How to buy a car in Georgia: registration & taxes

Introduction 🚗

Buying a car in Georgia can be a smart move for residents, expats and long-term visitors: it brings mobility, convenience and sometimes complements property investments. This guide explains how to search, verify, register a car and what taxes or fees you might face when buying locally or importing a vehicle.

1. Where to look for a car 🔎

• Official dealers — easier paperwork, warranties and after-sales service.
• Private sellers — often cheaper but demand careful checks.
• Imported cars — popular option; remember to include customs and transport costs in your budget.
• Auctions and exporters — suitable for experienced buyers seeking special models.

Start with online listings and dealer sites, then arrange an in-person inspection and a test drive.

2. How to check a vehicle before buying ✅

• VIN & history: check for accidents, lien, and previous owners.
• Visual inspection: bodywork, interior, signs of repair.
• Mechanical check: get a pre-purchase inspection by an independent mechanic.
• Service history and mileage: compare records and condition.

If anything looks suspicious, negotiate or walk away.

3. Documents usually needed for sale and registration 📄

• Your ID or passport.
• Driver's license (for test drive and some paperwork).
• Vehicle documents (current registration and technical documents).
• A written sale contract — ideally bilingual (local language and English).
• For imports — customs clearance papers and proof of payment of duties.

Always ask to see original documents and keep copies.

4. Registration process: typical steps 📝

• Prepare identification and the signed sale contract.
• Complete any required vehicle inspection.
• Pay registration fees at the vehicle registration office.
• Receive new registration documents and license plates.

Processing times vary depending on workload and whether the vehicle is newly imported.

5. Taxes, customs and fees 💰

• Domestic purchases usually involve a registration fee and possibly a transfer fee.
• Imported cars may incur customs duty, VAT and excise taxes — rates depend on vehicle age, engine size and country of origin.
• Check current rules with customs or a customs broker before importing.

Plan for additional costs so there are no surprises when finalizing the purchase.

6. Insurance and maintenance 🛡️

• Third-party liability insurance is commonly required — check local mandatory coverage.
• Comprehensive insurance (CASCO) is recommended for newer or valuable cars.
• Routine maintenance costs and parts availability vary by brand; rare models can be costlier to service.

7. Practical tips for buyers and property investors 🧭

• If you’re also looking for property, consider garage or parking availability — it affects daily life and rental value.
• Parking convenience can increase a property’s rentability and appeal.
• Keep all contracts and receipts for ownership, registration and service history.

BuyHome tip: a car influences your property choice. If you need parking with your home, tell us and we’ll include that in the search. See available properties and search options at https://buyhome.ge/en/search

Quick checklist before purchase ✅

• Meet seller, test drive
• VIN and vehicle history check
• Independent mechanical inspection
• Verified paperwork and sale contract
• Calculated registration/customs fees
• Arranged insurance

If you'd like help factoring a car into your housing decision or need support with paperwork and local services, contact our agency — we’ll gladly assist you in choosing the right property.