Georgia License Plate Lookup
Did you know that Georgia ranks high in car theft records? With thousands of vehicles stolen every year, and numerous cases of hidden records. Use the Georgia license plate lookup and get the vehicle history report before you buy any used vehicle in Georgia.
Table of Contents
What is a Georgia License Plate Lookup?
A Georgia license plate lookup is a service that lets you search a plate number to get a detailed vehicle history report. Both car buyers and sellers can use it to run a background check before making a deal, helping to reduce the risk of scams.
With just the plate number, you can unlock a full vehicle history report. The report may include accident records, auction history, ownership details, warranty coverage, past usage, and the actual odometer reading.
Can You Look Up a License Plate for Free in Georgia?
Yes, but you can only get a basic check for free. With a free Georgia license plate lookup, you can view the vehicle’s specifications, features, MSRP, and any basic details. However, a free check will not suffice for complete history records, including information such as accidents, mileage, theft records, or liens.
Here’s what you can check for free:
- Associated VIN number
- Year, Make, and Model
- Country of Origin
- Market Value
- Transmission Type
- Fuel Type
- Drive Type
- Body Type
- Trim Information
- MSRP
- Engine Specifications
- Dimensions
- VIN
- Engine Value
- MSRP
- Manufacturer
- Fuel Type
- Body Type
- Year & Model
- Transmission
- Vehicle Type
- Sales Record
- Drive Type
- Mileage
- Market Value
- Doors
- Country of Origin
What Can You Learn from License Plate History Records
You can learn everything there is to know about any vehicle’s past with a license plate lookup. This includes accident records, past ownership records, theft records, damages, liens and loans, and everything.
Vehicle Specification
Detailed information about the car’s make, model, year, transmission, engine type, country of origin, standard seating, MSRP, and more. See if the vehicle matches your needs and budget.
Ownership History
See how many people have owned the vehicle before it was sold to you. A record of previous owners, including the duration of ownership, year of purchase, and registration locations.
Accident Records
Check if the vehicle was involved in an accident. Check the reports on past accidents, detailing severity, location, and the extent of damage.
Damage Records
Information about the car’s damage caused by fire, flood, accident, dents, scratches, hail damage, and more.
Auction History
See if the vehicle has ever been involved in an auction. Check the date, location, final price, and get up to ten pictures that show the vehicle’s actual condition during the auction.
Lien/Loan Records
Information on any active liens or loans that may affect the transfer of ownership. Make sure that the lien/loan records of the vehicle are cleared off by the previous owners before you buy the vehicle.
Theft History
Verify if the vehicle has ever been reported stolen or involved in theft. See the date, location, and data source of the vehicle.
Mileage Records
Confirm the vehicle’s mileage to assess wear and tear. In this section, you will see the date,
Title Information
Clarify whether the title is clean, salvaged, or branded, impacting the car’s safety and value. See if the car’s title is clean before you decide to buy the vehicle.
Past Vehicle Usage
See how the vehicle was used in the past by the previous owner. Check if the vehicle was used as a personal vehicle, leased, rented, or even used as a government vehicle.
Recalls and Safety Issues
Check for any ongoing recalls or unresolved safety concerns. In this section, you’ll see the complete data of the recall dates, the causes, and the steps taken to fix the recall issues.
Service History
Access records of maintenance and repairs, including the types of services performed and parts replaced.
Who Should Use the Georgia License Plate Lookup?
To spot hidden records, damaged vehicles, and fraudsters in the used car market. Buyers might not spot odometer fraud just by looking at a car, and many sellers use this to their advantage. Some scammers can use affordable devices to roll back digital odometers, making it important to verify the vehicle’s history through license plate lookup before payment.
- For Buyers
- Verify Vehicle Authenticity Ensure the car matches its description and hasn’t been misrepresented.
- Identify Hidden Issues Check for past accidents, liens, theft reports, or title issues that could impact the car’s value.
- Know What You’re Paying For Get a reliable market value estimate to avoid overpaying.
- Protect Yourself from Fraud Verify the vehicle isn’t stolen to prevent legal troubles and financial loss.
- For Sellers
- Improve Transparency Provide clear and verifiable details to increase transparency.
- Price Your Vehicle Accurately Use accurate market data to price all vehicles in your inventory fairly.
- Avoid Future Disputes Share all relevant information upfront to avoid post-sale conflicts.
- Increase Your Sales Chances Buyers are more likely to purchase quickly when they have confidence in the vehicle’s history.
Steps to Use the Georgia License Plate Lookup
Enter the License Plate Number
You can find the license plate number on the front and back of the vehicle. Fill out the form on this page and submit it.
Review and Purchase
Check vehicle specifications and features, and complete your purchase.
Get Your Report
Access your vehicle history report instantly. Download and print it easily.
How the Georgia License Plate Lookup Helps a Buyer
Actual Condition
- 2 accident records
- 1 Record(s) of damage
- 2 specific events reported
- 2 auction record
- 7 lien or loan record
Seller’s Claim
- No dents or scratches
- Privately owned
- Never been in an accident
Outcome
- The buyer did not proceed to buy the vehicle because it has dangerous records
Why Checking the License Plate is a MUST
- -Helps the buyer to see the actual information of the vehicle before buying a used vehicle
Why Use a Georgia License Plate Lookup With Detailed Vehicle History?
A Georgia license plate lookup offers a simple way to discover important information about a vehicle before making any decision. By entering the plate number, you can:
- Access a full vehicle history with 150+ data points, including accident records, ownership transfers, and title updates.
- Check past auction listings, often featuring up to 10 photos that reveal the car’s condition.
- Review mileage reports to detect possible rollbacks or irregularities.
- Get market value estimates to know the vehicle’s true worth.
Georgia License Plate Design and Format
Georgia license plates feature a distinctive peach logo, an iconic symbol of the state. The background often includes a scenic image showcasing Georgia’s natural beauty, while the characters are legible in a contrasting color.
Types of Georgia License Plates
In Georgia, drivers can choose from a wide range of license plates to match their needs, vehicle type, or personal preference. Below are the main categories available:
Standard License Plates
The most common type, issued for everyday vehicles. These plates come with the standard Georgia peach design and are suitable for most car owners.
Alternative Fuel License Plates
Vanity plates let drivers choose their own letters or numbers. Passenger vehicles can have up to 6 characters, while motorcycles can have up to 5. Commercial vehicles up to 9,001 pounds can also use 6 characters. These plates can be ordered online through the DMV vanity plate service.
College and University License Plates
Offered for Georgia colleges and state universities, these plates allow drivers to show school pride while also supporting educational programs.
Military Veteran License Plates
Available for veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces. Many variations exist, such as plates for specific branches or military honors, providing recognition for service.
Motorcycle License Plates
Smaller in size, these plates are specifically created for motorcycles while still carrying the official Georgia plate design.
National Guard and U.S. Reserve License Plates
Exclusive to active members or retirees of the Georgia National Guard and U.S. military reserves, reflecting their service status.
Vanity License Plates
Personalized plates where drivers can create their own unique letter and number combinations, subject to availability and approval.
Prestige License Plates
Similar to vanity plates , but often associated with premium backgrounds or themes, giving vehicles a more distinctive appearance.
Special Interest License Plates
Plates supporting causes, organizations, or hobbies. Examples include wildlife preservation, charitable foundations, or awareness campaigns.
License Plate Cost in Georgia
- Standard plate: $20 per year
- Prestige/vanity plate: $90 initial, $55 annual renewal
- Specialty plate: $25–$35 extra fee + $35 annual specialty fee
- Replacement standard plate: $8
- Replacement prestige/vanity plate: $43
- Military/veteran plates: Reduced or free (some admin fees may apply
Georgia Laws/Legislation on License Plates
In Georgia, all vehicles must have rear license plates that must be clearly visible and not obstructed. All vehicles must also be registered with the state, and regular renewals are required to keep the license plates valid.
How to Register and Transfer a Car Title in Georgia
To register and transfer a car title in Georgia, vehicle owners must complete a few simple steps through the Georgia Department of Revenue (DOR) Motor Vehicle Division:
- Gather documents: You’ll need the current vehicle title, a completed Title/Tag Application (Form MV-1), proof of identity, and proof of Georgia residency.
- Provide the bill of sale: If you purchased the vehicle from a private seller, a bill of sale may be required along with the signed-over title.
- Pay title and registration fees: The Standard title transfer fee is $18, plus the annual registration fee and any applicable taxes.
- Submit emissions test (if needed): Vehicles in certain counties must pass an emissions inspection before registration.
- Visit your County Tag Office: Submit all documents, pay fees, and complete the registration process.
- Receive your Georgia title: The new title will be mailed once the transfer is complete, usually within a few weeks.
Renewing Your Georgia License Plate
There are several options you can choose from when it comes to renewing your Georgia license plates. You can renew online at a Georgia MV Self-Serve Kiosk, in person, by mail, or by phone. You need to make sure that you renew annually, usually by your birthday, but you can renew up to 90 days before the expiration date.
How to Get a License Plate in Georgia
Before a vehicle can receive license plates in Georgia, it must first be titled and registered with the state. Owners are given 30 days from the date of purchase to complete this process at their local County Tag Office.
When applying for a Georgia title and plate, be ready to provide:
- A current Georgia driver’s license or state ID card
- Proof of ownership (such as the original title, bill of sale, court order, or Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin)
- Form T-22B (Certification of Inspection), required if the car is brought in from another state or country
- A completed Form MV-1 Title/Tag Application
- Evidence of valid liability insurance
These documents can be submitted in person at the tag office or sent by mail. Once everything is approved, standard license plates are issued for an initial fee of $20, plus any applicable taxes and registration costs..
How to Get a License Plate in Georgia
- Names or addresses of past and present owners
- Phone numbers, emails, or other personal contact details
Get More Than a License Plate Lookup
Easily access all the tools you need to get a full car background check and make the best decisions:
VIN Decoder
Window Sticker Lookup
Build Sheet by VIN
Classic Car History Report
License Plate Lookup By States
FAQs About Georgia License Plate Lookup
Q. Can you look up a license plate in Georgia?
A. Yes, you can use our GA license plate lookup tool at the top of this page. All you need to do is fill out the form, and your license plate will be instantly decoded to reveal vehicle specifications and history records.
Q. What does a license plate lookup show?
A. With a Georgia license plate check, you can view vehicle specifications, ownership history, accidents and damages, sales records, auction history with up to 10 photos, lien and loan records, theft records, mileage, title brand records, market value, open recalls, service history, maintenance tips, repair suggestions, and more.
Q. How do you find the owner of a car by license plate?
A. Due to privacy laws, you cannot get a Georgia License Plate lookup to view personal owner information. However, you can always view the number of previous owners, the duration of ownership, and their registration locations.
Q. Can I Register a Vanity License Plate in Georgia?
A. To apply for a vanity license plate in Georgia, visit your local County Tag Office. Applicants must complete the MV-9B Special Prestige License Plate Application and be prepared to pay the required fees:
- $35 one-time manufacturing fee
- $35 annual special tag fee
- $20 tag fee
Keep in mind that prestige and specialty plates come with additional renewal costs compared to standard plates.
