Using a free service, you can easily look up a Georgia license plate for mechanical and model details. However, you won't see any vehicle owner information as state and federal DPPA statutes strictly regulate those personal details. Georgia's Department of Driver Services allows companies, law enforcement, and other types of businesses to create an account and pull license plate records. There are only a few limited purposes that Georgia allows for access to driver records such as insurance, employment, credit, licensing, and car rentals.
When requesting records from the government, you will need to pay fees and supply information about the vehicle such as the driver's license number, VIN, or plate number.
The state of Georgia requires only one license plate affixed to the rear of the vehicle, and they do not allow any license plate covers that may restrict the visibility of it. License plates may not be covered by any type of material unless it is colorless and transparent.
Some specific types of vehicles need to display the license plate on the front. Anyone who covers their license plate or violates other license plate laws in Georgia will be found guilty of a misdemeanor.
Any lost or stolen license plates must be reported to the police. Replacement costs for new plates range from $8-$43.
Whether you move to Georgia from another state or move from county to county, you have only 30 days to register your vehicle in the new county of residence. When registering a new car, you will need the title or a title application, proof of insurance, a clean emissions test, the appropriate fees, and taxes, along with a valid Georgia driver's license and proof of vehicle ownership.
Registration renewals may be completed online or in-person at the County Tag Office during the month of renewal.
Most vehicle owners will use Georgia's standard license plates (called tags), which has peaches on it with a light blue sky. They also offer personalized plates for all their different specialty plates. Georgia also has disability plates, prestige plates, and a standard alternative that has a white background. Some other Georgia license plate options are:
Georgia also offers dozens of organizational license plates that help to sponsor foundations and causes. The extra fees for these types of plates go towards helping fund those businesses. Some of these specialized plates sponsor firefighters, police, the Rotary club, and other things like that. All tags can be purchased at the local County Tag Office.
The state also has special trailer plates for truck users who haul things in a trailer.
Georgia's driver protection laws (O.C.G.A. § 40-2-130(c); O.C.G.A. § 40‑3‑23(d); O.C.G.A. § 33-34-9.) specify how the federal Driver's Privacy Protection Act of 1994, 18 U.S.C. §§ 2721-2725 (DPPA) works in regards to private information contained in motor vehicle records collected and stored by government agencies. Georgia's law states that motor vehicle records are "exempt from the provisions of any law of this state requiring that such records be open for public inspection". O.C.G.A. § 40-2-130(c) The law states that records may be provided for use that is consistent with the federal DPPA and for the following five purposes:
Additionally, the law states that "personal informationobtained by a business under this code shall not be resold or redisclosed for any purpose other than those permitted" under the federal DPPA, without the "written consent of the individual".
It is illegal to lookup license plate numbers in Georgia for purposes other than what is stipulated by the federal and state DPPA laws. Georgia allows even fewer types of individuals to access these records than other states. They do offer a portal for businesses only to perform searches.
To use the license plate lookup system, you first have to set up an account with the Georgia Department of Driver Services, and once it is approved, you can begin using it. There are fees involved, and you will have to supply as much information about the vehicle and driver as possible when submitting a request. This may include the license number, VIN, or plate number.
The Georgia Department of Driver Services offers a public portal for businesses and law enforcement professionals to search license plate records. Searches may be conducted via a plate number or VIN. There is also a national title registry online where anyone can look up a vehicle if they have the VIN. This is great for checking out a used car before buying it.
The state strictly prohibits finding an owner through online system, unless you qualify under DPPA laws. It is intended for businesses and law enforcement only. You could, however, contact the police to have them locate someone about an abandoned vehicle, for example.
Additionally, along with the application to open an account, you must supply the following documentation:
Georgia allows only the following limited usage of license plate information (personal owner details):
You can use various online portals and search tools to look up a Georgia license plate for free. However, you will see only basic information about the vehicle, such as the color, make, model, and perhaps the year. Sometimes you may see transmission and engine type, the manufacturer, and other minor details.