Georgia License Plates
The first Georgia license plates were issued by the cities of Atlanta and Savannah in 1904. The few license plates which have survived are just a serial number with no other markings. The state of Georgia first required license plates in 1910. The first and only slogan used on Georgia license plates is "PEACH STATE", starting in 1940 and 1941 but continuing between 1947 and 1980. The rarest Georgia license plate is most likely the 1941 issue where an embossed area was created to place a decal of a peach. This graphic was placed in the center of the license plate separating the license plate number. It was not until 1990 when Georgia issued a license plate with a peach. This time the peach was screened on to the retro reflective film which covers an aluminum substrate.
Georgia added the county name on bottom of its license plates in 1971 and this system is still in place. While the 1910, 1911, 1912, 1913 and 1914 Georgia license plates were made of thin steel and required some backing to enhance rigidity, the 1915 issued by Georgia was made of porcelain. The state reverted to steel in 1916. The most unique Georgia license plate size was issued in 1944 with dimensions: 3.5” x 12.5”. This enabled the state to manufacture two license plates from a single blank used in 1942 (1943 was a metal strip with 1943 expiration date). Georgia introduced retro-reflective white sheeting on aluminum in 1971 and this has continued to the present day. Reflective yellow paint on the embossed number plates were issued in Georgia in 1941. This is the only year where reflective paint was used on Georgia’s license plate numbers.
The license plates of Georgia have been issued in many colors including: black, white, reflective white, blue, green, yellow, Dark Green, Dark Blue, Aluminum, dark red, cream, gray, orange, light green and today with graphic of peaches to show the state’s famous peaches. Georgia mild climate makes this state a haven for car collectors and auto enthusiasts. Each year there are many auto shows and classic car auctions.
