and tell us what you need to haul.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do trailers need a title in Georgia?
Trailers weighing 2,001 lb or more need a Georgia title. Trailers weighing 2,000 lb or less, boat trailers and homemade trailers are not titled, according to the Georgia Department of Revenue.
Do I need a tag for my trailer in Georgia?
Yes. Trailers towed on Georgia roads need to be registered and carry a license plate, even if they are too light to need a title.
Where do I register a trailer in Georgia?
At the County Tag Office in the county where you live. The Georgia Department of Revenue keeps a list of county tag offices on its website.
How long do I have to register a trailer in Georgia?
Georgia's motor vehicle rules give you seven business days from the date of purchase to register and get a license plate.
How do I register a homemade trailer in Georgia?
Apply for a serial plate at your county tag office with a notarized Form T-23. After the plate is attached and a Georgia law enforcement officer certifies it on Form T-22C, return the form to get your license plate.