Harrison’s childhood home in Liverpool is now understood to be a possible location for a commemoration.
The Beatle, who was born on 25 February 1943, lived at 12 Arnold Grove in the Wavertree area of Liverpool until he was seven.
The Historic England scheme had been limited to the capital for 150 years.
Unveiling the first of the national blue plaques, arts and heritage minister Lord Parkinson said he looked forward to “recognising more people who have made their mark on national life”.
The first blue plaque outside London commemorates Daphne Steele, the first black matron in the NHS, and is located at the former St Winifred’s maternity home in Ilkley, West Yorkshire.
Lord Parkinson said: “The next two blue plaques outside London will be dedicated to the music icon, songwriter and humanitarian George Harrison, and to Clarice Cliff, regarded as one of the most influential ceramicists of the 20th century to mark their contribution to national life.”
News of the George Harrison blue plaque has been welcomed by Dr Holly Tessler, who leads the Beatles, Music Industry and Heritage MA at the University of Liverpool.
She said it was great news for Harrison’s family “but also great for popular music to be acknowledged by Historic England”.
This summer, nominations will be sought for other blue plaque locations.
Duncan Wilson, chief executive of Historic England, said: “We will be inviting people across England to nominate the individuals they believe deserve a blue plaque and I look forward to seeing the stories this uncovers.”
