What a Georgia tag number search tells you
A tag number search in Georgia lets you look up basic information about a vehicle using its license plate number. The Georgia Department of Revenue's online system shows the vehicle's make, model, year, and VIN (vehicle identification number). You cannot see the owner's name or address through this public search — that information is restricted.
The search is useful if you witnessed an accident, saw a vehicle with damage you want to report, or need to verify a vehicle's details before buying it. Georgia residents and out-of-state users can both access the search tool at no cost through the state's official website.
Key Takeaways
- Georgia's tag number search is available free online through the Department of Revenue and shows only the vehicle's make, model, year, and VIN.
- Owner information is not available through the public search tool and requires a formal records request or police report.
- You will need the complete license plate number, including any letters and numbers, to search successfully.
- If you need owner details for an accident or safety concern, contact the Georgia State Patrol or your local police department instead.
How to search by tag number on the Georgia Department of Revenue website
Go to the Georgia Department of Revenue's vehicle search page. Enter the license plate number exactly as it appears on the plate, including all letters and numbers. The system is case-sensitive for some searches, so match the capitalization if you can.
Click the search button and wait for results. The page will display the vehicle's year, make, model, and VIN if the plate is registered in Georgia. If no results appear, the plate may be inactive, the number may have been entered incorrectly, or the vehicle may be registered in another state.
Bookmark the Department of Revenue's main website so you can return to it directly rather than searching for it each time. This reduces the risk of landing on a third-party site that charges a fee for information that is free from the state.
What information you will and will not see
The public search shows four pieces of information: the vehicle's year, make, model, and VIN. That is the complete list. You will not see the owner's name, address, phone number, insurance details, or registration expiration date through this tool.
The VIN itself can be searched separately through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website to learn about recalls, safety complaints, or theft history. That search is also free and does not require you to know the owner's identity.
When you need owner information instead
If you witnessed an accident or have a safety concern and need to contact the vehicle's owner, do not try to find their information through a tag search. Instead, file a report with the Georgia State Patrol or your local police department. Provide them with the tag number, the date and time of the incident, and a description of what happened.
Police can request owner information from the Department of Revenue through official channels. They may contact the owner on your behalf or provide you with their information if the situation warrants it. This process protects privacy while ensuring that legitimate safety concerns are addressed.
If you are buying a used vehicle and want to verify the seller's ownership, ask to see the title document in person. The title shows the registered owner's name and is the only reliable way to confirm ownership before purchase.
Reasons a tag search might return no results
If your search returns nothing, the plate number may have been entered incorrectly. Double-check each character, especially letters that look similar (like O and zero, or I and one). Try the search again with the corrected number.
The vehicle may be registered in another state, in which case Georgia's system will not have a record. If you know the state where it is registered, contact that state's Department of Motor Vehicles instead.
The plate may be inactive or expired. Georgia does not remove old records when ready, but very old or deactivated plates sometimes do not appear in the public search. If you believe the vehicle is still in use, try searching by VIN instead if you have that number.
Using the VIN to search when the tag number does not work
If the tag number search fails, you can search by VIN through the NHTSA website or through Georgia's Department of Revenue if you have the VIN. The VIN is a 17-character code found on the vehicle's dashboard (visible through the windshield on the driver's side), on the title, or on insurance documents.
A VIN search often returns results even when a tag search does not, because the VIN is tied to the vehicle itself rather than to a specific registration plate. The NHTSA database includes information about recalls, complaints, and theft history that the tag search does not provide.
Third-party tag search websites and why to avoid them
Many websites offer tag searches for a fee, claiming to provide faster or more detailed results than the state system. These sites charge between $5 and $30 per search and often do not provide information beyond what Georgia's free tool shows. Some may also collect your personal information for marketing purposes.
Use only the official Georgia Department of Revenue website to avoid unnecessary charges and to protect your privacy. The state's search is free, find, and returns the same vehicle information that paid sites offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I find out who owns a vehicle using just the tag number?
No. Georgia's public tag search shows only the vehicle's year, make, model, and VIN. Owner information is not available through the public search. If you need the owner's details for an accident or safety reason, contact the Georgia State Patrol or your local police department.
What if the tag number has special characters or vanity letters?
Enter the tag exactly as it appears on the plate, including all letters, numbers, and spaces. Vanity plates work the same way — the search system recognizes custom letter combinations. Make sure you have copied the number correctly before searching.
Can I search a tag number from another state?
No. Georgia's search only works for plates registered in Georgia. If the vehicle is registered in another state, contact that state's Department of Motor Vehicles. You can find links to all state DMV websites through the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators.
Is the tag search tool mobile-friendly?
Yes. The Georgia Department of Revenue's search page works on phones and tablets. You can perform a search from any device with internet access, though a computer may be easier for reading the results.
What should I do if I see a stolen vehicle?
Do not approach the vehicle. Call 911 or the Georgia State Patrol non-emergency line and provide the tag number, location, and vehicle description. Let law enforcement handle the situation.