ATLANTA (AP) — Georgia county officials say motorists can expect longer lines and higher fees at county tag offices across the state as new laws vehicle tax laws take effect.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports (http://bit.ly/WIFemG) that Georgia's new title tax law goes into effect March 1.

On Monday, tax commissioners from Gwinnett, Fulton, DeKalb and Cobb counties held a news conference asking residents for patience as they switch to the new system, a one-time title tax that replaces sales tax and the annual "birthday" tax. They said motorists should use phone or mail-in options to avoid long wait times.

Claudia Lawson, DeKalb County's tax commissioner, predicts that the change will be frustrating for taxpayers

Some counties, such as Cobb, are hiring additional staff and setting up dedicated help lines to deal with the crush of customers.

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