Form MV-9B. Personal Special Prestige License Plate Application

The Georgia MV-9B “Prestige License Plate Application” is the form vehicle owners use when they want a personalized (also called “prestige”) license plate for a personal vehicle or motorcycle. Unlike a standard plate request, this form deals specifically with custom alphanumeric combinations—names, initials, slogans, or short messages—within strict state guidelines. This page explains how the form works, who may file it, common applicant mistakes, and what the State of Georgia requires before a personalized plate can be issued.

Purpose of the MV-9B Form

The MV-9B form authorizes the Georgia Department of Revenue (DOR), Motor Vehicle Division, to manufacture a custom plate with a specific combination of letters, numbers, and spaces. The form does not transfer ownership, update addresses, or change registration categories. It is strictly for requesting a personalized license plate for one vehicle.

Georgia requires this form to ensure that custom combinations are appropriate, legally compliant, and not already assigned to another vehicle. It also documents the applicant’s identity, vehicle details, and meaning of the requested plate text (a required step to prevent misuse or offensive interpretations).

Who Can File This Form

• The legal owner of the vehicle listed on the registration.
• Only individuals with a valid Georgia driver’s license or ID number.
• Applicants who maintain a Georgia residence (out-of-state residents are not eligible).
• Owners of private passenger vehicles, motor homes, non-commercial trailers, or motorcycles.

When You Must File This Form

• When requesting a new personalized plate for a vehicle you already own.
• When reserving a custom plate combination before an upcoming registration.
• When upgrading from a standard plate to a personalized one.

You do not use this form when:

• Changing the address on your registration.
• Transferring ownership of the vehicle.
• Correcting registration or title information.
• Requesting a prestige plate as a souvenir (Georgia does not issue souvenir plates).

Section-by-Section Explanation

Owner Information

This section records the legal name, mailing address, and contact number of the owner. The mailing address must reflect the registrant’s physical address, which the county tag office uses to determine jurisdiction. Mistakes here—especially mismatched addresses—are among the most common reasons applications are delayed.

Vehicle Information

Georgia requires precise vehicle details to ensure that the plate is issued to the correct VIN. You will provide the vehicle’s make, model, year, and full 17-digit VIN. Applicants often skip digits or swap letters and numbers (e.g., O/0, I/1), which can cause rejection.

License Plate Combination

Applicants may enter up to three desired plate combinations. Only the first available option will be approved. Each combination must include a written explanation (“meaning”), required to prevent misuse or offensive interpretations.

Restrictions

• Private passenger vehicles: maximum 7 characters including spaces.
• Motorcycles: maximum 6 characters including spaces.
• No punctuation or symbols—only letters, numbers, and spaces.

Signature and Driver’s License Number

The applicant must sign the form and provide their Georgia driver’s license number. A missing signature or incorrect license number makes the form invalid.

Typical Applicant Mistakes

• Submitting duplicate combinations without checking if they are available.
• Providing a mailing address that does not match county records.
• Leaving the “meaning” fields blank.
• Requesting prohibited combinations (offensive, misleading, or referencing agencies like FBI/GSP).
• Forgetting that manufacturing fees are non-refundable.

Fees and Legal Obligations

• $35 one-time manufacturing fee
• $20 annual tag fee
• $35 annual special tag fee
• Vehicle ad valorem tax (if applicable)
• $1 mailing fee if shipped

Under Georgia law, these fees are collected when registering the plate. If the owner does not register the plate within 24 months, the manufacturing fee is forfeited. The state also has the authority to recall any plate deemed offensive or inappropriate after issuance.

Examples of Real-Life Situations

• Example 1: A motorcycle owner wants a six-character plate with his initials and birth year. He uses MV-9B to request the custom plate before renewing registration.
• Example 2: A family buys a motor home and wants a personalized plate matching their travel blog name.
• Example 3: An owner replaces an old vanity plate after moving counties and needs a new plate combination that follows current guidelines.
• Example 4: A driver reserves a plate with a specific phrase for a newly purchased car that has not yet been registered.

Documents You May Need

• Valid Georgia driver’s license or ID
• Current vehicle registration
• Proof of Georgia residence if required by the county
• Form of payment for fees (varies by county tag office)

Practical Tips for Completing the Form

• Use clear block letters to avoid confusion when writing combinations.
• Prepare alternative combinations in advance—popular ones may be taken.
• Double-check the VIN character-by-character.
• Confirm your county tag office location before submission.
• Keep a copy of the form and your combinations for reference.

FAQ

• How long does it take to get a personalized plate in Georgia? Processing varies by county, but most plates are manufactured within several weeks.
• Can the state reject my requested combination? Yes. Georgia denies combinations that are offensive, misleading, copyrighted, or resemble law-enforcement identifiers.
• Is the manufacturing fee refundable? No. Once the order is placed, the $35 fee cannot be refunded even if the plate is not used.
• Can I check availability before submitting? Georgia processes requests through county tag offices; availability is confirmed only after submission.
• Do I need a separate form for each vehicle? Yes. One MV-9B form per vehicle.
• Can businesses request personalized plates? Only if the business is the registered vehicle owner and meets Georgia requirements.
• Can the state recall my plate later? Yes. Combinations later deemed offensive or inappropriate can be revoked under Georgia regulations.

Micro-FAQ (Short Answers)

• Purpose: Request a personalized Georgia license plate.
• Who files: The legal owner of the vehicle.
• Where submitted: County tag office.
• Deadline: No deadline, but plate must be registered within 24 months.
• Attachments: Driver’s license and registration details.
• Max characters: 7 for vehicles, 6 for motorcycles.
• Refunds: Manufacturing fee is not refundable.
• Checks for availability: First available combination is chosen.
• Symbols allowed: Only letters, numbers, spaces.
• Appeals: Denials can be appealed within 30 days.

Related Forms

• Georgia MV-1 Title/Tag Application
• Georgia T-22B Certification of Inspection
• Georgia MV-7 Replacement License Plate/Renewal Decal Application
• Georgia MV-100 Affidavit for Special Plates

Form Details

• Form Name: Prestige License Plate Application
• Form Number: MV-9B
• State: Georgia
• Issuing Agency: Department of Revenue – Motor Vehicle Division
• Revision Date: 08-2017