What to do with Georgia plates after moving to Tennessee
The answer can be return, cancel, destroy, recycle, or keep. Follow the reviewed Georgia instruction only after the Tennessee registration and insurance handoff are safe.
Complete the replacement record
Apply for title and registration through the county clerk with the current out-of-state registration and lienholder information, if applicable.
Arrange Tennessee-compliant coverage before operating and registering the vehicle.
Cancel the Georgia registration before ending its insurance
After the destination registration is active, cancel the Georgia registration through DRIVES e-Services or the county tag office and save the confirmation. Georgia requires continuous liability coverage while its registration remains active.
Open the official Georgia instructionReviewed 2026-07-31- 1. Activate acceptable destination coverage
Confirm the effective date with the new insurer.
- 2. Register in Tennessee
Keep the issued registration or official receipt.
- 3. Complete the Georgia plate action
Keep the surrender, cancellation, mailing, destruction, or retention record the state provides.
- 4. End or rewrite the old policy
Ask the insurer to use dates that do not create an uncovered active registration.
Sources for this closeout sequence
- Georgia DOR: Registration cancellation and insurance sequenceChecked 2026-07-31 ↗InsuranceExit closeout
- Tennessee Revenue: New resident vehicle registrationChecked 2026-07-31 ↗RegistrationInsuranceTitle / lienTax / fees