Georgia License Plate Designs
Georgia license plates offer much more than basic vehicle identification. The state provides hundreds of distinct plate designs that allow drivers to display personal interests, honor military service, support non-profit organizations, or showcase classic automobiles.
All vehicle tags in Georgia are issued by the Georgia Department of Revenue (DOR) Motor Vehicle Division in coordination with local County Tag Offices. Under state law (O.C.G.A. § 40-2-41), vehicles registered in Georgia are strictly required to display a single official tag on the rear exterior.
Standard Issue Georgia License Plates
The standard state plate features a white background with dark lettering and prominent "Georgia" state branding across the top border. The tag is recognized for its central peach emblem, celebrating Georgia's agricultural history as the Peach State.
Standard character combinations are assigned automatically by the state system during vehicle registration. This automated generation ensures every registered vehicle receives a unique alphanumeric identifier.
Standard Plate Fees
Standard license plates carry no additional manufacturing charges beyond the base annual vehicle registration fee of $20.00. Applicable Title Ad Valorem Tax (TAVT) applies during initial vehicle titling.
Custom & Personalized Plates (Vanity Tags)
Georgia drivers can select a custom letter and number combination by filing Form MV-9B with their local County Tag Office. Personalized character sequences must meet state guidelines:
- Must contain between two and seven characters (including spaces).
- Must be completely unique and unassigned to any other vehicle in the state.
- Cannot contain profane, vulgar, or obscene language.
- Cannot impersonate emergency or government vehicle credentials.
Cost of Personalized Plates
Personalized tags require an initial $35.00 manufacturing fee, an annual $35.00 special tag fee, and the $20.00 standard annual registration fee (totaling $90.00 initially and $55.00 during annual renewals).
Vehicle owners can verify whether a desired character sequence is available online using the state DRIVES e-Services portal before visiting their local tag office.
Georgia Specialty License Plates
Specialty plates represent one of Georgia's largest tag categories. The state offers over 100 specialty background designs that support non-profit organizations, higher education, or environmental conservation.
College & University Plates
Alumni, students, and supporters can purchase university-themed tags for institutions across the state, including the University of Georgia, Georgia Tech, and Georgia State University. A portion of the annual specialty fee is directed to the participating institution to fund academic scholarships and student programs.
Military & Veteran Honor Plates
Georgia offers military plates recognizing active-duty service members and honorably discharged veterans across all branches: Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Space Force.
Specialized designs are available for Purple Heart recipients, Medal of Honor honorees, retired military personnel, and disabled veterans. Qualified veterans can obtain select military plates without paying additional specialty manufacturing fees upon presenting military discharge documentation (Form DD-214).
Cause & Organization Plates
Specialty cause plates let drivers support public charities and state conservation initiatives. Popular categories include:
- Conservation & Wildlife: Supporting the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, and game conservation programs.
- Healthcare & Research: Raising funds for breast cancer research, children's healthcare, and organ donation awareness.
- Professions: Honoring firefighters, law enforcement personnel, educators, and agricultural associations.
Hobby Antique & Classic Vehicle Plates
Georgia provides distinct plates for motor vehicles that are at least 25 years old or manufactured to resemble historical vehicles.
Antique vehicle plates require an initial cost of $80.00 ($25.00 manufacturing fee, $35.00 special tag fee, and $20.00 registration fee) and an annual renewal cost of $55.00. Vehicles registered with antique tags are intended for exhibitions, club activities, parades, and occasional recreational driving rather than daily commuting.
Summary of Georgia Plate Costs & Requirements
| Plate Type | Initial Fee Structure | Annual Renewal Cost | Primary Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Peach Plate | Included with registration | $20.00 | Title, valid photo ID, active GA insurance. |
| Personalized (Vanity) | $90.00 ($35 mfg + $35 special + $20 reg) | $55.00 ($35 special + $20 reg) | Form MV-9B; state character clearance. |
| Specialty / Cause | $80.00–$90.00 (varies by plate type) | $55.00 ($35 special + $20 reg) | Standard registration documents. |
| Military & Veteran | $0.00–$35.00 (varies by rank/status) | $20.00–$55.00 (varies) | Military discharge papers (Form DD-214). |
| Hobby Antique | $80.00 ($25 mfg + $35 special + $20 reg) | $55.00 ($35 special + $20 reg) | Vehicle 25+ years old; usage restriction affidavit. |
Obtaining & Displaying Your Plate
Application & Processing
Vehicle owners can request specialty or personalized plates during initial vehicle registration or tag renewal at their resident County Tag Office or online through the Georgia DRIVES portal.
Standard plates and in-stock specialty designs are issued immediately upon approval. Custom personalized plates require 4 to 6 weeks for manufacturing and delivery.
Legal Display Regulations
All Georgia tags must be securely mounted right-side up on the rear exterior of the vehicle. Plates must remain unobstructed by mud, tinted protective covers, or frames that obscure the state name or annual registration decal.
Related Site Resources
- Run a quick vehicle lookup on our Homepage using any tag or VIN.
- Review plate categories and registration rules on our License Plates Overview page.
- Find answers regarding TAVT tax and tag transfers on our Frequently Asked Questions page.
- Read our site Privacy Policy for details on search data security.
