Kei Vehicle Laws in Georgia

Georgia is a welcoming state for kei vehicle owners, offering a relatively straightforward path to titling and registering Japanese mini trucks and kei cars for road use. The state does not require an annual safety inspection for most private vehicles, which removes a common barrier found in other states. Georgia's process does have some nuances depending on the age and type of vehicle, particularly around how the vehicle is classified on the title. See our complete state-by-state guide for details.

Disclaimer: Laws and regulations change frequently. Always verify current requirements with your local Georgia county tag office or the Georgia Department of Revenue Motor Vehicle Division before purchasing or registering a kei vehicle. Be sure to review our pre-purchase inspection checklist.

Overview

Georgia allows kei vehicles to be titled and registered. Vehicles that are 25 years or older and imported under the federal FMVSS exemption can be titled in Georgia. The classification on the title may vary: some kei trucks have been titled as "off-road vehicles" while others, particularly kei cars, have been titled with standard passenger or truck classifications. The classification can affect where and how you can legally operate the vehicle.

Kei cars that can reach and sustain highway speeds are generally treated more like standard passenger vehicles. Kei trucks, with their lower top speeds and smaller dimensions, may be subject to more scrutiny but are still regularly titled and registered in the state.

Registration Process and Requirements

To register a kei vehicle in Georgia, you will need the following documents:

• Title: A valid title from another U.S. state or, for a first-time U.S. title, the original Japanese export certificate with a certified English translation. Georgia's title application is Form MV-1.
• Bill of Sale: A notarized bill of sale showing the purchase price and vehicle details.
• Customs Documentation: CBP Form 7501, EPA Form 3520-1, and DOT Form HS-7 showing the 25-year FMVSS exemption (for imported vehicles). For more details, check our complete guide to importing a kei truck from Japan.
• VIN Inspection: Georgia may require a VIN inspection for vehicles not previously titled in the U.S. This is conducted at your local county tag office or by a Georgia law enforcement officer.
• Proof of Insurance: Georgia requires minimum liability insurance of 25/50/25 ($25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, $25,000 for property damage).
• Georgia Emissions Inspection: Required only if you reside in one of the 13 metro Atlanta counties subject to emissions testing. Vehicles 25 years or older are typically exempt from emissions testing.

Step-by-Step Registration

1. Collect all import documentation and any prior state titles.
2. Obtain Georgia auto insurance meeting the state's minimum liability requirements.
3. Visit your county tag office with all documents.
4. Complete the VIN inspection if required.
5. Submit the title application (Form MV-1) with supporting documents.
6. Pay title, registration, and ad valorem (Title Ad Valorem Tax, or TAVT) fees.
7. Receive your Georgia title and license plate.

Restrictions

• No Annual Safety Inspection: Georgia eliminated its annual safety inspection requirement for most private vehicles, which benefits kei vehicle owners.
• Emissions Testing: Only applicable in the 13 metro Atlanta counties (including Fulton, DeKalb, Gwinnett, Cobb, Clayton, and others). Vehicles 25+ years old are generally exempt.
• Road Use: Georgia does not have a specific state-level speed restriction for kei vehicles. Standard traffic laws apply. If the vehicle cannot safely maintain highway speeds, avoid using it on interstates and high-speed roads to prevent impeding traffic citations.
• Off-Road Title Classification: If your vehicle is titled as "off-road" or "off-highway," it may not be legal for on-road use. When applying for a title, work with the tag office to ensure the correct classification for your intended use.

Cost Breakdown

The TAVT is the most significant cost factor. It is a one-time tax paid at the time of title, calculated as a percentage of the vehicle's fair market value. For kei vehicles, the assessed fair market value is often relatively low (especially for older vehicles), which keeps the TAVT manageable. However, it can still add several hundred dollars depending on the declared value.

Recent Legislative Changes

Georgia has not passed any recent legislation specifically targeting kei vehicles. The state's vehicle registration laws have remained relatively stable, and the 25-year federal import rule continues to be the primary enabling mechanism for kei vehicle registration.

The Title Ad Valorem Tax system, which Georgia adopted in 2013 to replace the annual ad valorem tax, remains the framework under which kei vehicles are taxed at title. The TAVT rate has been adjusted periodically; owners should check the current rate at the time of their title application. If you're near the border, you may also want to check kei truck laws in Florida and Alabama.

Tips from Local Owners

• Get the right title classification. When you visit the tag office, be clear about your intent to use the vehicle on public roads. If the clerk is unsure, ask a supervisor or bring printed documentation about the 25-year exemption rule. An "off-road" title classification can create headaches later.
• TAVT negotiation. The fair market value used to calculate TAVT is often based on available data. For kei vehicles, which are not in standard valuation databases, the tag office may use the purchase price from your bill of sale. Be honest but ensure your documentation accurately reflects the transaction.
• Rural counties are often smoother. Smaller county tag offices in rural Georgia tend to have shorter wait times and staff who are willing to work through unfamiliar vehicle types. For a detailed comparison, see our kei truck vs UTV guide. Metro Atlanta offices handle high volumes and may be less flexible.
• Insurance options. Progressive, Hagerty, and some local independent agents in Georgia have experience insuring kei vehicles. Get quotes from multiple providers.
• Check your county for emissions. If you live in one of the 13 emissions-testing counties, confirm whether your vehicle is age-exempt before scheduling a test. The exemption saves you time and money.
• Community resources. Georgia has a growing kei vehicle community, particularly in the Atlanta metro area and the coastal regions. Local car shows, Facebook groups, and forums are excellent resources for finding mechanics, parts, and registration advice.

Find kei truck dealers in Georgia in our dealer directory.