Georgia to Launch Commemorative License Plate Honoring Nation’s 250th Anniversary

ATLANTA, GA — Beginning January 1, 2026, the Georgia Department of Revenue will offer a special commemorative license plate celebrating 250th anniversary of the United States. The plate will be available to all Georgia drivers as a standard plate option alongside the Peach and Peach Orchard plate.

“As we approach America’s 250th anniversary, this commemorative plate offers Georgians a meaningful way to recognize our nation’s founding and the pivotal role our state played in it,” said Revenue Commissioner Frank O’Connell. “We are especially proud that the design reflects the talent and engagement of Georgia’s students, whose creativity connects our Revolutionary past with the next generation of civic leaders.”

Developed to recognize this historic national milestone, the America 250 plate features a design created by Georgia middle school students as part of a statewide civics education initiative undertaken in partnership with the Georgia Department of Education. The program was supported by the Georgia Commission on Civics Education, the Georgia Center for Civic Engagement, the Georgia Historical Society, and other civic and historical organizations. The winning design was submitted by Eden Pethel, a student and member of the Children of the American Revolution. Drawing inspiration from her visits to Georgia’s Revolutionary War sites, Eden explained:

“The red stars on the design represent the following Georgia Revolutionary War sites from north to south: Fight at Van's Creek/Hornet’s Nest, Battle of Kettle Creek, Sieges of Augusta, Battle of Brier Creek, Battles of Savannah, Fort Morris, and the Frederica Naval Action,” Pethel said.

Her submission was selected through a competitive statewide review process.

Beginning in 2026, Georgia vehicle owners will have the option to choose the commemorative plate when registering a new vehicle or renewing an existing registration through their county tag office. Drivers who wish to exchange their plate outside of their registration renewal period will be charged a $20 new registration fee. Available through 2030, the plate will serve as a standard option—rather than a specialty plate—ensuring broad public accessibility at no additional cost.

The launch of the America 250 plate reflects Georgia’s ongoing commitment to civic education, historical awareness, and the recognition of America’s foundational heritage as the nation approaches its semiquincentennial.