Name Change Due to Court Order

If you need to change a name on a title due to court order, the following documents are required and must be submitted:

Current Original Title

• Georgia title – The Georgia title being submitted must be issued in the name of the person requesting the name change.
• If the Georgia title is currently in the name of the person requesting the name change and the Georgia title has been lost, a replacement Georgia title can be applied for with the name change, as long as the current/valid vehicle registration is submitted.
• Out-of-state title – An out-of-state title must be issued in the name of the person requesting the name change.
• A title is required for all motor vehicles 1986 and newer.

Title Application (Form MV-1, click here).

• All owners on the title must sign the MV-1 title application.
• If any owner is not able to visit a Gwinnett County tag office, the form can be filled out online, printed and signed.
• The original title application must be submitted with all owners’ signatures. 

A Certified Copy of the Court Order

• A certified copy of the court order authorizing the name change must be submitted.

Lien / Security Interest Release

• Any liens or security interests shown on the current title must be released in order for the name change to be processed.
• The lien or security interest may be released on the front of the title in the Release of Lien area or a Lien Release form (Form T-4, click here) can be completed by the lien or security interest holder.
• If a Lien Release form (Form T-4, click here) is completed by the lien or security interest holder, the original form must be submitted.
• If any lien or security interest has not been satisfied, the vehicle owner will need to contact the lien or security interest holder in order to request the name change on the title.

Valid Georgia Driver’s License or Georgia State Issued Identification Card of the Current Titled Owner(s)

• All owners on the title must present a valid Georgia Driver’s License or Georgia Identification Card.
• If any owner is not able to visit the tag office, a legible photocopy of the Georgia Driver’s License or Georgia State Issued Identification Card is required.

$18 fee is required for the name change on the title.

Georgia sales tax will be required to be paid if the vehicle was purchased from an out-of -state dealer or business.

• A bill of sale will be required on the vehicle to calculate the amount of Georgia sales tax due.

If the first titled owner is the person requesting the name change on a Georgia title and has a Georgia license plate already issued in the original name, the person will retain the same license plate and receive a new registration showing the name change.

If a Georgia license plate is required to be issued, Georgia emissions (click here), Georgia insurance (click here), and a valid Georgia Driver’s License or Georgia Identification Card will be required. Proof of Residency (click here) will be required if the Georgia Driver’s License or Georgia Identification Card does not have a current Gwinnett County address. Ad valorem tax and tag registration fees will be required to be paid if applicable.

Under normal circumstances, the information provided above is required to process a name change due to court order. Other documentation may be required upon review of paperwork at the Tag Office.

If you are a Gwinnett County resident and you would like to request a name change on title, please visit a Gwinnett County tag office. Please click here for locations.

For more information on obtaining a Georgia Driver's License or Georgia Identification Card, please visit the Georgia Department of Driver Services at www.dds.ga.gov.

Updated 6/10/09