How can you check a car before buying it in Georgia?
The legal status certificate, VIN checks and fines.
Short answer
Before buying a car in Georgia you can order a legal status certificate from the MIA Service Agency, which shows the registration data, attachment, pledge, tax pledge and wanted status. Timing and price: 30 GEL for 5 working days, 45 GEL for 3 days, 70 GEL for 1 day and 110 GEL for 3 hours. The certificate is requested on the agency website or app, or at a service center.
Why
- The certificate shows the registration data and encumbrances: attachment, pledge, tax pledge, wanted status, temporary registration and zero customs duty.
- Any individual or legal entity can order the certificate; you need an application, an ID document and a payment receipt.
- At registration the agency employee compares the factory VIN on the body (17 characters) with the documents and draws up an inspection act.
Details
The certificate shows what an inspection of the car cannot: attachment of property, a pledge or wanted status. If the certificate is requested for another person, the agency's rules require that person's consent or a power of attorney. Each additional vehicle beyond five in one certificate is paid separately: 5 GEL for individuals and 80 GEL for legal entities.
Fines by plate number can be checked as described on the page about checking and paying traffic fines. For the inspection date and requirements, see technical inspection in Georgia.
Tip
Compare the VIN in the certificate, in the registration certificate and on the body itself before paying, and order the certificate for the specific car, not only for the seller.
What may differ
The certificate reflects records on the day of issue, and the status of the car can change afterwards. Timing and prices depend on the chosen processing speed and may change.
Common misconception
You can only find out about a lien or attachment on a car from the seller.
What actually happens
Any individual or legal entity can order a legal status certificate from the MIA Service Agency, which shows attachment, pledge, tax pledge and wanted status.
People also ask
- How to check a used car before buying in Georgia?
- How to find out if a car has a pledge in Georgia?
Sources
Prices are given from the agency page as of 10 November 2026 and may change. This answer is for reference and does not replace legal advice.
How to drive in Georgia: rules and road signsRelated questions
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How much does it cost to clear a car through customs in Georgia?
Excise on a passenger car cleared in Georgia depends on the engine volume and on the age of the car, either up to 6 years inclusive or older.
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How does the driver penalty points system work in Georgia?
Each driving licence in Georgia gets 100 points for the calendar year, offences deduct points, and when they run out the right to drive is suspended for 1 year.
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How do you register a car or transfer ownership in Georgia?
Cars in Georgia are registered and transferred at the Ministry of Internal Affairs Service Agency, in its service centers or online, with an inspection act and the owner's documents.
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What should you do after a road accident in Georgia?
After a road accident in Georgia, the driver must stop at once, switch on the hazard lights, report to the police and wait at the scene for an authorized officer.