Georgia Title Law — Official Guide
Georgia Junk Car Title Law Guide
— T-22B, 12-Year Rule & VIN Verification
Everything you need to know about Georgia's title requirements for selling junk, salvage, and older vehicles — including the T-22B Serial Plate Verification form and when law enforcement must verify your VIN.
Answer Summary
Do you need a title to sell a junk car in Georgia?
Under Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 40-3-4), vehicles that are 12 or more model years old can be sold to a licensed junk buyer without a title — only a valid ID and bill of sale are required. For newer vehicles with a lost title, the T-22B Serial Plate Verification form initiates the bonded title process through the Georgia DDS.
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What Is the T-22B Serial Plate Verification Form?
The T-22B (Serial Plate Verification) is a Georgia Department of Driver Services form used to confirm a vehicle's identity when its title history is unclear or unavailable. A licensed Georgia law enforcement officer must physically inspect the vehicle and record:
- ✓ The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) from the dashboard plate
- ✓ The vehicle make, model, and year
- ✓ Officer badge number and agency
- ✓ Confirmation that the VIN has not been tampered with
The completed T-22B is then submitted to DDS along with a surety bond equal to 1.5× the vehicle's appraised value to apply for a bonded title. After 3 years without an ownership challenge, DDS converts the bonded title to a standard clean title.
When Is T-22B Required?
- 1. Vehicle was purchased without a title and no title history can be located
- 2. Title was lost or destroyed and a duplicate (Form T-19) cannot be obtained
- 3. Vehicle was purchased at auction or storage lot without title documentation
- 4. VIN verification is required by a lender, insurance company, or law enforcement
Official Georgia Government Resources
Download Forms Directly from Georgia DDS
Links open the official Georgia state government websites. RidOfMyCar.com is not affiliated with the Georgia DDS or any government agency.
Georgia Title Requirements by Scenario
Which documents you need depends on your vehicle's age and title situation.
| Situation | Title Required? | Documents Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Car is 12+ years old (scrap/junk sale) | No | Valid ID + signed bill of sale |
| Car is 25+ years old (antique/historic) | No | Bill of sale + registration history |
| Lost title, car under 12 years old | Must replace or bond | Form T-19 (Duplicate) or T-22B (bonded title route) |
| Unknown ownership / VIN verification needed | T-22B required | Law enforcement T-22B + surety bond |
| Salvage or rebuilt title | Yes — salvage title | Salvage title certificate |
The Georgia 12-Year No-Title Rule (O.C.G.A. § 40-3-4)
Georgia's most seller-friendly title law: if your vehicle is 12 or more model years old and you are selling it to a licensed junk buyer or vehicle recycler, no title is required. The transaction is completed with:
- Your valid government-issued photo ID
- A signed bill of sale showing both parties and the vehicle details
- Confirmation the vehicle is being sold for scrap/junk (not retail resale)
Example: A 2013 Honda Civic qualifies starting in 2025. A 2010 Ford F-150 has qualified since 2022.
25-Year Antique Rule
Vehicles 25 or more years old qualify as "antique" under Georgia law. The title process is even more relaxed — the buyer can typically register the vehicle directly using a bill of sale and prior registration records. No T-22B required.
Example: Any vehicle from 2001 or older currently qualifies under the 25-year rule (as of 2026).
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Georgia Title Law FAQ
What is the T-22B form in Georgia?
The T-22B is the Georgia Serial Plate Verification form. It is used when a vehicle's title is lost or unavailable and the seller needs a law enforcement officer to physically verify and record the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). The completed T-22B can then be submitted to the Georgia DDS as part of a title replacement or bonded title application.
Can I sell a car without a title in Georgia?
Yes. Georgia law allows vehicles that are 12 or more model years old to be sold without a title to a licensed vehicle recycler or junk car buyer. For vehicles 25 or more years old, the process is even simpler — no title is required in most cases, and the buyer can apply for a registration in their name directly.
What is the 12-year no-title rule in Georgia?
Under Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 40-3-4), a vehicle that is 12 or more model years old is exempt from the title requirement when sold for scrap or junk purposes to a licensed dealer or recycler. The buyer can accept the vehicle on a bill of sale and the seller's valid ID.
Does a Georgia law enforcement officer have to verify my VIN?
Only if you are pursuing a title replacement or bonded title and the vehicle's VIN cannot be confirmed through DDS records. In that case, you must have a law enforcement officer complete the T-22B Serial Plate Verification form confirming the physical VIN on the vehicle before DDS will process the title application.
What documents do I need to sell a junk car without a title in Georgia?
For vehicles 12+ years old sold for junk or scrap: a valid government-issued photo ID and a signed bill of sale. For newer vehicles: you'll need the original title, a duplicate title (Form T-19) from DDS, or a bonded title. RidOfMyCar.com can help advise on the right documentation for your specific vehicle.
What is a bonded title in Georgia and when do I need one?
A Georgia bonded title (also called a 'surety bond title') is issued when you own a vehicle but cannot prove ownership through a standard title. You purchase a surety bond for 1.5x the vehicle's appraised value, submit it to DDS along with the T-22B form and other documents, and DDS issues a bonded title. After 3 years with no ownership challenges, the bond requirement is removed and a clean title is issued.
Do I need to notify the Georgia DDS after selling a junk car?
Yes. Georgia sellers are encouraged to submit a Notice of Sale to the DDS after transferring a vehicle. This protects you from liability if the buyer accumulates parking tickets, accidents, or citations before transferring the title to their name. You can submit the notice online at the Georgia DDS website.