Cities we serve on the coast
| City | County | From Dawsonville (approx.) | Tag office |
|---|---|---|---|
| Statesboro | Bulloch (county seat) | ~234 mi / ~4 hr 55 min | Bulloch County Tax Commissioner |
| Hinesville | Liberty (county seat) | ~302 mi / ~6 hr | Liberty County tag offices |
| Savannah | Chatham (county seat) | ~306 mi / ~5 hr 45 min | Chatham County Tax Commissioner |
| Brunswick | Glynn (county seat) | ~332 mi / ~6 hr 50 min | Glynn County Tax Commissioner |
| St. Marys | Camden | ~368 mi / ~7 hr 30 min | Camden County Motor Vehicle Division |
Drive estimates are approximate road distances from Dawsonville, not pickup windows. Tag-office links go to each county's official tax commissioner site.
What makes the coast different
Boats. Georgia DNR requires registration for every mechanically propelled vessel on state waters and has issued electronic boat titles since 2020 (Georgia DNR: boat registration). Fishing boats, center consoles, and personal watercraft that no longer get used are good donations. We pick them up on the trailer from your home, storage, or a marina; we don't haul boats out of the water.
Military moves. Hinesville is home to Fort Stewart, and Hunter Army Airfield is in Savannah (Fort Stewart-Hunter Army Airfield). Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay is in Camden County near St. Marys (NSB Kings Bay history). Families leaving on orders often need to part with a vehicle on a deadline. Start early, and tell us who will hand over the keys and signed title if you'll be gone.
Students. Georgia Southern University has campuses in Statesboro, Savannah (Armstrong), and Hinesville (Liberty) (Georgia Southern University).
Pickups here are coordinated from our headquarters in Dawsonville and carried out by towing partners who work the region. We do not have an office, staff, or a drop-off lot in these cities, and we will not pretend to. Because the coast is a long way from our base, scheduling can take a little longer than in North Georgia; we give you a real date when the tow is booked.
Georgia title steps
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)
Signing the title. Georgia DOR says the owner completes the assignment on the back of the original title, in blue or black ink, and that alterations or erasures can void it. Every owner listed on the front signs. Never hand over a title signed in blank; Georgia law treats that as a misdemeanor. We mark exactly which lines are yours before pickup. (Georgia DOR: transferring a Georgia title)
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 Coastal Georgia donors
Can I donate a boat in Savannah or Brunswick?
Yes. We review boats and personal watercraft on their trailers. Georgia boats are registered and electronically titled through Georgia DNR; the owner reports the sale to DNR within 15 days.
I am leaving Fort Stewart or Kings Bay on orders. Can I donate my car first?
Yes, if you start early. Pickup is scheduled after acceptance. If you will be gone before then, tell us who will hand over the keys and signed title.
You are based in Dawsonville. Do you really pick up on the coast?
Yes. Pickups are coordinated from Dawsonville and carried out by towing partners who work the coast. Towing is free for accepted vehicles; scheduling can take a little longer than in North Georgia.
Which tag office handles St. Marys?
St. Marys is in Camden County, so the Camden County Motor Vehicle Division. Most donors never need to visit; you sign the title and we handle the paperwork.
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.