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General Tag Information
Applications for all Georgia license plates and renewal decals must be made concurrently with an application for title to the Tag Agent in the county in Georgia of the owner's legal residence.  Owners operating vehicles used primarily in connection with an established business must make tag and title applications to the Tag Office in the county in Georgia where the business is located.  The only exceptions are dealer license plates, transporter license plates, manufacturers' license plates and distributor license plates where applications should be made to the Motor Vehicle Division, Post Office Box 740384, Atlanta, Georgia 30374-0384.

Applications for license plates or renewal decals must be made before the last day of the owner's registration period applicable in the owner's county.  Failure to register a motor vehicle which is owned during the owner's registration period will result in monetary penalties being assessed and collected.

The purchaser of a new or unregistered motor vehicle must purchase or transfer a  license plate within 30 days of purchase and apply for a title in order to operate such vehicle as provided for by Section 40-2-20 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated.

When purchasing a vehicle that is currently registered in Georgia, the new owner must obtain or transfer a license plate and apply for a Certificate of Title within 30 days of purchase.  Failure to do so may result in a fine by law enforcement for improper registration.

Motor  vehicles owned by nonresidents may be used and operated on the public streets and highways for a period of (30) days without registering said vehicle in the State of Georgia provided the vehicle displays valid license plates from the owner's home state.

Motor vehicles owned by visitors may be used and operated on the public streets and highways for pleasure purposes only, for a period of ninety (90) days without registering said vehicle in the State of Georgia provided the vehicle displays valid license plates from the owner's home state.

A nonresident student who is a resident of a state which is a member of the Multi-state Reciprocity Agreement shall be exempt from the requirements of registering a vehicle in this State in accordance with the provisions of the agreement as long as the vehicle displays valid license plates from the owner's home state.

Military personnel are not required to register their vehicles in Georgia as long as they display valid license plates from their home state.  However, they do have the option to purchase Georgia license plates if they so desire provided that they comply with applicable procedures and are stationed in Georgia.
 
Mailing address:
Clarke County Tag Agent
P. O. Box 8088
Athens, GA 30603
Walk-in Location:
3025 Lexington Road
Highway 78 East
Athens, GA 30605
Office Hours:
8:00am – 5:00pm
Monday – Friday
Phone:(706) 613-3130
FAX:(706)548-0967

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