Free Georgia License Plate Lookup | Check Vehicle Records Online

Planning to buy a used car in Georgia? Instantly uncover its history with our 100% FREE Georgia License Plate Lookup tool. Just enter the license plate number to access a full vehicle history report — including accident records, title brands, open recalls, theft checks, lien status, and more.

Why Use VinCheck.info for Georgia Tag Checks?

• 100% Free – no hidden fees or sign-ups
• Up-to-date records from verified sources
• Mobile-friendly and easy to use
• No tracking of personal information

Why Run a Georgia License Plate Lookup?

Whether you’re shopping in Atlanta, Savannah, Augusta, or anywhere across the Peach State, running a Georgia tag lookup is a smart move. With 94% of Georgia households owning at least one car and the state ranking among the top 5 most expensive for car repairs, it’s crucial to make an informed choice before buying.

Georgia License Plate Serial Format:
ABC1234

Sample Vehicle History Report

Georgia Vehicle License Plates

If you own a car or plan to buy one in Georgia, understanding how the state’s license plates work is essential for staying compliant. Before finalizing your purchase, run a Georgia license plate search to verify vehicle history.

Georgia License Plate Format

Standard Georgia passenger plates typically follow an alphanumeric format like ABC1234 or 1234ABC, depending on the issue year and county. Current standard plates feature a peach emblem, the state outline, and the “In God We Trust” motto or county name at the bottom. Specialty and vanity plates can include unique images and formats related to colleges, causes, or military service.

How Many Plates Per Vehicle in Georgia?

Georgia generally requires only one license plate, which is displayed on the rear of the vehicle. This applies to most vehicle types including passenger cars, motorcycles, and trailers. Front plates are not required or issued.

Grace Period for Getting Plates in Georgia

After purchasing a vehicle in Georgia, you have 30 calendar days to register it and receive official plates. During this time, the vehicle must display a valid temporary operating permit (TOP). Failure to register on time can lead to fines and possible late fees.

Types of Georgia License Plates

Georgia offers a broad range of license plate options to accommodate personal interests, affiliations, and eligibility categories:

• Education
• Motorcycle 
• Military
• Organizations & Causes
• Nature & Conservation 
• General / Other

All types of plates can be verified using a Georgia license plate lookup tool for added transparency and peace of mind when buying a vehicle.

Replacement of Lost or Damaged Georgia License Plates

If your license plate or decal is lost, stolen, or damaged, follow these steps to apply for a replacement at your County Tag Office.

Report Theft or Loss

First, report any lost or stolen plates or decals to law enforcement.

Where to Go

Visit your local County Tag Office to complete the replacement process.

What to Bring

Make sure to gather these required documents before your visit:

• Form MV-7 – Application for a Replacement License Plate and/or Renewal Decal
• Police Report – Required if your plate was lost or stolen
• Damaged Plate or Decal – Bring it if you still have it
• Form T-200 – Affidavit of Non-Receipt (if the item was lost in the mail)
• Form MV-9B – If replacing a prestige (vanity) plate

Replacement Fees

• Standard Plate: $8.00
• Prestige Plate: $43.00
  (Includes $8.00 replacement + $35.00 manufacturing fee)

Note: If your plate or decal was lost in the mail and it’s within 90 days of issue, the fee may be waived.

How to Register a Vehicle in Georgia

If you own or lease a vehicle in Georgia, you must register it with the state. This applies whether you’re a new resident, buying from a private seller, or purchasing from a dealer.

Registration Deadlines

• New Georgia residents: Register within 30 days of moving.
• Purchased from a private seller: Register within 7 business days.
• Purchased from a dealer: Register within 30 days.

Tip: Some dealers may submit your registration for you—ask at the time of purchase.

⚠️ Late registration penalties range from $100 to over $1,000.

What You’ll Need

Since requirements vary by county, contact your County Tag Office first. In most cases, you’ll need:

• Address and hours of your County Tag Office
• Valid Georgia driver’s license or ID
• Form MV-1 Title and Tag Application
• Emissions inspection certificate (if applicable)
• Proof of ownership (e.g., title, bill of sale, Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin)
• Proof of insurance
• Payment for registration fees and taxes

Taxes to Know:

• Annual Ad Valorem Tax (AAVT): For vehicles bought before March 1, 2013
• Title Ad Valorem Tax (TAVT): For vehicles bought after March 1, 2013, or brought into Georgia

Ways to Register

Option 1: Register by Mail

• Find your County Tag Office mailing address
• Mail all required documents, payments, and copies
• Double-check the address—mailing and in-person locations may differ

Option 2: Register in Person

• Go to your County Tag Office during business hours
• Bring all required documents and payments
• Typically faster than mail, and you can ask questions in person

📬 After You Register

• You should receive your registration in 2–3 weeks
• If you don’t receive it within 30 days, contact your County Tag Office

Georgia Vehicle Registration Renewal

All vehicles registered in Georgia must be renewed every year, typically during the owner’s birthday month.

You should receive a renewal notice at the start of your registration month. However, even if you don’t receive the notice, you are still responsible for renewing on time to avoid late fees and penalties. If unsure, contact your County Tag Office.

What You’ll Need

Before renewing, gather the following:

• License plate number or VIN
• Georgia driver’s license number or Letter ID (found on your renewal notice)
• Proof of liability insurance (if required)
• Passing emissions inspection (if required in your county)
• Payment for all registration taxes, fees, and applicable convenience charges

💡 Use the Georgia Renewal Fee Estimate Tool to calculate your costs.

Ways to Renew Your Registration

Choose the method that’s most convenient for you:

1. Online

• Visit the Georgia DRIVES website
• Click “Renew Vehicle Registration” under Featured Services
• Follow the step-by-step prompts
• You’ll receive your registration and decal by mail in 2–3 weeks

2. Self-Service Tag Kiosk (Participating Counties)

• Locate a Georgia MV Express Kiosk
• Bring your renewal notice (or input license plate + last 4 digits of VIN)
• Pay with credit card (some kiosks also accept cash)
• Get your registration and sticker printed immediately

3. In Person

• Go to your County Tag Office
• Bring all required documents and payment
• You’ll receive your registration and decal on the spot

4. By Mail

• Send all required documents and fees to your County Tag Office’s mailing address
• Make copies of all documents for your records
• Your registration will be mailed back within 2–3 weeks

5. By Phone

• Call 877-496-0249
• Follow the automated instructions
• Be ready with required info and payment
• Registration will be mailed within 2–3 weeks

After You Renew

• In-person or kiosk: Get your registration and decal immediately
• Online, mail, or phone: Allow 2–3 weeks for delivery
• If not received within 30 days, contact your County Tag Office

How to Title a Vehicle Purchased in a Private (Casual) Sale

If you purchased a vehicle in a private sale (non-dealer) in Georgia, you are required to title and register it within 7 days of the purchase date.

What You’ll Need

Be prepared with the following documents and information:

1. Personal Identification

• Valid Georgia driver’s license or ID card

2. Proof of Ownership

• The original, valid title properly assigned to you. All liens/security interests from the previous owner must be released on the title
• Title assignment section completed and signed by both buyer and seller
• If the vehicle is 1985 or older and no title is required:
  • Bill of Sale
  • Form T-22B Certification of Inspection (if not previously registered in GA)
• If coming from a non-title state or country:
  • Original registration document assigned to you using your full legal name
  • Form T-22B Certification of Inspection

3. Application Form

• Completed Form MV-1 Title/Tag Application

4. Insurance & Emissions

• Proof of insurance, either:
  • Filed by your insurance provider in the state database, or
  • An Insurance Binder showing valid liability coverage
• Emission inspection certificate, if required in your county

5. Payment for Fees and Taxes

• $18 title fee
• $20 license plate fee
• Title Ad Valorem Tax (TAVT)
• Any applicable penalties, if late

How to Transfer a Vehicle Titled in Georgia

If you’re selling or buying a vehicle titled in Georgia (not through a dealer), you must properly complete the title assignment on the back of the title certificate.

General Guidelines

• Use blue or black ink only.
• Do not alter or erase anything—this may void the title.
• Changing the purchase date may result in a $10 penalty.
• A Georgia vehicle owner (excluding licensed dealers) must hold a title in their name before transferring it.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Purchaser Information
   • Full legal name (must match Georgia driver’s license or ID)
   • Current Georgia address
2. Sale Details
   • Date of sale (MM/DD/YYYY)
   • Odometer reading in full miles (no tenths)
3. Odometer Disclosure
   • Check the appropriate box if:
     • The odometer exceeds mechanical limits:
       ▸ 99,999 (5-digit) or 999,999 (6-digit)
     • The reading is inaccurate due to:
       • Replacement or repair
       • Malfunction or tampering
4. Signatures
   • Seller: Print and sign your name
     ▸ If co-owned, all sellers must sign
     ▸ If a company, include:
     • Company name
     • Authorized agent’s name, signature, and job title
   • Buyer: Print and sign your name
     ▸ All buyers must sign if jointly owned

Frequently Asked Questions