Georgia § 40-3-5 - Stolen, converted, and recovered vehicles.
Full text of Georgia Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 40-3-5 — Stolen, converted, and recovered vehicles., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 40-3-5. Stolen, converted, and recovered vehicles.
Duties of peace officers. A peace officer who learns of the theft of a vehicle not since recovered shall report the theft to the commissioner. A peace officer who learns of the recovery of a vehicle whose theft or conversion he knows or has reason to believe has been reported to the commissioner shall forthwith report the recovery to the commissioner. Owner's, security holder's, or lienholder's report. An owner or a security interest holder or lienholder shall report the theft of a vehicle, or its conversion if a crime, to the commissioner. A person who has so reported the theft or conversion of a vehicle shall, after learning of its recovery, immediately report the recovery to the commissioner. Records to be kept by commissioner; distribution. The commissioner shall maintain appropriately indexed weekly and cumulative public records of stolen, converted, and recovered vehicles reported to him pursuant to this Code section. The commissioner may make and distribute copies of the weekly records so maintained to peace officers upon request without fee and to others for the fee, if any, the commissioner prescribes. Action by commissioner. The commissioner may suspend the registration of a vehicle whose theft or conversion is reported to him pursuant to this Code section, and until the commissioner learns of its recovery or that the report of its theft or conversion was erroneous he shall not issue a certificate of title for the vehicle. (Ga. L. 1961, p. 68, § 32; Ga. L. 1980, p. 995, § 9; Ga. L. 1990, p. 2048, § 3.) Cross references. - Penalty for motor vehicle theft, § 16-8-12 . Duty of law enforcement officers to report stolen motor vehicles or plates to Georgia Crime Information Center, § 35-1-4 . Penalty for false report of theft or conversion of motor vehicle, § 40-3-92 .
Source: official Georgia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Georgia § 40-3-5
What does Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 40-3-5 cover?
Section 40-3-5 ("Stolen, converted, and recovered vehicles.") is part of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, the codified statutory law of Georgia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Georgia § 40-3-5?
A common citation format is "Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 40-3-5" (Georgia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Georgia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Georgia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Georgia attorney.
How does Georgia § 40-3-5 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Georgia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Georgia.