Where Gwinnett meets Hall
The U.S. Census Bureau lists Buford in both Gwinnett and Hall counties (Census 2020 Georgia place list), which matters for one practical reason: your county tag office depends on which side of the line you live on. Interstate 985 meets Interstate 85 just south of town, so pickups route easily from either direction.
Buford is a mix of established neighborhoods, newer subdivisions, and apartment communities. If you are in an HOA or apartment complex, tell us about parking rules and gate access so the driver can plan ahead.
Buford Dam and Lake Lanier boats
Buford Dam was completed in 1957 to form Lake Lanier (New Georgia Encyclopedia: Gwinnett County), and the Corps of Engineers' master plan places Buford and Cumming on the lake's southern end. That puts a lot of boats, pontoons, and personal watercraft in Buford garages and storage lots.
For a boat donation, tell us the length, hull type, engine and whether it runs, whether the trailer is included, and the Georgia registration number. We pick up from your driveway, storage lot, or a marina where the boat is already on its trailer.
Gwinnett or Hall tag office and Georgia title steps
Buford residents use the tag office for whichever county their address is in. Georgia titles and registrations are handled by each county's tax commissioner, which runs the local tag office. For this area, that is the Gwinnett County Tax Commissioner and the Hall County Tax Commissioner. Check that office's site for current hours and locations; Georgia DOR keeps a statewide list of county tag offices. In most donations you won't need to visit at all: you sign the title and we handle the transfer paperwork.
Boats and personal watercraft. Boats are not titled at the county tag office. Georgia DNR's Wildlife Resources Division has issued electronic boat titles since July 1, 2020. When a registered boat changes hands, DNR says the owner reports the sale within 15 days and gives a detailed bill of sale; if a paper boat title was issued, it must be signed over. Personal watercraft are registered on the same vessel form, and boat trailers do not need a Georgia title. (Georgia DNR: boat registration and eTitles)
Loans and liens. If a lender's lien is still on the title, it has to be released first. For liens recorded electronically, DOR says only the lender can release them; on a paper title the lienholder signs the release section or gives you a Form T-4. Paid off years ago and never got the paperwork? Send us what you have. (Georgia DOR: releasing a lien)
Your license plate. In Georgia the plate stays with you, not the vehicle, so take it off before the tow truck arrives. You can move it to another vehicle you get at your county tag office. Cancel the registration online through DRIVES e-Services or with Form MV-18J before you drop insurance; DOR fines coverage lapses on a vehicle that is still registered. (Georgia DOR: cancelling a registration)
Questions we hear from Buford donors
Buford is in two counties. Which tag office do I use?
The one for the county your address is in: the Gwinnett County Tax Commissioner or the Hall County Tax Commissioner. For most donations you will not need to visit either; you sign the title and we handle the paperwork.
Can I donate a pontoon or jet ski from Lake Lanier?
Yes. We pick up boats and personal watercraft on their trailers. Georgia boats are registered and electronically titled through Georgia DNR, so have the registration number ready.
I live in an apartment complex. Can the tow truck get in?
Usually. Tell us about gates, parking decks, or towing rules when you submit the vehicle, and we will coordinate access with you before the driver arrives.
Is pickup really free in Buford?
Yes. Towing is free for accepted vehicles. Pickup is scheduled after acceptance, and we do not promise same-day service.
Distances and drive times are approximate route estimates from Dawsonville, not pickup windows. Title rules summarized here are general information from the official sources linked on this page, not legal or tax advice; your instructions are confirmed for your specific vehicle. Content reviewed 2026-10-02.
Cars Helping Kids is not affiliated with Cars Helping Kids, Inc. of Denver, Colorado.