Types of License Plates in Georgia
Georgia issues one rear plate per vehicle, but the range of designs behind that single plate is large. Here is how the main categories differ, what each one actually costs, and who qualifies for each.
Standard Plate
The default plate issued at registration unless you request something else. It features the peach symbol, a white background, and a randomly assigned combination of letters and numbers generated by the state. There is no additional fee beyond standard registration, and you do not choose the characters.
Personalized Plates
Also called prestige or vanity plates, these let you choose your own combination of two to seven letters and numbers instead of accepting the state's random assignment. Combinations cannot be offensive, cannot resemble an official government or emergency vehicle plate, and cannot duplicate a combination already assigned to another vehicle.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Initial personalization fee | $35, in addition to standard registration |
| Annual renewal | $35 per year, in addition to standard registration |
Specialty Plates
Specialty plates support a college, military branch, professional group, or charitable cause through a distinct background design. Georgia offers hundreds of specialty designs, and part of each plate's fee typically supports the represented organization or cause.
- Collegiate plates: roughly $25 to $35 per year, part of which supports the institution.
- Military and veteran plates: ranges from no additional fee to about $35 per year depending on the specific plate, with proof of service such as a DD-214 usually required.
- Special interest and charitable plates: roughly $25 to $50 per year, depending on the organization.
Many specialty designs can also be personalized, combining the specialty background with your own chosen characters. That combination carries both the specialty fee and the $35 personalization fee each year.
Temporary Plates
A temporary operating permit, or TOP, is a paper permit rather than a metal plate, issued by a dealer or County Tag Office to cover the gap between purchasing a vehicle and receiving permanent registration. It is valid for 45 days and cannot be renewed or extended; if your permanent plate is delayed past that window, contact your County Tag Office before the permit expires.
Antique Plates
Available for vehicles at least 25 years old that are used primarily for shows, exhibitions, club activities, or occasional recreational driving rather than daily transportation. Antique plates typically carry lower annual fees than standard registration, and some counties waive emissions testing for antique-plated vehicles, but usage restrictions apply and violating them can result in fines.
Disability Plates and Placards
Issued to qualifying individuals through the County Tag Office using a completed Form MV-9D signed by a licensed physician. Disability plates grant access to designated accessible parking and are separate from, though sometimes combined with, other plate categories.
How Do These Plate Types Compare?
| Plate Type | Annual Cost Beyond Standard Registration |
|---|---|
| Standard | None |
| Personalized | $35 |
| Specialty (not personalized) | $25 to $50 |
| Specialty and personalized combined | $25 to $50 plus $35 |
| Antique | Typically lower than standard registration |
Does Georgia Require a Front Plate?
No. Georgia requires only a single rear plate, regardless of which type you choose. Decorative front plates are legal as long as they clearly do not imitate an official government plate.
Types of Georgia License Plates FAQ
Can I switch plate types later?
Yes. You can switch from a specialty or personalized plate back to standard, or choose a different specialty design, at renewal by visiting your County Tag Office and surrendering your current plates.
Do all specialty plates require proof of eligibility?
No. Most collegiate and charitable specialty plates have no eligibility requirement and are open to anyone. Military and some professional organization plates do require documentation.
Can I personalize an antique plate?
Antique plates follow a separate historic design track and are generally not combined with the personalization program, since eligibility for antique plates is based on the vehicle's age rather than a design choice.