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1) Purpose: SB 100 passed during the 2015 session of the Georgia General Assembly and has been signed into
law by Governor Nathan Deal. The new law has an effective date of July 1, 2015. This bulletin discusses
the implications of SB 100 for the issuance of a temporary registration for motor vehicles with a failed
emissions inspection.
2) Effective Date: July 1, 2015.
3) Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 40-2-11 and 40-2-20.
4) Scope: A Policy Bulletin is intended to provide guidance to the public and to Department personnel. It is a
written statement issued to apply principles of law to a specific set of facts or a general category of
taxpayers, superseding all conflicting documents and oral directives previously issued by the Department.
A Policy Bulletin does not have the force or effect of law and is not binding on the public. It is, however,
the Department's position and is binding on agency personnel until superseded or modified by a change in
statute, regulation, court decision, or subsequent Policy Bulletin.
5) Summary:
(a) SB 100 amended O.C.G.A. § 40-2-20 to allow for the issuance of a 30 day temporary registration where
the owner is unable to comply with emissions standards by the due date of the owner’s annual vehicle
registration renewal. This provides the owner with additional time to have the vehicle repaired beyond
the registration renewal due date.
6) Frequently Asked Questions:
(Q1) My vehicle did not pass emissions, but my registration renewal due date is coming up soon.
Can I apply for a temporary registration?
Yes. SB 100 amended O.C.G.A. § 40-2-20 to allow vehicle owners to apply for a temporary
registration for vehicles that have failed their emissions inspection test. The temporary registration is
good for 30 days.
(Q2) Where do I apply for the 30 day temporary registration?
You may apply for a 30 day temporary registration at your county tag office.
Georgia Department of Revenue
Policy Bulletin MVD-2015-04
SB 100 – Temporary Registration After Failed Emissions Test
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(Q3) What do I need to provide to the county tag agent in order to receive a 30 day temporary
registration?
In order to receive a 30 day temporary registration you will need to provide the following:
1. A copy of the failed emissions report provided to you by a properly licensed emissions testing
station;
2. Verification of the existence of minimum motor vehicle liability insurance coverage as
required by state law;
3. Payment of any outstanding annual ad valorem taxes (if your vehicle is subject to annual ad
valorem tax); and
4. Payment of any other outstanding penalties, interest, or insurance lapse fees that may be due.
(Q4) After 30 days, my vehicle is still not able to pass an emissions inspection. Can I apply to the
county for another 30 day temporary registration?
No. O.C.G.A. § 40-2-20(a)(1)(C) only allows vehicle owners to apply for one temporary registration.
(Q5) Do I place a sticker or other temporary tag on my vehicle?
Yes. The county tag agent will provide you with either a temporary operating permit or a temporary
decal.
If you receive a temporary operating permit, you should temporarily remove the metal license plate
from your vehicle and replace it with the temporary operating permit until your vehicle passes an
emissions inspection. After verifying with the county tag office that your vehicle has passed an
emissions inspection, you will receive an annual license plate decal to place upon your metal license
plate, which should be returned to the vehicle at that point.
If you receive a temporary decal, you should place the temporary decal in the designated place on
your metal license plate. You will receive an annual license plate decal once you have verified with
the county tag office that your vehicle has passed emissions.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
For more information on this subject, contact the Motor Vehicle Division at 1-855-406-5221
from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm EST, Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.
For forms and other information, visit our website:
dor.georgia.gov
