North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (NC DMV)

The North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (NC DMV) is the state government agency responsible for overseeing various aspects of vehicle registration, driver licensing, and vehicle regulation in North Carolina. It also enforces road safety regulations, conducts vehicle inspections, and handles vehicle-related transactions, such as title transfers and plate replacements. The services are available through multiple branch offices across the state,  offering online services for certain transactions.

For inquiries regarding motor vehicles in North Carolina, you can reach out to the NC DMV at their headquarters located at 3101 Mail Service Center 1515, Church St., Rocky Mount, NC 27804​. They can be contacted by phone at (919) 715-7000.

North Carolina Laws: Vehicle Registration and License Plates

The NC DMV requires one license plate on the front and another on the rear of most vehicles, with stickers indicating the month and year of renewal. The serial format for North Carolina license plates follows the pattern of ABC-1234, typically comprising three letters followed by four numbers. Registration must be renewed annually, with fees and property taxes due together. Renewal notices, which include these details, are generally sent out about 60 days before the expiration date.

Getting a North Carolina license plate

To obtain an NC license plate, vehicle owners need to follow several steps: obtain a vehicle title and register the vehicle by visiting an NCDMV license plate agency or submitting required documents and fees by mail (first-time applicants must visit an agency). Additionally, vehicles must pass a safety inspection and, if required, an emissions inspection.

Types of North Carolina License Plates

In North Carolina, vehicle owners can choose from a range of license plate options. Standard plates come in three designs that commemorate events or feature state and national mottos. The state also offers over 100 specialty plates representing different causes and interest groups. Additionally, personalized plates are available for both standard and specialty plates, allowing vehicle owners to create custom combinations of letters and numbers that hold personal meaning.

Replacing a damaged, lost or stolen license plate

Vehicle owners must complete an Application for Replacement Plate and submit it to an N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles license plate agency. Basically, proof of liability insurance from a licensed North Carolina insurer and the vehicle insurance policy number are required. Other requirements for replacing a license plate are based on whether the plate to be replaced is lost, stolen, or damaged.

Transferring NC license plates

To transfer a license plate to another vehicle in North Carolina, you need a valid, registered plate in your name, proof of liability insurance for both vehicles, an updated safety inspection, a driver’s license matching the name on the vehicle title, and a transfer fee (except in specific situations).