Georgia law requires all insurance companies submit vehicle insurance policy information and validity electronically to the Georgia Electronic Insurance Compliance System (GEICS). Insurance cards are not acceptable proof of insurance coverage for motor vehicle transactions. Changes or cancellations to vehicle insurance are electronically updated to the state system by the insurance company. For most companies, this takes about 24 to 72 hours.

Printed Proof of Georgia Insurance
An original 30-day Insurance Binder with an effective date that is less than 30 days may be accepted for the following reasons:

1. A vehicle is purchased from an individual
2. Tag was canceled during time period with no insurance. Tag reinstatement is requested. No pending insurance lapse fee on vehicle.
3. Owner has moved in from out of state

Insurance binders may not be future-dated.

Fleet or Self-Insured Policy
Fleet card or self-insurance documents are required to be submitted with all vehicle transactions, including renewals. The card must be presented at the time of registration or renewal. FLEET must be printed on the insurance card.

Lapse of Insurance, Suspensions, and Waivers
A lapse in insurance occurs when a vehicle has not carried valid Georgia liability insurance coverage for a period of more than 10 days. Insurance companies report the lapse to the Georgia Department of Revenue (DOR), and a notice of pending registration suspension is generated and mailed by the DOR. A lapse will result in a $25 pending-suspension fee, which must be paid within 30 days.

If the pending-suspension fee of $25 is not paid by the due date, the registration is suspended by the DOR. To reinstate the registration, the vehicle must have valid Georgia insurance coverage (showing in the state database), the $25 pending-suspension fee plus a $60 reinstatement fee must be paid, as well as any other registration fees, ad valorem taxes, or penalties due. Any additional lapses in coverage and/or suspensions will result in additional fines and penalties, including suspension of the vehicle’s registration. The vehicle owner will receive only one letter from the DOR 10 days after the insurance lapse. Insurance binders will not be accepted in cases of registration suspensions.

Pay Insurance Lapse Fines Here.

Cancelling Insurance
Before cancelling insurance on a vehicle, cancel the registration FIRST to avoid penalties.

Please Remember:

• Be sure to cancel your registration before you cancel your vehicle’s insurance.
• Before you begin the process to reactivate your registration, ensure that your insurance is active in GEICS, and any outstanding ad valorem taxes and fees are paid.
• If you have any questions about cancelling or reactivating registration, please contact the Hall County Tax Commissioner’s office by calling 770.531.6980 or texting 833.602.8497.