Georgia Kit Car Laws: Making Your Custom Build Street Legal in the Peach State

Picture it: you’re rolling through Georgia’s winding backroads or zipping into a local car show in a car you built yourself. Whether it’s a classic hot rod, a sporty Cobra replica, a dune buggy, or something totally unique, owning a kit car in Georgia can be an amazing experience. But before you hit the road, you’ve got to get legal. Georgia has some clear steps (with a few Southern quirks) for registering, titling, and driving a home-built or “assembled” vehicle. Let’s break it down—step by step.

What Counts as a Kit Car in Georgia?

In Georgia, kit cars are usually called “assembled vehicles,” “specially constructed vehicles,” or “homemade vehicles.” If your ride didn’t roll out of the factory as a complete car—and you built it from a kit, a bunch of parts, or a donor chassis—it fits in this category. This also includes heavily modified cars or those made to look like classic models.

Why the Laws Matter

Kit car rules might seem like a lot of paperwork, but they’re there for good reason. They make sure your car is safe, traceable, and not built from stolen parts. Plus, if you want to show off your ride at car shows, cruises, or just on the open road, you’ll need to keep everything legal.

Step 1: Gather Every Scrap of Paper

Before you even finish your build, start a folder and keep:

Receipts for every major part—frame, engine, transmission, etc.
Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MCO) if you bought a new kit
Title or bill of sale for any donor vehicle or used chassis
Your Georgia driver’s license or ID
Photos of your build process (not required, but can really help)

Step 2: Georgia State Patrol Inspection—The Crucial Step

Every kit car in Georgia must be inspected and approved by the Georgia State Patrol (GSP) before it can be titled or registered. This is where your paperwork pays off.

Contact your local GSP office and make an appointment for an “assembled vehicle inspection.”
Bring all receipts, donor titles, MCOs, and your nearly-finished car (it should be road-ready).
The trooper will check your paperwork, compare VINs, and make sure your car isn’t built from stolen or unsafe parts.

If everything checks out, the officer will complete a certificate showing your car is legit—and may assign a new Georgia VIN if your frame or chassis is new or doesn’t have one.

Step 3: Safety Requirements—What Georgia Looks For

Georgia expects all assembled vehicles to meet basic safety standards, including:

Working headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals
Functional brakes and tires in good condition
Windshield with wipers (unless your build qualifies as an exempt roadster)
Seat belts for all seating positions
Mirrors and a working horn

Double-check everything—if you miss a small item (like a horn or seat belt), you’ll have to come back for another inspection.

Step 4: Apply for a Georgia Title

Once you pass inspection, you’ll take your paperwork, GSP inspection certificate, and proof of ownership to your county tag office (the local DMV). Fill out the “Title/Tag Application” for an “assembled vehicle,” and submit your inspection documents, receipts, and IDs.

Georgia will issue a title that says “assembled vehicle,” “replica,” or “custom” depending on your build. This is your official proof of ownership.

Step 5: Registering Your Kit Car—Plates and More

With your title in hand, you can register your car and get Georgia license plates. Bring proof of insurance, your title, inspection report, and pay your fees. You may be able to get a specialty or custom plate if your kit car qualifies.

Step 6: Insurance—Don’t Skip This!

Every car on the road in Georgia needs insurance, and that includes kit cars. Not all insurance companies understand home-built rides, so look for agencies that specialize in classics or customs. They’ll likely ask for:

Photos of your finished car
A breakdown of its major parts and their value
Your new title and VIN
Sometimes, an appraisal for unique builds

Shop around—having the right insurance protects you and your investment.

Common Mistakes Georgia Kit Car Builders Make

Missing receipts for key components
Trying to skip the GSP inspection (it’s mandatory!)
Leaving off safety equipment—seat belts, mirrors, horn, etc.
Using a regular car title application instead of the “assembled vehicle” form
Not checking specialty plate options—Georgia offers some cool choices for customs!

Tip: If you get stuck, local car clubs, online forums, and friendly tag office workers can help answer your questions.

Georgia Kit Car FAQs

Can I drive my kit car every day? Yes—if it’s street legal, insured, and registered, you can drive it just like any other car.
Are emissions checks required? In some metro Atlanta counties, yes. Check locally, especially if your kit uses a modern engine.
Can I register a kit car from another state? Yes, but you’ll still need a GSP inspection and to follow Georgia’s process.
How long does the process take? Usually a few weeks if your paperwork is ready and inspections are available.

Kit Car Life in Georgia—Clubs, Cruises, and More

Georgia is home to tons of car clubs, cruise-ins, and events—from Atlanta down to Savannah and everywhere in between. Whether you’re a new builder or a seasoned gearhead, you’ll find a community ready to help, offer tips, or just check out your ride.

Final Thoughts: Building Your Dream Car in Georgia

Registering a kit car in Georgia is totally possible if you’re organized and patient. Keep your paperwork, double-check every safety detail, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. When you finally drive your custom creation down a Georgia backroad, you’ll know every hour and every form was worth it. Good luck, have fun, and see you at the next car show!