Georgia Form T-20 (Affidavit of Inheritance of a Motor Vehicle): Transferring a Vehicle Title From a Deceased Person's Estate

Losing a loved one is difficult enough without navigating the paperwork required to transfer their assets. If you've inherited a motor vehicle in Georgia, the Department of Revenue's Form T-20 (Affidavit of Inheritance of a Motor Vehicle) provides a streamlined way to transfer the vehicle title into your name without going through the full probate process.

What Is Form T-20?

Form T-20, officially called the Affidavit of Inheritance of a Motor Vehicle, is a sworn statement issued by the Georgia Department of Revenue. It allows an heir to transfer ownership of a deceased person's vehicle when the vehicle is the only asset or when the family chooses not to open a formal probate estate. The form is used whether the deceased person died with a will (testate) or without one (intestate).

When Is Form T-20 Needed?

You may need to file Form T-20 if:

• A family member passed away and owned a vehicle titled in Georgia
• There is no will being probated, or the will does not address the vehicle
• The estate is small and full probate is not necessary or practical
• You are the legal heir and need to sell or register the vehicle

Supporting Documents Required

When you submit Form T-20 at your County Tag Office, you must bring:

• The original Georgia vehicle title (if available)
• A certified copy of the death certificate
• Proof of inheritance (the completed Form T-20 serves as this)
• Completed Form MV-1 (Title/Tag Application)
• Form T-4 (Lien Release) if there was an outstanding loan
• Your valid Georgia driver's license or ID

Why Does Georgia Law Require Notarization?

Form T-20 is an affidavit — a written statement made under oath. Georgia law requires affidavits to be notarized to verify the identity of the person signing and ensure the statement is made voluntarily and truthfully. The notary public administers an oath, confirming that the information provided about the deceased person, the vehicle, and the heir's relationship is true to the best of the signer's knowledge.

This notarization requirement protects the integrity of the vehicle title system by preventing fraudulent transfers of vehicles from deceased persons' estates. The Georgia Department of Revenue will reject any Form T-20 that has not been properly notarized.

The Georgia Department of Revenue administers this form under its motor vehicle titling authority within Title 40 of the O.C.G.A. (Official Code of Georgia Annotated).

How to Get the Form

You can download the official Georgia Form T-20 Affidavit of Inheritance (PDF) directly from the Georgia Department of Revenue website. The form requires your full legal name, the vehicle description (year, make, model, and VIN), and a sworn statement of your relationship to the deceased.

Complete the form but do NOT sign it until you are in the presence of a notary public — the notary must witness your signature.

Where to File

Once notarized, take the form along with the supporting documents to your local County Tag Office. For Gwinnett County residents, the tag offices are located at:

• Gwinnett County Tag Office — 750 South Perry Street, Lawrenceville, GA 30046
• Additional satellite locations throughout Gwinnett County

There is no separate fee for the Form T-20 itself, but the standard title transfer fee applies (typically $18 for a new title).

Need this document notarized? Find a trusted notary in your area on Notary of Gwinnett.