Important Notice for Automobile Owners in Georgia Effective January 1, 2004 the State Department of Motor Vehicle Safety (DMVS) began keeping records of most automobile insurance policies electronically (self insured vehicles and fleets are exempt). Since Georgia requires auto insurance to be inforce, any lapse in coverage (of more than 24 hours) will result in a fee of $25. If not paid within 30 days, the registration on the vehicle will be suspended without further notice. DMVS has begun sending out letters/bills informing motorists of a lapse in liability coverage according to the records at DMVS. In addition to these letters, DMVS is also sending letters of suspension on the vehicles which are not in their database but need to be. If you get such a letter, DO NOT IGNORE IT. If you have had a break in coverage, be sure to follow the instructions in the letter and pay the fee. If you have not had a break in your automobile coverage – or you do not think you have – contact your insurance agent. Contact your County Tax Commissioner if you determine the letter was sent in error. If you want to know if your vehicle is in the database, you can go to the DMVS website (http://www.dmvs.ga.gov), click on the “Insurance Compliance Information” link then click on the “Insurance Status Inquiry” link. You will be asked for the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and the title number. Both of these can be found on your vehicle registration card (tag receipt). If you are insured with Georgia Farm Bureau, you can contact your local Agent. This is an ongoing process so if you get a letter from the DMVS at any time, make sure you take action on it. You will not be given a second notice that your registration is suspended. If it happens, your vehicle could be impounded, leaving you standing on the side of the road.