Difficult
Overview
Georgia is currently one of the two hardest states for registering an imported vehicle. Since 2023, the Georgia Department of Revenue (DOR) has actively refused to title — and in some cases revoked existing titles for — vehicles that lack an FMVSS certification label.
Key Requirements
- Active ban on non-FMVSS vehicles — the DOR interprets Georgia law as requiring an FMVSS label for titling, regardless of the federal 25-year exemption.
- Title revocations — owners who previously titled imported vehicles have had their titles revoked retroactively.
- No safety inspection — Georgia does not have a state safety inspection program.
- Emissions — required in metro Atlanta counties for 1996+ vehicles (OBD-II).
Legislative Efforts
HB 308 was introduced to explicitly allow registration of federally exempt 25+ year old vehicles. It passed both chambers of the Georgia legislature in 2025, but Governor Brian Kemp vetoed the bill in May 2025 because of an unrelated amendment concerning speed-limiting devices that was tacked onto it.
Notes for European Imports
Until new legislation passes, Georgia residents face real risk of title refusal or revocation. Some owners have successfully titled imports before the crackdown, but new applications are being rejected.
Recommendation
Avoid titling an imported European vehicle in Georgia until the law changes. If you live in Georgia, consider titling in a neighboring state (Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina) and transferring later if legislation passes.