Plate Surrender in Georgia

Georgia’s Department of Revenue (DOR) does not require surrendering license plates. This applies to title transfers and moves out of the state. For more detailed information, keep reading below.

Moving to Georgia

After establishing residency in the Peach State, you have 30 days to register your car with the DOR and obtain Georgia license plates. while you do not have to surrender you old plates to the DOR, you may have to surrender them to your former state. If unsure, contact your former state's DMV.

During registration you will have a choice between standard plates or one of Georgia’s many specialized plates.

For more about Georgia, check out our relocation guide.

Moving from GA

Georgia license plates remain with the owner. This means you do not have to surrender your plates to the DOR after moving out of state. Keep the plates as souvenirs, or dispose of them as you wish.

Our Moving Out of Georgia page provides a checklist of things to take care of after establishing residency in your new state.

Selling a Used Car in Georgia

After agreeing with a buyer, remove the car’s license plates before handing over the title and keys. License plates stay with the owner. You then have the option to transfer the license plates to another car that’s in your name. You must do this within 30 days of the sale date. Otherwise, the choice is yours on whether to keep the plates.

Learn more about selling your vehicle by visiting our Title Transfers page.

Buying a Used Car in GA

GA license plates stay with the owner. This means the seller will remove the car’s plates before giving you the keys. If needed, apply for a temporary license plate, valid for 30 days, at your County Tag Office.

If the owner leaves the plates on the vehicle either try to return them or, if this is not possible, surrender the plates to your nearest County Tag office.

Visit our Vehicle Title Transfers page for more information on buying a car.

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