Governor Nathan Deal unveils three new wildlife license plates, the proceeds of which will support the Department of Natural Resource’s wildlife conservation and habitat management efforts, at the State Capitol on June 13, 2013. “I feel confident that the aesthetic originality found in the three new designs will draw even more to support our natural resources through this avenue,” said Deal.

The conclusion of this Spring’s legislative session brought about several important changes for car owners in Georgia. Here are some you’ll want to keep in mind before you register your vehicle…

Applying for Special Plates:
Georgians can pay an additional tag fee to support the cause or organization closest to them. In addition to adding some public visibility to one’s favorite cause or institution, these fees also help raise revenue for the state and allow lawmakers to fund public education, assist small businesses and offer benefits to those in need.

If you’re interested in purchasing a special license plate, look over all plate samples, or complete an MV-9B Form to request a prestige plate. When you’re ready to register or renew your vehicle’s tag, you can apply for the special plate at your local tax commissioner’s office.

Your tax commissioner’s office won’t issue a special license plate as a souvenir. You must use the plate and pay its annual fees for your personal vehicle.

Veteran Plates:
Georgians now have several new license plates to chose from to honor the service of Georgia’s veterans.

The new plates include Campaign/Tour of Duty License Plates for veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan and Service Award License Plates for recipients of 15 military medals.

Additionally, designs for existing plates (including Campaign/Tour of Duty License Plates for veterans of World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and Operation Desert Storm; and plates for military retirees and active duty members of the Reserves and Georgia National Guard) have been updated to match the new and improved plate design.

If you need assistance determining which plate(s) you may qualify for, or if you need to obtain a copy of your DD Form 214 (required for application), contact any GDVS Veterans Field Service Office for assistance.

Feeling Artsy?

The Georgia Council for the Arts invites all state vehicle owners to support the arts by reserving an arts license plate designed by Georgia artist Steve Penley. Ten dollars from each sale will support arts programs statewide.

More arts programs means more jobs, more tourists, and more opportunities for growth.

Go Wild!
Three new wildlife license plate designs are also now available at your local tag office. All three plates help support important conservation work being done by Georgia’s Department of Natural Resources‘ wildlife conservation and habitat management.

Designs were solicited from artists from around the country and then placed on the Internet for a public vote. The three new designs were selected by more than 18,000 people who participated in the voting process – and then unveiled by Gov. Nathan Deal at the State Capitol on June 13, 2013.

The plates can be purchased for $60 per tag with an annual renewal fee of $35. These fees are in addition to annual registration fees. Vehicle owners who already have wildlife plates can keep and continue to renew them. (All specialty tag fees apply.) Go to your local county tag office for more information or visit www.georgiawildlife.com. Read more: The Fish Wrap – New wildlife license plates are available from the DNR

Keep it Clean!
Georgia has new rules banning references to guns, drugs and alcohol on personalized (“vanity”) license plates.

The new rules, which won’t become final until after July 9, also ban profanity, any references to sex, items subject to trademark or copyright; references to crimes and all variations of the word “hate.” The rules also ban slurs on religious beliefs or beings, race, ethnicity, gender, or sexual orientation.

Ad Valorem:
And while we have you thinking about vehicle registration logistics, please note that vehicles purchased on or after March 1, 2013 and titled in this state are exempt from sales and use tax and the annual ad valorem tax. Instead, these vehicles are subject to a new, one-time title ad valorem tax that is based on the value of the vehicle.

More information on the Title Ad Valorem Tax fee is available at www.newtitletax.com