Dealer Issued Temporary Operating Permits

At the time of sale, a Georgia licensed motor vehicle dealer is required to issue one free dealer issued temporary operating permit (TOP) for the customer’s use. 

Recent Changes to TOP Policy for Dealers

Beginning July 1, 2025, Georgia automobile dealers will be able to purchase a quantity of TOP stock from the dealer association based upon their previous year’s sales data according to the Georgia Driver Record and Integrated Vehicle Enterprise System (DRIVES). The Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) in partnership with GADA and GIADA have developed this process to reduce TOP fraud without placing unreasonable restrictions on dealers who are lawfully managing their TOP inventory.

Download this pdf file. Learn more about the new requirements

Information for Dealer Issued TOPs

  • TOP Format/Supplies

    TOP card stock must:

    • Be the same size as the state-issued license plate.
    • Be made of heavy stock paper to resist deterioration or fading due to exposure to weather conditions.
    • Provide a rectangular box centered at the bottom of the card stock for adhering the official TOP sticker.
    • White or light-colored background.
    • Contain a delaminating feature that will, if removed, destroy the official TOP sticker.
    • Repeal commercially available inks and marking pens.
    • Reflect the dealership’s name and address in spaces around the TOP sticker.

    Requirements for storage and shipping:

    • TOPs shall be stored in a secure area (not visible or accessible except in the course of a business transaction).
    • Delivery or shipment of TOPs shall be secure in order that any delivery is traceable from the point of origin to the point of delivery.

    Obtain TOP stickers from:

    Used Car Dealer Association
    Georgia Independent Automobile Dealers Association (GIADA)
    6903-A Oak Ridge Commerce Way
    Austell, Georgia 30168
    Telephone: 770-745-9650
    Toll Free: 800-472-8101
    Fax: 770-745-9655

    New Car Dealer Association
    Georgia Automobile Dealers Association (GADA)
    2255 Cumberland Parkway
    Building 900
    Atlanta, Georgia 30339-4515
    Telephone: 770-432-1658
    Fax: 770-432-9100

  • TOP Restrictions

    The dealer cannot issue a TOP when the vehicle is:

    • To be registered under the International Registration Plan (IRP)
    • A salvage vehicle
    • Not self-propelled
    • Not sold by the dealer

    The law prohibits:

    • The words “tag applied for” or similar statements added to the TOP sticker or card stock.
    • Use by dealers whose primary business is the sale of salvage and other vehicles where loss claims have been paid from issuing TOPs.
    • Extending or renewing the TOP beyond the initial expiration date.
    • Placing the TOP on a vehicle other than the one sold.
    • Issuing to a non-self-propelled vehicle (i.e., trailer, etc.)
    • Issuing to a demonstrator, or for employee’s use, or for transporting vehicles from one location to another.
    • Produced license plate resembling any license plate or temporary permit issued by the state.
    • Issue to a vehicle to be registered under the International Registration Plan (IRP).
    • Charging a fee for TOPs.
  • TOP Legal Requirements

    DOR Rule 560-10-32 provides all the requirements of a dealer issuing a TOP:

    • Customers are allowed to apply for a new license plate or transfer a valid same category license plate from a vehicle they no longer own (i.e. a trailer license plate cannot be transferred to a car, etc.).
    • The dealer cannot issue an extension or additional TOP nor can the customer operate the vehicle legally with an expired dealer-issued TOP.
    • The customer will be unable to register and obtain or transfer a license plate if the title has not been issued in their name (when a title is required).
    • The dealer is responsible for applying for the title for the customer when the vehicle requires a title but is not required to apply for new or transferred license plate.
    • The dealer is not allowed to charge the customer for the TOP.

    If the selling dealer fails to obtain a title to the customer within five days before the expiration of the license plate (25 days from date of purchase), the customer may apply for one 30-day TOP at their County Tag Office.  The customer will be required to provide:

    • The original dealer-issued TOP for destruction.
    • Proof of ownership (dealer’s invoice)
    • Valid Georgia driver’s license or state-issued identification card
    • Completed Form T-226 Application to Extend the Registration Period of a Motor Vehicle Purchased from a Georgia Motor Vehicle Dealer