Insurance Coverage

In Georgia, motor vehicle owners and lessees are required by law to maintain continuous Georgia Automobile Liability Insurance coverage. Insurance companies are required to transmit insurance information electronically to the Department of Revenue (DOR). 

Valid insurance coverage is required to:

  • Register and receive a Georgia license plate
  • Renew, transfer or replace a Georgia license plate
  • Legally drive or maintain an actively registered vehicle

Insurance cards, by themselves, are not acceptable proof of insurance coverage for vehicles that are not self-insured, fleet or IRP registered vehicles. However, insurance cards must be carried in the vehicle at all times.

Insurance cards may be needed in the following situations:

  • Travel in other states where the Georgia database is not recognized
  • Exchange insurance information, if involved in an accident

Acceptable Proof of Vehicle Insurance

  • Proof of insurance must be filed by your insurance company with DOR
    • Proof of insurance must be filed electronically by your insurance company to DOR.
    • Confirm that DOR has received your insurance information using DRIVES e-Services status lookup.

Other Proof of Insurance Situations 

  • Newly Acquired Vehicle
    • A Bill of Sale, dated within 30 days of the date the vehicle was purchased, and a valid insurance binder page (usually the top page of an insurance policy) issued by a Georgia licensed insurer.
  • Rental Cars
    • Rental agreement is for a vehicle that is rented, not leased - must be carried in the rental vehicle while being driven.
  • Fleet Insurance Policy Card
    • Fleet Insurance Policy Card must be carried in vehicle at all times while vehicle is being driven.
  • Self-Insured
    • A valid Certificate of Self-Insurance must be carried in vehicle at all times
    • A self-insurer is any owner who has an approved self-insurance plan on file with the Georgia Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner's Office. This plan provides coverage, benefits and efficient claims handling procedures equal to those provided by an automobile liability insurance company and complies with all state laws, rules, and regulations. A certificate of self-insurance information issued by the Georgia Insurance and Safety Commissioner’s Office (ICO) must also be carried to qualify as acceptable proof of insurance coverage.
  • Self-Insured Vehicles Registered under the International Registration Plan
    • Valid insurance policy information card for Georgia International Registration Plan (IRP) plans must be carried in the vehicle at all times. 
    • This information card is issued in the registered owner’s name by a Georgia Licensed insurer and must display the vehicle identification number (VIN).