What defines an authentic historical Georgia license plate?

An authentic historical Georgia license plate is defined as one that was originally issued in the year 1989 or earlier. This criterion is important because it establishes a clear distinction between standard license plates and those recognized for their historical value. Such plates must hold a certain age to qualify as historical, reflecting the vintage and historical significance of vehicle registration in Georgia.

The emphasis on the year 1989 or earlier aligns with the general standards for historical licenses, which typically value the preservation of older, unique designs. Plates issued after this year would not possess the same historical context and heritage that the state aims to protect through the classification of authentic historical plates. This distinction ensures that owners of vintage vehicles can display plates that are congruent with the era of their cars, maintaining authenticity and historical integrity.