Georgia Branches Out for New Plate

Georgia has a new license plate, a design from Linda Sosebee of Forsyth that features peaches on the ground, a tree reaching across the top and “GEORGIA” offset to the right.

Sosebee’s design was the top vote-getter in the contest revote with 34,154, compared with 15,380 for the second-place design, also submitted by Sosebee.

The Department of Revenue restarted the contest with eight choices after confusion over the use of the phrase “In God We Trust” shown on some of the plates. That phrase is available as a sticker to add to any Georgia license plate but is not standard with any design.

Gov. Nathan Deal announced the winning plate from among three finalists this afternoon. Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle and Revenue Commissioner Doug MacGinnitie joined Deal at the announcement.

“All of the semifinalists submitted great designs that would reflect well on our state, but the winning plate was the clear favorite among voters,” Deal said.

The new plate will go into production this fall. It will be the standard for new registrations, but car owners will have the option of a plain tag.

Existing tag holders may switch to the new plate at no extra cost after five years with a previous plate.

The new plate will use a digital or flat design, meaning it will be printed without raised numbers and letters. The new production process will save money and make it possible to mail plates to people.