The Apple Capital of Georgia
The City of Ellijay describes itself as the historic county seat of Gilmer County, the Apple Capital of Georgia, and an Appalachian Trail Community (City of Ellijay). Gilmer grows more apples than any other Georgia county, and Ellijay sits where Georgia 515, Georgia 52, and U.S. 76 meet (New Georgia Encyclopedia: Ellijay).
Orchard and farm country means work trucks, flatbeds, and utility trailers that have outlived their usefulness. We review non-running trucks and trailers too. Just tell us whether the vehicle rolls and how the tow truck will reach it, especially on orchard lanes or after a wet spell.
Carters Lake and mountain access
Carters Lake, a Corps of Engineers reservoir on the Coosawattee River between Ellijay and Chatsworth, is described by the Corps as the deepest of Georgia's reservoir lakes (USACE: Carters Lake). Boats kept for Carters Lake are good donations; we pick them up on the trailer.
Around Cherry Log, Talona, and White Path, cabins and homes are often up gravel drives. Tell us about steep grades, tight turns, or low-hanging limbs so the right truck is sent. If a vehicle can't be reached safely, we'll tell you before anyone makes the trip.
Gilmer County tag office and Georgia title steps
Mountain donors appreciate skipping the drive to town. Georgia titles and registrations are handled by each county's tax commissioner, which runs the local tag office. For Gilmer County, that is the Gilmer 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.
Older vehicles. Georgia requires a title for most 1986-and-newer vehicles. DOR lists 1963 to 1985 model years as title-optional and 1962-and-older vehicles as not requiring a title; those typically change hands with a bill of sale and the registration in your name. (Georgia DOR: title not required or optional)
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)
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 Ellijay donors
Will you take an old orchard or farm truck that does not run?
Non-running trucks are reviewed regularly. Tell us whether it rolls, whether the tires hold air, and what title or registration you have.
Can you pick up a boat that is used on Carters Lake?
Yes, on its trailer, from your home or storage. Georgia boats are registered and electronically titled through Georgia DNR, so have the Georgia registration number handy.
My cabin is up a steep gravel road in Cherry Log. Can a tow truck get there?
Often. Describe the grade, the surface, and whether a flatbed can turn around. If it is not safe to reach the vehicle, we will tell you before scheduling.
Does my utility trailer need a title?
Georgia does not require titles for trailers weighing 2,000 pounds or less or for boat trailers. Heavier trailers and campers are a different story; send us the details and we will tell you what applies.
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.