Updated on July 16, 2021
For vehicle registrations, the state of Georgia requires emission testing. For 2021 vehicle registration, if your vehicle is a 1997 – 2018 model year gasoline-powered car or light-duty truck (8,500 pounds GVWR or less) registered in Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, Coweta, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry, Paulding or Rockdale County, it must be emissions tested.

Vehicles 25 model years or older are exempt from emissions testing, including 1996 or older for 2021 tags. Motorcycles, recreational vehicles (RVs), and motorhomes don’t require emissions testing for registration in Georgia. Diesel vehicles neither. Continue reading for more details about Georgia vehicle tags.

Georgia Vehicle Registration Renewal Guide

How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Georgia

The state of Georgia requires you to renew your registration each year. In most counties of the state, you will have 30 days to renew your registration before your birthday. If you live in Turner, Stewart, Randolph, Mitchell, McIntosh, Clay, Charlton, or Calhoun County you will need to register between the first of January through the 30th of April only.

Some counties will send out a renewal notice. This notice will include the expiration date, the renewal fee, information about emissions inspections, and a renewal identification number if you reside in a county that allows online renewals.

There are several counties in the state that require emissions testing for all vehicles newer than 1990. These counties include:

Rockdale, Paulding, Henry, Gwinnet, Fulton, Forsyth, Fayette, Douglas, DeKalb, Coweta, Cobb, Clayton, and Cherokee County.

To renew your registration in person you will need the following:

• Registration or your renewal notice or a title application
• Driver’s license
• Proof that the vehicle passed the smog check
• Proof of insurance
• Payment

Renewing Your Vehicle Registration By Mail In Georgia

To renew by mail you will need to send in the following information:

• Renewal notice or a completed title application
• Proof of insurance
• Proof of emissions testing
• Payment

If your county allows online renewal you will need to have your RIN number plus the above information.

How to Replace Car Registration Paperwork in Georgia

Is your license plate, renewal decal, or registration document damaged or missing? You need to know how to replace a vehicle registration In Georgia. We’ve pulled together all the info you need to get the job done.

In the state of Georgia, all motor vehicle licensing and registration is handled by the Motor Vehicle Division of the Georgia Department of Revenue. Their website is chock full of FAQs for everything you want to know about your license and registration. If you have additional questions, you can give them a call at 855-406-5221 or send them an email at motorvehicleinquiry@dor.ga.gov for a prompt and factual response.

Replacement Car Registration vs. Registration Renewal

Did you get a registration renewal notice in the mail? Then you need to follow the enclosed directions to keep your plates current before they expire.

You need to get a replacement vehicle registration if you are missing any part of your two license plates, the renewal decal, or the printed document that typically lives in your glove box. If you are pulled over, you can be cited for improperly displayed tags and receive an expensive ticket.

Replacing Your Lost or Damaged License Plate

Whether your Georgia license plate flew off while riding over bumpy roads or it was stolen, it needs to be replaced. Call your local police department and file a report as soon as possible.

Take the police report and the remaining license plate to your local County Tag office as soon as possible along with a completed Form MV-7. After collecting the fee and old plate, the clerk will issue you a new set of plates.

If you continue to drive the car or truck with a single plate after you report the loss of the plate, you may be pulled over and investigated for driving with stolen plates. Time is of the essence here.

Replacing a Lost License Plate Sticker

I lost the sticker on my license place. How do I replace my car tag?

Maybe you went through the car wash and your renewal decal fell off or is now illegible. If you still have the shreds, take it to the County Tag office along with the Form MV-7 to get a new one. There will be a nominal fee for the replacement. If you never received one in the mail after renewing your registration, you will need Form T-200 filled out to have one reissued to you.

Replacing Your Vehicle Registration Documents

Who knows where it went. You cleaned out the car and it vanished with a collection of trash. Visit your local County Tag office.

They may ask for your Georgia driver’s license, the vehicle title, and proof of insurance. You will pay the duplicate registration fee and be out of there with a new one in hand.

Where to Replace Your Registration

Where can I go to replace my car’s registration in person?

In Georgia, you will be visiting a County Tag office. They are located throughout the state.

Simply find the one that is closest to you to take care of business. It does not have to be the same office that originally issued the registration or your license. Most are open 8 AM to 5 PM, but it is always good to check by giving them a call to save frustration.

Registration Replacement Fees

How much does a replacement vehicle registration cost?

The MVD offers a complete list of fees on their website. In general, it costs $8 to replace your plates or to receive a new decal.

Georgia Prestige Plates

What is a prestige plate?

Maybe you just want a little extra love for your ride by adding one of the available Special Prestige Plates.

You will be paying the full renewal fee for your registration plus a vanity fee that varies with your plate. You will also need to fill out the Form MV-9B to apply for a unique number or word.

If you have more questions about your Georgia replacement registration, don’t hesitate to contact the DMV at 855-406-5221 or contact them at motorvehicleinquiry@dor.ga.gov.