About

Georgia license plates are essential legal credentials managed through the state's vehicle registration framework. Every motorized vehicle operating on public roadways across the state must display a valid tag.

Vehicle registration, tag renewals, and titling are handled jointly by the Georgia Department of Revenue (DOR) Motor Vehicle Division and local County Tag Offices. Driver licensing is handled separately by the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS).

Each plate carries a unique alphanumeric code linked directly to state motor vehicle records. Law enforcement officers rely on these tags to verify insurance compliance, ownership status, and vehicle safety records.

Standard Georgia License Plates

When you register a vehicle for the first time, your local County Tag Office issues the standard Georgia passenger plate by default.

Known nationwide for its iconic central peach emblem, the standard tag features dark lettering against a crisp white background. Standard plate numbers are assigned automatically upon vehicle registration.

Obtaining a standard plate requires visiting your resident County Tag Office with your title, driver's license, and active Georgia auto insurance. A standard passenger registration costs $20 annually, alongside the state's Title Ad Valorem Tax (TAVT).

Specialty, Veteran & Personalized Tags

Vehicle owners seeking an alternative to the standard design can choose from dozens of specialty and custom tag options across the state.

Specialty & Cause Plates

Georgia offers over 100 specialty plate designs supporting state universities, conservation initiatives, and local non-profits. Options range from collegiate themes like UGA and Georgia Tech to wildlife protection tags.

Personalized Vanity Plates

Vehicle owners can request a customized combination of letters and numbers by filing Form MV-9B with their County Tag Office. Vanity plates carry an initial $35 application fee, a $35 annual specialty tag fee, and the base $20 registration fee.

Military & Veteran Honors

Active-duty service members and honorably discharged veterans can apply for branch-specific military plates spanning all U.S. Armed Forces branches. Applying requires presenting military discharge papers (Form DD-214) at your county office.

Registration & Renewal Steps

Initial vehicle titling and plate issuance must be completed in person at your resident County Tag Office within 30 days of purchasing a vehicle or moving to Georgia.

After initial registration, tags must be renewed annually. Drivers can renew online 24/7 through the state DOR portal, at participating self-service Georgia Tag Kiosks, or by mail and in person at their local county office.

Vehicle owners living in the 13 metro Atlanta counties must complete an annual emissions test prior to renewing their tags.

Georgia Tag Display Laws

Under Georgia statute O.C.G.A. § 40-2-41, vehicles registered in Georgia are strictly required to display one official license plate mounted on the rear.

The tag must be securely attached right-side up and remain clearly visible. Operating a vehicle with a tag obscured by mud, tinted covers, or decorative frames that hide the state name is illegal and subject to fines.

If your plate becomes lost, stolen, or damaged, you must request a duplicate replacement tag through your local County Tag Office immediately.

Plate Searches & Data Access

Vehicle registration data in Georgia is regulated under strict state and federal privacy standards, including the Driver's Privacy Protection Act (DPPA).

For answers on specific state regulations and registration procedures, review our Frequently Asked Questions or read our site Privacy Policy.