What is a License Plate Replacement in Georgia?
Georgia issues one rear license plate for a registered vehicle and processes replacements through 159 tag issuance offices across the state. A replacement is a transaction that reissues a license plate (or validation sticker) outside the annual renewal cycle, with its own fee of $8.00 through a separate process from the $20.00 registration renewal fee.
- Trigger conditions: lost, stolen, damaged, defective, or never received by mail. Returning a license plate from another state after establishing residency in Georgia also requires a new Georgia license plate, as does a change in vehicle class.
- Standard license plates retain the same number on replacement. Personalized license plates follow a narrower rule: the same message can only be reissued if the license plate was lost in the mail or returned due to damage. A lost or stolen personalized license plate cannot be replaced with the same characters.
- Single plate state: one rear license plate per vehicle according to O.C.G.A. § 40-2-41, so the replacement price is calculated per plate.
When Do You Need to Replace Your Georgia License Plate?
Owners must replace a license plate that is lost, stolen, damaged, defective (faded or unreadable), or never received after issuance. The Georgia DOR replacement page contains a full set of qualifying reasons and states that all lost or stolen plates must be reported to law enforcement.
- Police report is required for both lost and stolen plates before the County Tag Office processes Form MV-7. Damaged or defective plates do not require a report; the damaged plate itself (or a notarized statement confirming its destruction) serves as proof.
- Georgia does not set a specific deadline for replacing a damaged or unreadable plate. The violation is a criminal offense under O.C.G.A. § 40-2-8 for operating without a valid, readable license plate.
- Plates never received by mail require Form T-200 (Affidavit of Non-Receipt), and MV-7 must be notarized. The $8.00 fee may be waived if the application is submitted within 90 days of the initial issuance.
- New residents must register their vehicle within 30 days of gaining Georgia residency according to O.C.G.A. § 40-2-8(a).
How to Get a Replacement License Plate in Georgia
Each replacement goes through the County Tag Office where the owner resides. Gather the necessary documents before visiting, as the online portal does not process plate replacements.
- Bring with you: a completed Form MV-7, a police report (required for lost or stolen plates, per the trigger rules above), the damaged plate if you have it, and a valid photo ID. Prestige plate owners must also have a completed Form MV-9B.
- The County Tag Office issues a replacement plate and updated registration on-site for standard plates in stock. Prestige and specialty plates require manufacturing and are mailed. A $1.00 mailing fee applies when the plate is mailed.
- Georgia does not offer a state channel for plate replacement by mail. MV-7 instructions indicate submission “to the county tag office where you reside.” The Georgia DOR county tag office directory lists all 159 locations.
Can You Replace a Georgia License Plate Online?
No. Georgia does not accept online requests for plate replacement. The DRIVES e-Services portal handles registration renewals, duplicate registration cards, insurance fine payments, and address changes, but physical plate replacement is excluded.
The only channel is an in-person visit to the County Tag Office in your county of residence. County offices serve all 159 Georgia counties; the DOR county tag office directory includes each office with contact information. Counter payment varies by county (cash, check, or card accepted in most offices).
A mail-in package through DOR for this transaction is not available. Form MV-7 specifically indicates submission in person to the local tag office.
Plan a visit to the office for any plate replacement in Georgia.
How Much is License Plate Replacement in Georgia?
The replacement fee is a flat $8.00 for standard plates, but prestige and specialty plates have an additional manufacturing fee, increasing the total cost. The Georgia DOR fee schedule publishes the breakdown.
- Standard plates: $8.00 replacement fee. The same $8.00 fee applies regardless of replacing the plate or validation sticker.
- Prestige (personalized) plates cost $43.00 total ($8.00 replacement fee plus $35.00 manufacturing fee).
- Specialty plates vary: $8.00 replacement fee plus a manufacturing fee ranging from $25.00 to $35.00, depending on the plate type.
- Plates lost in the mail may qualify for a fee waiver if replacement is requested within 90 days of initial issuance and accompanied by Form T-200 and a police report.
- Georgia does not impose an additional county fee on the replacement transaction. A $1.00 mailing fee applies only when the replacement plate is mailed to the owner rather than issued at the counter.