GeorgiaSB 2932025-2026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

License Plates for Certain Veterans; the number of free license plates issued to certain veterans; increase

Sponsored By: John Albers (Republican), Jason Anavitarte (Republican), Lee Anderson (Republican), Timothy Bearden (Republican), Matt Brass (Republican), Max Burns (Republican), Clint Dixon (Republican), Greg Dolezal (Republican), Drew Echols (Republican), Jason Esteves (Democrat), Steve Gooch (Republican), Russ Goodman (Republican), Marty Harbin (Republican), Ed Harbison (Democrat), Bo Hatchett (Republican), Billy Hickman (Republican), Mike Hodges (Republican), Chuck Hufstetler (Republican), Harold Jones II (Democrat), Emanuel Jones (Democrat), John F. Kennedy (Republican), Kay Kirkpatrick (Republican), Josh McLaurin (Democrat), Chuck Payne (Republican), Sheikh Rahman (Democrat), Michael 'Doc' Rhett (Democrat), Randy Robertson (Republican), Ed Setzler (Republican), Freddie Powell Sims (Democrat), Shawn Still (Republican), Brian Strickland (Republican), Carden Summers (Republican), Larry Walker (Republican), Ben Watson (Republican), Sam Watson (Republican), Rick Williams (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Motor VehiclesPublic SafetyGeneral Bill

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

8 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 3 costs, 4 mixed.

Larger payouts for odometer fraud victims

Beginning July 1, 2026, people harmed by intentional odometer fraud can recover three times their actual damages or $10,000, whichever is greater. The previous dollar alternative was $1,500. A successful claim can also include case costs and reasonable lawyer fees. The law sets a two-year time limit for civil actions.

Dealer licensing eases residency, tightens oversight

Beginning July 1, 2026, used vehicle dealers need a $50,000 bond for each covered license or supplemental license, up from $35,000. Used parts dealers still need a $10,000 bond; these amounts are not the price paid for the bond. Applicants can meet the residency requirement by living in Georgia or naming a Georgia-resident agent for legal notices. Dealers must allow Revenue Department inspections, alongside inspections by the licensing board and peace officers. Inspectors can examine records, vehicles, parts, and accessories at principal or additional business locations during reasonable business hours.

Dealer staff face private plate limits

Beginning July 1, 2026, private dealer-plate use is limited to dealership-owned vehicles held for sale or lease. Private use cannot exceed six months per vehicle. The driver must be a dealership employee or corporate officer. An employee must work at least 36 hours per week at the dealership.

Tougher penalties for vehicle document fraud

Beginning July 1, 2026, violations of Georgia's odometer law are felonies rather than misdemeanors. Knowingly falsifying title mileage or specified title-application dates with fraudulent intent also falls under felony title offenses. Covered dates include vehicle sales, purchases, and the creation of liens or security interests. Accepting or delivering a title assigned in blank carries up to a $750 fine per title, increased from $100. Jail time for each blank-title transaction remains up to 30 days.

Higher plate fees for vehicle businesses

Beginning July 1, 2026, covered dealers, distributors, manufacturers, and manufacturer headquarters pay an $80 plate application fee, up from $62. Each additional plate costs $15, up from $12. Beginning January 1, 2027, plates issued under these rules must be metal. Their text and designs must be raised and made with stamping dies.

Free buyer permits with time limits

Beginning July 1, 2026, dealers must give vehicle buyers a temporary operating permit at sale without charge. The permit must show the vehicle identification number and expires 45 days after purchase. An authorized registration extension can extend the permit. The requirements exclude vehicles registered under the International Registration Plan and dealers primarily selling salvage and insurance-total-loss vehicles. Buyers must register and obtain or transfer a plate in their home county within seven business days of purchase.

Businesses gain limited unregistered vehicle permits

Beginning January 1, 2027, Georgia's Revenue Department can issue 12-month permits allowing limited highway use of unregistered vehicles. Applicants need business-address documents, minimum liability insurance, and either a continuous bond of at least $50,000 or a current used parts dealer license. The Department can charge a $150 issuance fee, separate from insurance and bond costs. Permits can move between vehicles, but travel is limited to daylight and within two miles of the listed departure point. The permit must stay in the vehicle and be shown for inspection. The Department can refuse, suspend, or revoke a permit for just cause.

Drivers face tougher plate misuse penalties

Beginning July 1, 2026, covered plate offenses carry a fine of at least $750, up to 12 months in jail, or both. They include knowingly misusing another vehicle's plate and willfully altering or hiding plate information. They also cover intentional plate removal or unauthorized attachment to hide vehicle or owner identity, and deliberate covering to block surveillance images. For knowing plate-transfer violations, the minimum fine rises from $500 to $750. For surveillance-blocking covers, a $750 minimum replaces the previous $1,000 maximum. County designations are removed from the markings covered by specified alteration and vehicle-operation offenses. Making, selling, or issuing plates or renewal decals without legal permission is a felony.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Cosponsors

John Corbett
Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 477 • No: 6

House vote • 3/31/2026

Agree to Senate Amend to House Sub

Yes: 168 • No: 1 • Other: 6

Senate vote • 3/27/2026

ADOPTION OF AMEND #1A BY SEN FROM THE 6TH TO AMEND #1 BY SEN FROM THE 6TH

Yes: 43 • No: 3 • Other: 2

Senate vote • 3/27/2026

AGREE TO HOUSE SUBSTITUTE AS AMENDED

Yes: 41 • No: 2 • Other: 5

House vote • 3/18/2026

PASSAGE

Yes: 169 • No: 0 • Other: 5

Senate vote • 3/6/2025

PASSAGE

Yes: 56 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

Effective Date
7/1/2026
Senate Date Signed by Governor
5/11/2026Senate
Act 503
5/11/2026
Senate Sent to Governor
4/10/2026Senate
House Agreed Senate Amend or Sub
3/31/2026House
Senate Agreed House Amend or Sub As Amended
3/27/2026Senate
House Third Readers
3/18/2026House
House Passed/Adopted By Substitute
3/18/2026House
House Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute
3/12/2026House
House Withdrawn, Recommitted
4/4/2025House
House Withdrawn, Recommitted
3/31/2025House
House Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute
3/18/2025House
House Second Readers
3/11/2025House
House First Readers
3/10/2025House
Senate Third Read
3/6/2025Senate
Senate Passed/Adopted
3/6/2025Senate
Senate Read Second Time
3/4/2025Senate
Senate Committee Favorably Reported
3/3/2025Senate
Senate Read and Referred
2/28/2025Senate
Senate Hopper
2/27/2025Senate

Bill Text

SB 293/AP* (v14)
PDF

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