Motor Vehicles

Georgia law requires that you apply for or transfer title and registration for your vehicle within 30 days of moving to Georgia or moving from one county to another.

State laws vary when it comes to motor vehicle insurance requirements, licensing and registration. The term vehicle generally includes automobiles, motorcycles, vans, trailers and boats regularly parked or garaged overnight. Service members and their families will want to understand their state’s laws on registration and licensing before moving to a new state. Visit the USA.gov Motor Vehicle Services page for links to state-specific websites.

Georgia State law requires you to have sufficient liability insurance and a valid driver’s license in order to operate a vehicle. The term “vehicle” generally includes automobiles, motorcycles, vans, trailers and boats regularly parked or garaged overnight. Further, your vehicle must be properly registered. Even though you are in the Military, you may be required to register your vehicle in-state and obtain an in-state license within a few months of moving. Access complete information on insurance, driver’s licensing, and where and how to register your vehicle by visiting the State Department of Motor Vehicles website.

You must present the following items to register your vehicle:

• Certificate of registration or vehicle title
• Valid driver’s license
• Military ID card/civilian ID card or statement of employment from contractor
• Proof of insurance
• Motorcycle Defensive Driving Course (MDDC) or Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) card for motorcycle drivers
• Valid safety inspection (if required by licensing state)

Vehicle registration is located 112 Main Street, Hinesville GA. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:15 a.m. - 4:45 p.m. and closed on Federal Holidays. They can be reached at 912-876-3389. 

Weapon registration is located in Building 283, Fort Stewart, GA. Hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 3.30 p.m. and closed Federal Holidays. They can be reached at 912-767-2267 .

Under Georgia's Hands-Free Distracted Driving Law, O.C.G.A. § 40-6-241, you can be ticketed for using a “wireless telecommunications device” of any kind while driving, if the device is touching any part of your body, or for the use of a stand-alone electronic device in the same manner.

Learn more about motor vehicle laws in your state at the Distraction.gov State Laws page.

You and your passengers must always wear seat belts while driving, you will be ticketed and issued heavy fines if seat belts are not secured. State law requires that all children under 8 years of age and 57" in height be properly restrained in child seats, in the back seat, if possible.

Motorcycles and their operators are subject to special laws. If you own and operate a motorcycle, you must comply with those laws. Visit the State Department of Motor Vehicles website for more information.

Driving Too Slowly - Drivers are prohibited from driving a motor vehicle at such a slow speed as to impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic except when a reduced speed is necessary for safe operation. On roads with two or more lanes, drivers cannot continue to operate a motor vehicle in the passing lane if that driver is being overtaken by a motor vehicle traveling at a higher rate of speed from behind.

Super Speeder - Any driver convicted of speeding 75 mph or more on a two-lane road or 85 miles per hour or more on any road in Georgia, will be assessed a $200 state fee.

Safety Belts - Georgia law states that each occupant in the front seat of a passenger vehicle traveling on Georgia roads and highways must be secured by a seat safety belt (lap and shoulder). All occupants of any passenger vehicle must utilize a seat safety belt if they are under the age of 18.

Safety Restraints for Children - Every driver transporting a child who is under eight years of age, except in a taxicab or public transit vehicle, must properly restrain the child in a child passenger restraining system appropriate for the child’s height and weight. The restraint system must comply with the United States Department of Transportation Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213.