License Plate replacement in Georgia may be needed when a plate is lost, stolen, damaged, or no longer readable. Vehicle owners need a valid plate that clearly displays the assigned registration information and meets state requirements. The replacement process can vary based on the reason for the request and the type of plate involved. Georgia drivers can review the required documents, fees, and county tag office procedures before requesting a replacement. Having the correct information ready can help make the request simple and reduce delays.
License Plate replacement requests may involve different steps for standard, specialty, personalized, or damaged plates. A lost or stolen plate may require details about the vehicle, registration, and circumstances surrounding the missing plate. Damaged plates may need to be surrendered or presented during the replacement process. Georgia vehicle owners should check current county tag office requirements before submitting a request. This page explains common replacement situations, required information, possible fees, and practical steps for obtaining a valid replacement plate.
How to Replace a License Plate in Georgia
Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged plate in Georgia starts with the correct paperwork and supporting records. The Georgia Department of Revenue requires different documentation based on the reason for replacement, so vehicle owners should complete each step before visiting the county tag office.
- Georgia DOR — Replace License Plate:
- https://dor.georgia.gov/mv-7-application-replacement-license-plate-tag-and-or-decal
- Form MV-7 is the official Georgia DOR application for a replacement license plate, tag, or decal.
- Use the form when a plate, tag, or decal needs to be replaced.
- Enter accurate vehicle, registration, and plate information on the application.
- Submit the completed form with the other required replacement documents.
- Requirements may vary based on whether the plate is lost, stolen, damaged, or mutilated.
- The completed application is handled through the appropriate County Tag Office.
- The official Georgia DOR page provides the current MV-7 form for download.
What Happens After You Apply for a Replacement Plate?
After submitting a Georgia license plate replacement request, the County Tag Office reviews the application and required documents. The Georgia Department of Revenue does not state a fixed processing or delivery period on its replacement plate page, so applicants should not rely on a specific turnaround time.
Processing and Issuance
The County Tag Office handles the replacement request after the applicant submits Form MV-7 and the required supporting documents. This can include a police report, damaged plate, T-200, or MV-9B, based on the replacement reason. Once the request is processed, the replacement plate, tag, or decal can be issued according to the applicable county process. The DOR does not publish a fixed processing time.
Update Your Vehicle Records
After receiving the replacement, check that the registration record reflects the correct plate number. Keep the replacement tag and updated documents with the vehicle registration records. If any information appears incorrect, contact the County Tag Office that processed the replacement request.
Install the Replacement Plate
Install the replacement plate on the vehicle according to Georgia plate-display requirements. The plate should be securely attached and clearly visible. Remove the old plate when instructed by the County Tag Office, particularly when the previous plate was damaged, mutilated, or replaced with a new plate number.
Can I Get a New License Plate in Person in Georgia?
Yes. If a Georgia license plate needs replacement because it is lost, stolen, damaged, defective, or never received, the replacement request is handled in person at the County Tag Office for the county where the vehicle owner resides. The Georgia Department of Revenue lists the County Toll Tag Office as the place to submit Form MV-7 and the required supporting documents.
- Georgia DOR — Replace License Plate:
- https://dor.georgia.gov/replace-license-plate
How to Apply for a New License Plate in Person
The Georgia Department of Revenue states that replacement license plates are handled at the vehicle owner’s local County Tag Office. Applicants should complete Form MV-7 before visiting the office and bring the required supporting documents.
- Complete Form MV-7 — Fill out the application for a replacement license plate and/or renewal decal.
- Report a lost or stolen plate — Lost or stolen plates and decals should be reported to law enforcement, and a copy of the police report is required.
- Bring the required documents — Take the completed MV-7, police report when applicable, and any damaged or mutilated plate or decal.
- Use Form T-200 when needed — If the plate was lost in the mail, submit the completed T-200 affidavit.
- Bring MV-9B for prestige plates — Prestige or vanity plate replacements require the applicable MV-9B form.
- Visit the County Tag Office — Submit the application and supporting documents and pay the applicable replacement fee.
What Do You Need to Replace a Georgia License Plate?
Replacing a Georgia license plate requires the correct form and supporting documents based on why the plate needs replacement. The required paperwork can differ for a lost, stolen, damaged, defective, or never-received plate, so applicants should prepare the records that match their situation.
Required Form MV-7
Form MV-7 is the primary application for a Georgia license plate replacement. The form is used to request a replacement license plate, tag, or decal. Applicants should complete the required sections with accurate vehicle and plate details. The completed form is submitted with the applicable supporting documents and payment through the appropriate county tag office. Georgia DOR — MV-7 Replacement License Plate Form
Identification and Vehicle Information
Applicants should have valid identification, such as a driver’s license, along with key vehicle records. The required information can include the VIN, plate number, registration record, and other vehicle information. Accurate details help the county tag office match the replacement request with the correct vehicle record. Applicants should check their registration documents before completing Form MV-7 so the information entered on the application is accurate.
Police Report for Lost or Stolen Plates
A police report is required when a Georgia license plate has been lost or stolen. The report documents the missing or stolen plate and provides information that supports the replacement request. Applicants should keep the report available when submitting Form MV-7 and other required paperwork. For a stolen license plate, the report should identify the circumstances and relevant plate information.
Damaged or Mutilated Plate
For a damaged or mutilated license plate, the existing plate may need to be surrendered with the replacement application. The condition of the plate can affect the documents required by the county tag office. Applicants should bring the damaged plate, if available, along with Form MV-7 and the other required vehicle records.
Documents for Plates Lost in the Mail
A plate that was never received after being sent by mail may require additional documentation. Form T-200 can apply when a license plate is lost in the mail. Applicants should complete the required paperwork and submit it with the replacement request based on the MV-7 instructions. The county tag office can confirm the documents needed for the specific case.
Georgia License Plate Replacement Fees
Georgia License Plate Replacement Fees depend on the type of plate being replaced and the reason for the replacement. The Georgia Department of Revenue provides separate requirements for standard, prestige, specialty, lost, stolen, damaged, and never-received plates. Applicants should check the applicable replacement requirements before submitting Form MV-7 at their County Tag Office.
| Replacement Type | Fee | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Standard License Plate | $8 | Standard replacement fee |
| Standard Decal | $8 | Standard replacement fee |
| Prestige License Plate | $43 | $8 replacement fee + $35 manufacturing fee |
| Lost-in-Mail Plate or Decal | Fee may not apply | Applies when the plate or decal was lost before receipt and the request is made within 90 days of the issue date |
Fee: $8
Standard replacement fee
Fee: $8
Standard replacement fee
Fee: $43
$8 replacement fee + $35 manufacturing fee
Fee: May not apply
Applies when lost before receipt & requested within 90 days of issue date
Replacing a Georgia Prestige or Personalized License Plate
A Georgia prestige or personalized license plate follows some different replacement rules than a standard plate. The Georgia Department of Revenue requires Form MV-9B for prestige or vanity plates, and the same personalized message can only be reissued in certain situations.
MV-9B for Prestige Plates
Form MV-9B is required when replacing a prestige or vanity license plate. The form is submitted with the other replacement documents at the County Tag Office. Applicants should complete the applicable sections and provide the vehicle and plate information requested. The Georgia DOR identifies MV-9B as the Prestige License Plate Application for this type of replacement.
Can the Same Personalized Message Be Reissued?
Yes, but Georgia DOR limits when the same personalized message can be placed on a replacement plate. The current MV-7 instructions state that the same message may be replaced when the original personalized plate was lost in the mail or surrendered due to damage, mutilation, or a similar condition. For other replacement situations, the same personalized message cannot be reissued. The applicant can instead request a different personalized message on the same tag type, a pre-numbered plate on the same tag type, or a pre-numbered plate on a tag type that does not require an annual additional fee. If a different tag type is requested, the applicable replacement fee must be paid.
Frequently Asked Questions About Georgia License Plate Replacement
Georgia License Plate Replacement often involves the required forms, replacement costs, police reports, and the County Tag Office process. The answers below cover common situations involving lost, stolen, damaged, or never-received plates and explain the basic requirements for requesting a replacement in Georgia.
How much does it cost to replace a license plate in Georgia?
The standard Georgia license plate replacement fee is $8 for a replacement plate or decal. A replacement prestige license plate costs $43, which includes the $8 replacement fee and $35 manufacturing fee. Specialty plate replacement costs can include the $8 replacement fee plus applicable manufacturing charges. The replacement fee may be waived when a plate or decal was lost in the mail before receipt and the request meets Georgia’s 90-day requirement.
How do I replace a lost license plate in Georgia?
For a lost license plate Georgia replacement, first report the missing plate to the appropriate law enforcement agency. A copy of the police report is required for the replacement request. Complete Form MV-7, provide the required vehicle and owner information, and submit the application with the police report and applicable fee to the County Tag Office in the county where the vehicle owner resides.
What should I do if my Georgia license plate was stolen?
If a stolen license plate Georgia case occurs, report the theft to law enforcement and obtain a copy of the police report. The report is required for processing the replacement application. Complete Form MV-7 and submit it with the police report and other required documents at the County Tag Office. The report should contain the relevant plate information so the stolen plate can be properly documented.
Can I get a replacement license plate in person in Georgia?
Yes. A replacement plate can be requested in person at the County Tag Office in the county where the vehicle owner resides. Bring the completed MV-7, identification and vehicle information, plus any documents required for the reason for replacement. A police report applies to lost or stolen plates, while a damaged plate may need to be surrendered.
What form is needed to replace a Georgia license plate?
Form MV-7 is the main replacement application for a Georgia license plate, tag, or decal. It is used for plates that are lost, stolen, mutilated, defective, or never received. The form records the reason for replacement, vehicle information, owner information, and required certification. The completed MV-7 must be submitted with the required documents and applicable fee to the County Tag Office.