Keep reading for more information about license plates and tags in Georgia, including application forms, the cost of GA license plates, and other details.

You must have a GA license plate if you live in the state and operate a vehicle on Georgia's roads. License plates are required for:

Passenger vehicles.

Motorcycles.

Trailers.

Other vehicles, such as large trucks and recreational vehicles (RVs).

License plates are issued by the Georgia Department of Revenue (DOR) county tag offices.

Your license plate number is actually a combination of letters and numbers. It will also have the following decals:

One listing the county where your car is registered.

One showing the month and year that your registration expires.

The state issues standard license plates as well as vanity plates and special interest plates.

To get a license plate in Georgia, you must register your car. To keep your license plate valid, you must regularly renew your registration.

Temporary Tags

Temporary tags are issued by car dealers when you buy a car.

These temporary license plates are valid for 30 days and allow you to operate your vehicle on GA roads until you register and title it.

You must register your car with the GA DOR before your temporary tag expires.

If your car dealer doesn't provide you with the vehicle's manufacture certificate or title within 25 days, you can apply for a temporary tag extension from your local GA DOR office.

Apply for Georgia License Plates

You apply for a license plate when you register your car at a GA county tag office.

To register your vehicle, you will need:

A completed Motor Vehicle Title/Tag Application (Form MV-1).

Payment for your vehicle registration fees: License plate fees: $20 for passenger vehicles. $20 for motorcycles. $12 for homemade trailers. Ad valorem tax, which varies by vehicle and county.

A form of identification.

Proof of insurance.

Your vehicle title or manufacturer certificate of origin.

Our GA car registration page has more details about registration applications, requirements, and fees.

Renew a GA License Plate

Your GA license plate will have a decal in the lower, right corner showing the date and year your registration expires.

Before the expiration date, you should receive a registration renewal notice by mail. You can renew your registration:

Online (in some counties).

By mail.

OR



In person.

NOTE : Be sure the GA DOR has your correct address so you don't miss any renewal notices! If you have moved, you must update your address.

Once you've renewed your registration, you will get a new decal to put on your license plate, showing that your registration is up to date.

For more information about registration renewal, including fees and other requirements, see our GA registration renewal page.