[news] New license plates coming for GA drivers

source:

http://www.walb.com/story/18150628/new-ga-license-plates-out-starting-monday

ALBANY, GA -

You'll soon see a new license plate design on roads in the peach state.

Starting Monday, the new Georgia License plates will be available in every county as the state begins to phase out older ones.

"It's pretty," said April Thompson, Georgia Driver.

It's out with the old, in with the new.

"I've been waiting for them to come out so I can get one," said Thompson.

Bright colors, rolling fields, and peaches it's a pretty big change from this simple design and drivers will soon see it on the roadways.

"I love them I think they are better than what we have now," said Mathilda Smith, Georgia Driver.

 "We need a pretty plate like the other states have," said Smith.

Some say it's about time for a change,

"The others get really dirty and stained the others I'm hoping won't," said Thompson.

Others, aren't so sure.

"Do you like it better? Uhh, yeah I mean it's colorful," said Chris Carter, Georgia Driver

"There are things I like about it and things I don't," said Carter.

Starting Monday, the state will be converting to digital tags and those with the Georgia On My Mind tags will be first. Drivers have to choose between these two new digital plates.

"When you come in with Georgia on my mind you will have the choice of which tag you want," said Denver Hooten, Tax Director.

Specialty plates will be replaced starting next year.

"It is going to be a lot more work on us. Particularly in may when we get all of these tags in and have to replace them," said Hooten.

And the main reason behind the change s the price. The new digital tags are less expensive and faster to produce than the previous ones.

"The letters are not raised or embossed like the other so it's a more expensive process to do the other," said Hooten.

But the tags will still cost $20 dollars.

"I don't know what people are going to choose we will certainly find out when we empty one inventory versus the other," said Hooten.  

The design was created by an artist from Monroe County. The governor chose the design last year after online voters picked finalists.

Another change, you'll no longer have to pay an extra buck if you want your license plate to say "In God We Trust.

The Governor signed a bill eliminating the 1-dollar fee for the optional decal.The law takes effect July 1st.