About Replacing Car Registration in Georgia

Replacing a damaged or lost car registration in Georgia is an important process that you must complete if your vehicle’s original license plates, decals or registration receipt are no longer legible or in your possession.

To replace a lost vehicle registration that may have been stolen, you must also file a report with a local law enforcement agency. You will need to submit a copy of the police report when ordering a replacement from the Georgia Department of Revenue (DOR).

Keep in mind that if your registration is about to expire, you may be able to apply for a car registration renewal instead of a replacement.

You can obtain duplicate registration in GA online or in person. If you need to replace your vehicle’s license plates or registration decals, however, you must complete the application process in person. To learn more about this process, review the information below.

Replacing a Lost Registration in Georgia

“Can you print your car registration online if you lose or damage your vehicle’s original receipt?” Typically, you can print a copy of registration receipts online under the DOR’s Georgia DRIVES e-Services portal if you can verify your identity and identify your registered motor vehicle.

Note: For more information about auto registration replacement, download our free guide.

To identify your vehicle, for instance, you must be able to provide its vehicle identification number (VIN) or license plate number. To verify your identity, you must provide your Georgia driver’s license number or another identity document.

If you cannot reprint your registration receipt online using the DOR’s e-Services portal, you must visit a county tag office to purchase your replacement credential in person.

During your office visit, you must be able to present your Georgia driver’s license and payment for the nominal application fee. Depending on the county where you live, you may need to complete an application as well.

Obtaining Duplicate Georgia Registration Plates and Decals

To replace car registration decals or license plates, you must visit your county tag office to submit your request in person. If your plates were stolen, however, you must first visit a local law enforcement agency to file a police report.

When obtaining a DMV copy of registration decals and/or plates, you must also submit a completed application and provide payment for the applicable fee. When completing the application, you must be able to provide information about the registered vehicle, such as:

• Vehicle identification number (VIN)
• License plate number
• Model year
• Make and model

Additionally, you must provide the names and mailing addresses of the vehicle’s primary and secondary owners (if applicable). If you have recently moved, make sure your address is up to date with the DOR. If possible, you must surrender the damaged registration credential as well.

If you need to obtain replacement car registration plates or decals after your original credentials were lost in the mail, you may be exempt from paying the application fee. However, you must submit your request within 90 days from the original date of issuance.

Consequences of Not Replacing a Car Registration in Georgia

If you do not obtain duplicate car registration credentials after your original receipt, license plates and/or decals become damaged or lost, you may receive a ticket if a police officer pulls you over for any reason.

To avoid the incurrence of any traffic citations and penalty fees, it is important to purchase replacement DOR credentials as soon as your original items sustain damages or disappear from your vehicle.

Download our free helpful guide for information about replacing your vehicle registration in Georgia.