Georgia Form T-22B is the Certification of Inspection, the document a Georgia law enforcement officer signs to confirm they have physically inspected your vehicle’s identification number (VIN) and checked it against stolen-vehicle databases. You, the vehicle owner, bring the form and your car to the officer, but the officer is the one who fills in the inspection results and signs the bottom. The form proves the VIN on the vehicle matches the VIN on your title or bill of sale, and that the vehicle has not been reported stolen.
Most owners run into the T-22B when they bring a vehicle into Georgia from another state, retitle a rebuilt or salvage vehicle, or try to title an older car with no clear paper trail. Getting one box wrong, or leaving the officer’s GCIC/NCIC line blank, can send you back to the tag office and add weeks to your title. The state inspection fee tied to the rebuilt process is $100 per inspection under Georgia law, and a failed or rejected inspection means paying again.
Here is what you will learn in this guide:
- 🚗 What the T-22B does and exactly who must file it
- 📋 Every document and number to gather before your inspection appointment
- ✍️ A line-by-line walkthrough of every box on the form, with sample entries
- 🧰 How the T-22B fits with Forms T-22R, MV-1, and T-129 in the rebuilt-title process
- ⚠️ The field-level mistakes that get applications rejected and how to avoid them
What the Form Is and Who Must File It
The T-22B is the Georgia Department of Revenue’s Certification of Inspection form. Its single job is to capture a law enforcement officer’s sworn statement that they looked at your vehicle, recorded its public VIN, and ran that VIN through the GCIC/NCIC stolen-vehicle system. The form is hosted by the Georgia Department of Revenue and is submitted to your county tag office or the DOR Motor Vehicle Division.
You need a T-22B in several common situations. The first is when you bring a vehicle into Georgia from another state and the tag office cannot confirm the VIN from your paperwork alone. The second is when you title an older or homemade vehicle, including untitled pre-1986 cars, where ownership history is thin. The third is the salvage and rebuilt world, where a VIN inspection backs up the rebuilt-title package.
The person who files the form is the vehicle owner, but the person who completes and signs it is a Georgia law enforcement officer. This split trips up many owners who think they fill in the whole page themselves. You fill in your owner details and bring the car; the officer fills in the inspection findings and signs.
The legal backbone for vehicle inspections sits in O.C.G.A. § 40-3-37, which authorizes the inspection program and sets the $100 state inspection fee for rebuilt vehicles. Ignoring the inspection step means the Department will not issue your title, so the car cannot be legally registered or driven. For example, Darnell buys a rebuilt sedan and skips the VIN check; his title application stalls, and he cannot get a tag until he restarts the inspection.
A common misconception is that the T-22B alone gives you a rebuilt title. It does not. It is one piece of evidence in a larger package that, for rebuilt cars, also includes Forms T-22R, MV-1, and T-129.
Before You Start: Documents and Information You Need
Walking into a VIN inspection without the right paperwork is the fastest way to waste a trip. Officers and inspectors will not guess at missing facts, and a tag office will reject an incomplete package. Gather everything below before you book your appointment.
- Photo driver’s license or state ID. The officer confirms your identity matches the owner name on the form, and a mismatch can void the certification.
- Current title or out-of-state title. This is the VIN the officer compares against the vehicle; without it there is nothing to certify.
- Salvage title (for rebuilt cars). The original Georgia salvage title or out-of-state branded title proves the car’s prior status, and a missing one stops the rebuilt process cold.
- Notarized bill of sale. When you have no title, the bill of sale shows your ownership chain, and an un-notarized one is often refused.
- Proof of insurance. Many inspection sites require it before they will inspect, and some require it to drive the car there.
- Vehicle registration details. These help the officer match records, and gaps can trigger extra questions.
- Proof of residency. Some city police departments inspect only their own residents, so residency proof keeps you eligible.
- The blank T-22B form. Bring it printed; if you arrive without it, the appointment may be canceled.
- Payment for fees. The $18 title fee or $118 combined inspection-and-title fee must be ready by check, money order, or certified funds payable to the Department of Revenue.
For rebuilt vehicles, also bring your “before” photographs, parts receipts, and your rebuilder’s license, because the rebuilt-title package requires them alongside the inspection. Lola, a licensed rebuilder, keeps a folder with her license copy, T-129 parts list, and salvage condition photos so nothing is missing on inspection day.
Where to Get the Form and How to Access It
The official T-22B comes straight from the Department of Revenue. Download the current PDF from the T-22B Certification of Inspection page, which always carries the latest revision. Always confirm the revision date printed in the corner of the PDF before you fill it in, because tag offices reject outdated versions of state forms.
You can also pick up a paper copy at your local county tag office, and many city police departments link to the form on their VIN-inspection pages. For example, the Conyers Police Department points residents to the DOR download and inspects by appointment only.
Print the form single-sided on white paper and fill it in with blue or black ink, or type the owner section before printing. Do not fill in the law enforcement section yourself, because only the officer may complete and sign it. Bring two copies so you keep one as proof after the officer signs.
Step-by-Step: How to Fill Out the T-22B Line by Line
The T-22B is built in two main parts: Section A, the vehicle and inspection findings the officer completes, and Section B, the owner information you complete. Below is every field in the order it appears on the form. The vehicle owner should fill the owner boxes; the rest belongs to the inspecting officer.
1. Public Vehicle Identification No.
This box asks for the VIN that is visible on the vehicle, usually on the dash by the windshield or the driver-door jamb. The officer reads the number directly off the car and writes it here in all capital letters with no spaces, matching the 17 characters exactly. For example, the officer enters 1HGCM82633A004352 after reading the dash plate. If the public VIN is damaged or missing, the officer notes that and may move to the confidential VIN, which is why the form has supporting-documentation lines. A common mistake is transposing a digit, such as writing a 0 for the letter O, which causes the tag office record to mismatch and freezes your title. Many owners wrongly believe they should write the VIN from their title here, but this box is for the number physically on the car so the two can be compared.
2. Supporting Documentation (Rosette Rivets, Adhesive, Certificate of Title, Screws, Missing/Not Visible)
This grouping asks the officer how the VIN plate is attached and what documents back up the number. The officer checks the boxes that apply, such as Rosette Rivets for a factory dash plate or Adhesive for a door label, and notes the Certificate of Title as the matching record. For example, the officer checks Rosette Rivets and Certificate of Title on a factory sedan with intact plates. If the plate is gone, the officer checks Missing/Not Visible and explains in the condition area. A common error is leaving every box blank, which makes the certification look incomplete and invites rejection. Some owners think these boxes are about cosmetic condition, but they actually describe how the identification number is fastened and verified.
3. Describe Condition
Here the officer writes a short description of the VIN plate and the vehicle’s identifying features. The officer notes whether the plate is original, tampered with, or repaired, using plain words. For example, the officer writes Dash VIN plate intact, factory rivets, no signs of tampering. If the officer sees pry marks or mismatched rivets, that note goes here and may trigger a deeper review. The common mistake is a vague entry like OK, which gives the tag office nothing to rely on and can stall processing. People often assume this line is optional, but a blank condition line weakens the whole certification.
4. Vehicle Registration Card Notice / Certificate of Title / Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin
This area asks which ownership document supports the inspection and whether the manufacturer affixed a VIN. The officer checks the document presented, such as Certificate of Title for a used car or Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin for a new build. For example, on a kit car the officer checks Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin and answers the affixed-VIN question. If no title or MSO exists, the form provides a line to explain what stands in for it, such as a notarized bill of sale. A frequent mistake is checking Certificate of Title when you only have a bill of sale, which is a false statement and can void the form. Owners sometimes think any receipt counts as a title here, but only a true title or MSO satisfies this box.
5. “Has the Manufacturer Affixed a [VIN]” Question
This line asks whether the manufacturer placed a VIN on the vehicle, answered yes or no by the officer. For a standard factory car the officer marks Yes; for a homemade trailer with no factory number the officer marks No. For example, No is marked on a shop-built utility trailer that needs an assigned VIN. When the answer is no, the vehicle usually needs a state-assigned identification number, which is a separate step. The common mistake is marking Yes on a homemade vehicle, which blocks the assignment process you actually need. Many owners confuse a license-plate number with a VIN, but this question is strictly about a manufacturer’s VIN.
6. “If No Certificate of Title or [MSO]” Explanation
This field gives the officer space to explain ownership when no title or MSO is available. The officer writes what the owner presented instead, such as Notarized bill of sale dated 04/12/2025 from prior owner. For example, on an estate vehicle the officer notes the bill of sale and any heirship paperwork. If this line is blank when no title exists, the tag office cannot trace ownership and will reject the package. The common mistake is leaving it empty because the owner “explained it verbally,” but only what is written on the form counts. Owners often believe a verbal account is enough, yet the Department acts only on the written record.
7. Section B – Vehicle Owner’s Full Legal Name
This box asks for your complete legal name as it appears on your driver’s license and title. Write it in all capitals, last name as printed on your ID, with no nicknames. For example, MARIA T. GONZALEZ writes her name exactly as shown on her Georgia license. If you recently changed your name, use the current legal name and bring documentation of the change. A common mistake is writing a nickname like Mike instead of Michael, which creates a mismatch against title records and delays the title. People wrongly assume a shortened name is fine, but the Department cross-checks the exact legal name.
8. Mailing Address (Street No., Street Name, Apt/Suite No., City, State, ZIP Code, County)
This grouping asks where the Department should mail your title and notices. Enter your current mailing address, including apartment or suite number and your Georgia county, in the format the boxes request. For example, 742 EVERGREEN TER, APT 5, SAVANNAH, GA 31401, CHATHAM fills the address line and county. If you use a P.O. Box, enter it as the mailing address but be ready to show a physical residence address if asked. A common mistake is leaving the county blank, which Georgia uses to route registration, and an empty county can misdirect your paperwork. Owners often think the ZIP code alone identifies the county, but the form needs the county named directly.
9. Law Enforcement Agency’s Name and Mailing Address
This section asks for the inspecting officer’s agency and its address, completed by the officer. The officer writes the department name and full mailing address, such as CONYERS POLICE DEPARTMENT, 1194 SCOTT STREET. For example, a sheriff’s deputy enters the county sheriff’s office name and address here. If the inspection happens at a DOR inspection station, the inspector lists the state office instead. The common mistake is an owner trying to fill this in, which is improper since only the agency may certify itself. Many owners assume any name works here, but the agency line must match the officer who signs.
10. Telephone No., City, State, ZIP Code, County (Agency)
This grouping captures the agency’s contact details so the Department can verify the inspection if needed. The officer enters the department phone number and full city, state, ZIP, and county. For example, 770-929-4207, CONYERS, GA, 30012, ROCKDALE completes the agency contact line. If the agency covers multiple jurisdictions, the officer lists the location where the inspection occurred. A common mistake is an unreachable or wrong phone number, which can stall verification if the Department needs to confirm the inspection. Owners sometimes think this contact block is filler, but the Department may actually call to confirm a questionable certification.
11. GCIC/NCIC Response to Stolen Inquiry
This is one of the most important boxes, and the officer completes it. It records the result of running the VIN through the Georgia Crime Information Center and National Crime Information Center stolen-vehicle databases. The officer writes the system response, such as No record / not reported stolen, after running the check. For example, NCIC NEGATIVE – NO STOLEN RECORD is entered on a clean used car. If the system returns a hit, the inspection stops and the matter becomes a criminal investigation. The common mistake is leaving this line blank, which makes the certification worthless and guarantees rejection. Some owners think the officer just glances at the car, but the database check is the heart of the form.
12. Date, Time, and Law Enforcement Officer’s Signature
The final block records when the inspection happened and the officer’s certifying signature. The officer enters the date as MM/DD/YYYY, the time of inspection, and signs and prints their name. For example, 06/02/2026, 10:15 AM with the officer’s signature and printed name completes the form. If any of these are missing, the form is not a valid certification and the tag office will return it. The common mistake is an unsigned form, which is the single most frequent reason a T-22B is rejected. Owners often believe a stamp or typed name is enough, but the officer’s handwritten signature is required.
Three Filled-Out Examples Using Real Scenarios
These three walkthroughs follow named filers through the most common T-22B situations. Each table shows what gets entered in the key sections of the form.
Scenario 1 — Rebuilt salvage car after a Georgia wreck (Lola, licensed rebuilder)
| Form Section | What Lola Enters |
|---|---|
| Public Vehicle Identification No. | Officer reads dash plate: 1HGCM82633A004352 |
| Supporting Documentation | Officer checks Rosette Rivets and Certificate of Title |
| Describe Condition | Officer: Dash plate intact, factory rivets, no tampering |
| Manufacturer Affixed VIN? | Officer marks Yes |
| Section B – Owner Full Legal Name | LOLA M. RIVERA |
| Mailing Address | 118 PEACHTREE ST, ATLANTA, GA 30303, FULTON |
| GCIC/NCIC Response | Officer: NCIC NEGATIVE – NO STOLEN RECORD |
| Date, Time, Signature | 06/02/2026, 9:30 AM, officer signs |
| Companion forms filed | T-22R, MV-1, T-129, salvage title, parts receipts |
Scenario 2 — Out-of-state rebuilt title retitled in Georgia (Darnell)
| Form Section | What Darnell Enters |
|---|---|
| Public Vehicle Identification No. | Officer reads door jamb: 5XYZU3LB0DG123456 |
| Supporting Documentation | Officer checks Adhesive and Certificate of Title |
| Manufacturer Affixed VIN? | Officer marks Yes |
| If No Title/MSO line | Left blank; valid out-of-state rebuilt title present |
| Section B – Owner Full Legal Name | DARNELL J. OKAFOR |
| Mailing Address | 742 EVERGREEN TER, APT 5, SAVANNAH, GA 31401, CHATHAM |
| GCIC/NCIC Response | Officer: GCIC/NCIC NEGATIVE |
| Date, Time, Signature | 06/03/2026, 2:10 PM, officer signs |
| Where filed | County tag office with MV-1 and out-of-state title |
Scenario 3 — Untitled pre-1986 vehicle needing VIN verification (Marcus)
| Form Section | What Marcus Enters |
|---|---|
| Public Vehicle Identification No. | Officer reads frame stamp: CCL336F123456 |
| Supporting Documentation | Officer checks Missing/Not Visible for dash, notes frame stamp |
| Describe Condition | Officer: Dash plate missing, frame VIN legible, no tampering |
| Manufacturer Affixed VIN? | Officer marks Yes |
| If No Title/MSO line | Officer: Notarized bill of sale dated 04/12/2025 |
| Section B – Owner Full Legal Name | MARCUS A. BELL |
| Mailing Address | 55 OAK LN, MACON, GA 31201, BIBB |
| GCIC/NCIC Response | Officer: NCIC NEGATIVE – NO STOLEN RECORD |
| Date, Time, Signature | 06/04/2026, 11:00 AM, officer signs |
How to File the Completed Form
Once the officer signs the T-22B, you file it along with the rest of your title package. There are two main channels, and the right one depends on your situation.
File at your county tag office (in person). Bring the signed T-22B, your MV-1 title application, your title or bill of sale, and payment to your local county tag office. The title fee is $18, payable by check, money order, certified funds, or the office’s accepted card or cash methods. Processing for an over-the-counter title varies by county, and you should keep your stamped receipt and a copy of the signed T-22B as proof of filing.
Mail to the DOR Salvage Unit (rebuilt and salvage cases). For rebuilt vehicles using a state inspector, mail the package, including the signed forms and a check or money order for $118 (combined inspection and title fees) payable to the Department of Revenue, to DOR/Motor Vehicle Division, Attn: Salvage Unit, P.O. Box 740384, Atlanta, Georgia 30374-0384, as described on the rebuilt vehicles page. Use certified mail so you have a tracking record. Keep copies of every form and the parts receipts before you mail the originals.
For an out-of-state rebuilt title, you may submit either to your county tag office or to the Salvage Unit address above, with the $18 title fee if a private inspector handled the inspection. Always confirm your county’s accepted payment methods before you go, because not every office takes cards.
What Happens After You File
After you file, the Department or your county tag office reviews the package to confirm the VIN, the GCIC/NCIC result, and that every required form is present and signed. If your case is a straightforward county filing, you may walk out with a title and tag the same day. Mailed rebuilt-title packages take longer because the Salvage Unit reviews the photos, receipts, and inspection together.
If something is missing or unclear, the Department returns the package with a notice of what to fix. A blank GCIC/NCIC line or a missing officer signature is a frequent reason for return, and each round trip adds weeks. For example, Darnell’s first package comes back because the county field in Section B was empty, and he has to resubmit.
Once approved, Georgia issues a title branded Rebuilt for restored salvage vehicles, and you can then register the car and get a license plate. Keep your signed T-22B copy with your records, because the brand stays on the title permanently and may come up at resale.
Mistakes to Avoid When Filling Out the Form
- Leaving the GCIC/NCIC stolen-inquiry line blank, which makes the certification invalid and guarantees rejection.
- Forgetting the officer’s handwritten signature, which is the single most common reason a T-22B is returned.
- Transposing a VIN digit such as 0 for O, which mismatches the record and freezes your title.
- Writing the VIN from your title instead of the number on the car, which defeats the purpose of comparison.
- Filling in the law enforcement section yourself, which is improper and voids the certification.
- Using a nickname instead of your full legal name, which mismatches title records and delays processing.
- Leaving the county field empty in Section B, which can misroute your registration paperwork.
- Checking Certificate of Title when you only hold a bill of sale, which is a false statement.
- Using an outdated version of the form, which county offices reject on sight.
- Skipping the condition description, which leaves the tag office nothing to rely on.
- Mailing originals without keeping copies, which leaves you stuck if the package is lost.
- Driving an unregistered or expired vehicle to the inspection instead of towing it, which can bring a citation.
Do’s and Don’ts
Do:
- Download the form fresh from the Department of Revenue, so you have the current revision and avoid rejection.
- Bring the car and all documents to the appointment, because the officer certifies only what they can verify in person.
- Print your legal name exactly as it appears on your ID, so records match cleanly.
- Schedule the inspection by appointment where required, since many departments no longer take walk-ins.
- Keep a signed copy after the officer finishes, because it is your proof the inspection happened.
- Confirm the $18 or $118 fee method ahead of time, so payment does not hold up filing.
Don’t:
- Don’t fill in the officer’s findings or signature, because only law enforcement may certify them.
- Don’t guess at a damaged VIN, since an inaccurate number can stall the title for weeks.
- Don’t drive a vehicle with expired registration to the site, because you risk a traffic citation.
- Don’t leave any box blank “to fix later,” as incomplete forms are routinely returned.
- Don’t mail original titles and receipts without copies, because lost mail can derail the whole package.
- Don’t assume the T-22B alone earns a rebuilt title, since it is only one part of the package.
Pros and Cons of Filing on Your Own vs. With Help
| Filing on Your Own | Using a Tag Service or Rebuilder/Attorney |
|---|---|
| Saves money since you pay only state fees, which keeps costs low | Costs extra service fees, but saves you time and trips |
| You control the timeline, which helps if you can move fast | A pro knows the process, which lowers the chance of rejection |
| You learn the process, which helps for future vehicles | They handle paperwork details, which reduces field-level errors |
| Direct contact with the tag office, which avoids middleman delays | Established relationships with inspectors can speed scheduling |
| Full transparency over your own documents, which builds confidence | Help is valuable for messy ownership histories, which avoids dead ends |
| Risk of costly errors is higher without experience, which can cost weeks | Less hands-on control, which some owners dislike |
FAQs
Do I fill out the entire T-22B myself?
No. You complete the owner section and bring the vehicle, but a Georgia law enforcement officer must complete the inspection findings, run the stolen check, and sign the form.
Is the T-22B the same as the T-22R?
No. The T-22B is the officer’s VIN Certification of Inspection, while the T-22R is the separate request for a rebuilt-vehicle inspection used in the rebuilt-title package.
Do I write the VIN from my title in the Public VIN box?
No. The officer writes the VIN read directly off the vehicle in that box, so it can be compared against the number on your title or bill of sale.
Is a notarized bill of sale enough if I have no title?
Yes. The officer can note a notarized bill of sale on the “If No Certificate of Title” line, but the tag office still reviews your full ownership chain before issuing a title.
Do I leave the county field in Section B blank if I am unsure?
No. Always name your Georgia county, because the state uses it to route registration, and a blank county can misdirect your paperwork.
Is the GCIC/NCIC response line something I fill in?
No. Only the officer fills that line after running the stolen-vehicle database check, and a blank entry makes the form invalid.
Do I owe a fee for the T-22B itself?
No. The form has no standalone fee, but the title fee is $18 and the combined rebuilt inspection-and-title fee is $118 under state law.
Is the T-22B alone enough to get a rebuilt title?
No. A rebuilt title also needs Form MV-1, the salvage title, Form T-129, parts receipts, photos, and usually Form T-22R.
Do I check “Certificate of Title” if I only have a bill of sale?
No. Check the document you actually hold; marking title when you have only a bill of sale is a false statement that can void the form.
Is an appointment required for the VIN inspection?
Yes. Many departments, such as the Conyers Police Department, inspect by appointment only and will not process walk-ins.
Do I have to tow the vehicle to the inspection?
Yes. If the registration window has expired or the car is unregistered, you should tow or transport it, since driving it can bring a citation.
Is my name written in all capital letters on the form?
Yes. Write your full legal name in capitals exactly as it appears on your driver’s license, because the Department cross-checks it against title records.
Do out-of-state rebuilt titles still need a Georgia inspection?
Yes. An out-of-state branded rebuilt title must pass a Georgia inspection before the state issues its own rebuilt title.
Is a typed or stamped officer name acceptable instead of a signature?
No. The officer’s handwritten signature is required, and a missing signature is the most common reason the form is rejected.
Related reading
- How to Fill Out Georgia Form PT-61 (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out Georgia Form ST-NH-1 (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out the Georgia Bonded Title Application (T-17) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out the Ohio Salvage Title Application (BMV 3768) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out the Arizona MVD Restored Salvage Inspection (Form 96-0236) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out Alabama Application for Replacement Title (MVT 12-1) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out Delaware DMV Application for Duplicate Title (Form MV213) + FAQs