What Georgia License Plate Types You Can Get

Georgia offers three main categories of license plates: standard plates (the default option), specialty plates (which support specific causes or organizations), and personalized plates (where you choose the characters). Most drivers get the standard plate automatically when they register a vehicle, but you can request a specialty or personalized plate instead, and you'll pay an additional fee for either choice.

The standard Georgia plate displays the state peach logo and your registration number. Specialty plates cost extra but direct a portion of that fee to causes like wildlife conservation, military service, or professional organizations. Personalized plates let you pick the characters (within limits) and also cost more than standard plates.

You can change plate types when you renew your registration or request a new plate at any time by visiting a Georgia Department of Revenue office or explore by mail. Some specialty plates have waiting lists or membership requirements, so the availability depends on which plate you want.

Key Takeaways

  • Georgia's standard plate is free with registration, but specialty and personalized plates require an additional fee paid at the time of request.
  • Specialty plates direct a portion of their fee to specific organizations or causes, and some require proof of membership or military service.
  • Personalized plates let you choose up to seven characters, but certain words and combinations are blocked by the state.
  • You can switch plate types at renewal or request a change when ready through a Georgia Department of Revenue office or by mail.
  • Some specialty plates have long waiting lists, so checking current availability before requesting is important.

Standard Georgia License Plates

The standard Georgia plate is what you receive with your vehicle registration unless you request something different. It displays the state peach, your county name, and your registration number. There is no additional cost beyond your regular registration fee.

Standard plates are valid for the life of your vehicle registration. When you renew your registration every year or every two years (depending on your vehicle type), you keep the same plate unless it is damaged or you request a change. If your plate is lost, stolen, or unreadable, you can get a replacement standard plate from any Georgia Department of Revenue office.

Specialty Plates and What They Support

Georgia offers more than 100 specialty plate designs. Each one supports a different cause, organization, or group. Common specialty plates include those for military veterans, wildlife conservation, professional associations, universities, and charitable organizations. The additional fee you pay—typically $25 to $50 per year on top of your registration—goes to the organization or cause the plate represents.

Some specialty plates require proof of membership or status. For example, military specialty plates require discharge papers or military ID. University plates may require proof of attendance or alumni status. Professional organization plates often require membership documentation. You'll need to provide these documents when you request the plate.

Many specialty plates have waiting lists because demand exceeds the number of plates available. The Georgia Department of Revenue maintains a current list of which plates are open and which have waiting lists. You can check this list on their website or call your local county office to ask about a specific plate's status.

Personalized Georgia License Plates

A personalized plate lets you choose the characters instead of receiving a random registration number. You can use up to seven characters, which can be letters, numbers, or a combination. The fee for a personalized plate is typically $25 to $50 per year in addition to your registration fee.

Georgia blocks certain words, phrases, and combinations on personalized plates. The state will not issue plates with profanity, slurs, or content that is sexually explicit or promotes illegal activity. Some common words that sound offensive when read aloud are also blocked. When you request a personalized plate, the Georgia Department of Revenue reviews your choice and either approves it or suggests alternatives.

You can request a personalized plate when you register a new vehicle, renew your registration, or at any time by visiting a Georgia Department of Revenue office or submitting a request by mail. If your requested combination is already taken, you'll need to choose a different one. The state will hold a personalized plate for you for a limited time while you decide.

How to Request a Different Plate Type

To switch from a standard plate to a specialty or personalized plate, visit your county's Georgia Department of Revenue office with your vehicle registration and proof of ownership. You can also request a plate change by mail by sending a completed form to the state office, though this takes longer than an in-person visit.

If you are requesting a specialty plate that requires membership or status verification, bring the required documents with you. For military plates, bring your discharge papers or military ID. For university plates, bring proof of attendance or alumni status. For professional organization plates, bring your membership card or letter.

You can change your plate type at any time, not just at renewal. However, if you change plates before your registration expires, you may pay a small fee for the new plate. When you renew your registration, you can keep your current plate or switch to a different type at that time.

Plate Fees and Renewal Costs

Standard Georgia plates have no additional fee beyond your regular vehicle registration cost. Specialty plates and personalized plates both carry an extra annual fee, typically $25 to $50 per year depending on the specific plate type. This fee is paid when you request the plate and again each year at renewal.

Some specialty plates have higher fees because a larger portion goes to the supporting organization. Check the Georgia Department of Revenue website or ask at your county office for the exact fee for the plate you want. Fees can change, so confirm the current cost before you visit or submit your request.

If you damage or lose a plate, a replacement standard plate is usually free or costs a small fee. Replacement specialty or personalized plates may cost more. Keep your plate in good condition to avoid replacement fees.

Transferring Plates Between Vehicles

You can transfer a personalized plate to a different vehicle you own, but you must do so through the Georgia Department of Revenue. Bring your current registration, the new vehicle's title and registration, and proof of ownership for both vehicles. The transfer is usually processed the same day at a county office.

Specialty plates are tied to your vehicle registration, not to you personally. If you sell your vehicle, the specialty plate stays with that vehicle's registration. The new owner can keep the plate or request a standard plate instead. If you want to keep a specialty plate design, you would need to request it again for your new vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a personalized plate with my business name?

Yes, as long as your business name fits within seven characters and does not contain blocked words or phrases. The plate is registered to you personally, not to your business, but you can use it on a business vehicle. Check with the Georgia Department of Revenue to confirm your specific business name is allowed.

What happens if someone else gets the personalized plate I want?

Personalized plates are issued on a first-come, first-served basis. If your requested combination is already taken, you must choose a different one. The state will not hold a plate for you while you decide, so if you want a specific combination, request it as soon as possible.

Do I have to renew my specialty or personalized plate every year?

Yes. Both specialty and personalized plates must be renewed each year along with your vehicle registration. The additional fee is due at renewal time. If you do not renew, your plate reverts to a standard plate at your next registration renewal.

Can I have a specialty plate and a personalized plate at the same time?

No. Your vehicle can have only one license plate. You must choose either a specialty plate design or a personalized plate, not both. Some specialty plates may allow you to personalize them slightly, but this varies by plate type—ask the Georgia Department of Revenue about your specific plate.

Where do I go to request a plate change?

Visit your county's Georgia Department of Revenue office with your vehicle registration and proof of ownership. You can also request a plate change by mail by contacting the state office for a form. In-person requests are usually processed the same day, while mail requests take one to two weeks.