Specialty and Prestige License Plates in Georgia

Georgia offers an extensive variety of specialty and prestige license plates to reflect drivers’ interests, affiliations, military service, and vehicle type. Whether you're a veteran, support a college, or simply want a personalized plate, the Georgia Department of Revenue (DOR) makes it possible to customize your vehicle’s identity.

Types of Specialty and Prestige Plates

Georgia’s license plate offerings fall into two main categories:

Specialty Plates

These plates typically promote causes, institutions, or organizations and include:

• Collegiate plates (e.g., University of Georgia, Georgia Tech)
• Special interest groups (e.g., wildlife conservation, breast cancer awareness)
• Military service and veteran status plates
• Organizational plates (e.g., Masonic lodges, fraternities/sororities)

Prestige Plates

Often referred to as personalized or vanity plates, prestige plates allow drivers to select a custom letter/number combination (e.g., “MYCAR1”). These are subject to availability and approval by the DOR.

Eligibility Requirements

Eligibility varies by plate type:

• Military plates require valid documentation such as DD-214 forms or military ID.
• Collegiate or organizational plates may require proof of membership or affiliation.
• Prestige plates must conform to character length and content guidelines. No vulgar, profane, or offensive language is permitted.

The Georgia DOR reserves the right to reject any application that doesn't meet state guidelines.

Application Process

You can apply for specialty and prestige plates through the Georgia DOR’s online portal or at your local county tag office. Here’s a general process:

1. Search for Plate Availability: Use the Georgia DOR’s plate lookup tool.
2. Submit Application: Complete Form MV-9B for prestige plates or the relevant form for specialty plates.
3. Provide Supporting Documents: Include proof of eligibility if required.
4. Pay Fees: Pay applicable fees for both the initial issuance and annual renewal.

For guidance on general vehicle registration, check out How to Register a Vehicle in Georgia.

Costs and Fees

Plate fees vary depending on type:

• Standard specialty plate fee: $25 manufacturing fee plus $35 special tag fee annually
• Prestige plate fee: $35 annually in addition to standard registration costs
• Additional county and ad valorem taxes may apply

For a breakdown of DMV-related charges, refer to Understanding Georgia DMV Fees and Penalties.

Renewal and Replacement

Specialty and prestige plates must be renewed annually with your vehicle registration. If your plate is damaged or lost, you can request a replacement through the DOR. More info is available at Renewing Your Georgia Vehicle Registration.

Additional Tips

• Plates are tied to the vehicle, not the person. If you change vehicles, you'll need to transfer the plate.
• Plates cannot be duplicated across vehicles.
• Specialty plates are a great way to support causes; many programs receive funding through your plate fees.

For DMV locations and services related to plate application or pickup, visit Finding Georgia DMV Offices Near You.