How Much Does It Cost to Get a License Plate in Georgia in 2025?

Factors That Influence the Total License Plate Cost in Georgia

The cost of obtaining a license plate in Georgia is influenced by several factors, including the type of vehicle, the type of license plate, and additional fees that may apply. Below are the primary factors that determine the total cost:

• Vehicle Type: The cost varies depending on whether the vehicle is a passenger car, truck, motorcycle, or trailer.
• License Plate Type: Standard plates, specialty plates, and personalized plates each have different fee structures.
• Registration Fees: These are mandatory fees that apply to all vehicles and are required for the issuance of a license plate.
• Ad Valorem Tax: This is a property tax based on the vehicle's value and is applicable at the time of registration.
• Emission Inspection Fees: In certain counties, vehicles must pass an emissions inspection, which incurs an additional fee.
• Local Fees: Some counties may impose additional fees that contribute to the overall cost.

Specialty License Plates in Georgia

Georgia offers a variety of specialty license plates that allow vehicle owners to express their interests or support specific causes. These plates often come with additional fees:

• Initial Issuance Fee: Typically ranges from $25 to $35, depending on the plate design.
• Annual Renewal Fee: An additional $25 to $35 is usually required each year to maintain the specialty plate.
• Contribution Fees: Some specialty plates include a contribution to a related organization or cause, which can range from $10 to $25.

Examples of specialty plates include those supporting universities, military veterans, and charitable organizations. The fees collected from these plates often support the associated causes.

Personalized License Plates in Georgia

Personalized license plates allow vehicle owners to create custom messages or combinations of letters and numbers. The costs associated with personalized plates are as follows:

• Initial Personalized Plate Fee: $35 for the creation of a personalized plate.
• Annual Renewal Fee: $35 each year to maintain the personalized plate.
• Standard Registration Fees: These fees apply in addition to the personalized plate fees.

Personalized plates are subject to approval by the Georgia Department of Revenue to ensure that the requested message is appropriate and available.

Georgia License Plate Renewal Fee

Renewing a license plate in Georgia involves several fees, which are required annually:

• Standard Renewal Fee: $20 for most vehicles.
• Ad Valorem Tax: This tax is recalculated each year based on the current value of the vehicle.
• Emission Inspection Fee: Applicable in certain counties, typically costing around $25.
• Specialty or Personalized Plate Renewal Fee: Additional $25 to $35, depending on the type of plate.

Vehicle owners are required to renew their registration and pay the associated fees by their birthday each year to avoid penalties.

Georgia License Plate Replacements Fee

In the event that a license plate is lost, stolen, or damaged, a replacement can be obtained for a fee:

• Replacement Plate Fee: $8 for a standard plate.
• Replacement Decal Fee: $8 for a replacement decal if only the decal is lost or damaged.
• Specialty or Personalized Plate Replacement Fee: Additional fees may apply if replacing a specialty or personalized plate.

Vehicle owners must provide a completed application and, in some cases, a police report if the plate was stolen.

How Much Is the Tag Transfer Fee in Georgia

When transferring a license plate from one vehicle to another, a tag transfer fee is required:

• Tag Transfer Fee: $20 for transferring a plate to a new vehicle.
• Additional Registration Fees: May apply if the new vehicle has a different registration fee structure.

The tag transfer process allows vehicle owners to retain their existing plate when purchasing a new vehicle, provided the plate is still valid.

Exemptions and Discounts

Certain exemptions and discounts are available for specific groups of vehicle owners in Georgia:

• Military Exemptions: Active duty military personnel may be eligible for exemptions from certain fees.
• Senior Citizen Discounts: Some counties offer reduced fees for senior citizens.
• Disabled Veterans: Eligible veterans may receive a free license plate or reduced fees.
• Non-Profit Organizations: Vehicles owned by qualifying non-profit organizations may be exempt from some fees.

Eligibility for these exemptions and discounts typically requires documentation and approval from the Georgia Department of Revenue.