WHAT IS TOPs?
As a new dealer, you have probably heard about “temporary tags” for customers purchasing vehicles in the state of Georgia. This “temporary tag” is actually called a Temporary Operating Permit, or TOP for short.
A TOP is a large sticker, pre-printed with an assigned serial number and affixed with 2 state seal holographic emblems.
Every dealership in the State of Georgia is required to issue a Temporary Operating Permit (TOP) to every retail customer they sell a vehicle to. At the time of sale, the licensed motor vehicle dealer is required to issue one free TOP or “temporary tag” for their customer’s use to operate their vehicle. It will have an expiration date of 45 days from the date of sale during which time, the dealer must register the title within the first 30 days. This allows the customer time to secure the permanent license plate before the TOP expires.
All dealers must register through an ETR vendor and GIADA TOPs service by signing the necessary DOR agreements and setting up an escrow account before they can be approved to purchase and issue TOPs for a sold vehicle. TitleTec T21 ETR Accounts are integrated with the TOPs Service and do not require a separate account for TOPs. Before setting up an account and receiving a login, you will need to obtain your used car dealer license and your dealer plates from the Department of Revenue.
Please contact our office if you are set up with an ETR Vendor that does not connect directly to the TOPs Service, so that we may assist you in getting set up to order and receive TOPs.
Dealer Internet Inquiry
Motor vehicle dealers licensed to conduct sales in the State of Georgia may retrieve Georgia motor vehicle license plate and title information online. The system through which licensed dealers may access the motor vehicle license plate and title information is called the Dealer Internet Inquiry.
Licensed dealers may access the Dealer Internet Inquiry for the exclusive purpose of carrying out legitimate motor vehicle transactions in which the dealer is engaged in buying, selling, exchanging, renting, offering, or negotiating the sale or exchange of motor vehicles.
To obtain access to the Dealer Internet Inquiry, contact your ETR vendor or:
Georgia Technology Authority
Email: datainnovations@gta.ga.gov
Phone: (404) 463-2300
https://dor.georgia.gov/dealer-internet-inquiry
