License Plates & Placards

When you register your vehicle in North Carolina, you will receive a license plate to put on the back of it. License plate fees are charged when you register a vehicle, and you will receive validation stickers to put on your plate, showing the month and year that your registration expires. For a complete how-to on registering a vehicle, please see our page on Registration and Titling.

Personalized (Vanity) License Plates

In North Carolina, you can get a personalized license plate for an extra $30. Personalized plates are usually the standard North Carolina license plates with a personalized message on them. (You can also personalize specialized plates, though, so see "Specialized License Plates" below.)

Unless your personalization is offensive or is already taken by someone else, it will most likely be approved. Your plate can have up to eight letters, numbers, and/or specialized characters.

You can also check the availability of your desired personalization online.

When you order your plate, the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will let you know if the personalization is acceptable. If so, they will place your order to have the plate made. As a general rule, the DMV places orders weekly and will receive the plates in about two weeks. Then, you can pick up your plate and put it on your vehicle.

Specialized License Plates

There are about 100 types of special-interest license plates available that let you promote your cause or yourself. Most of these can also be personalized. Some examples include: litter prevention, kids' advocacy, handicap, and military veterans. Each plate has its own special requirements, and some you may have to qualify for.

Ordering Personalized and Specialized License Plates Online

You can order your personalized and specialized plate online if your vehicle has been registered. You will need your current plate number and registration card.

Ordering Personalized and Specialized License Plates by Mail

To order by mail, simply download and complete the Application for a Personalized Plate. Each specialized plate has its own requirements and its own application. If ordering one, choose the one you want and complete the appropriate application. The information page about each plate will include special requirements and application processes.

Next, mail your application(s) and fee to:

• NC DMV, Special License Unit

• 3155 Mail Service Center

• Raleigh, NC 27699-3155

Antique Plates

To apply for antique plates, your vehicle must be at least 35 years old. Apply for the plates at your local DMV office. The plates cost $38.

To view antique and other specialized license plates, the DMV offers this Web site.

Handicap Placards

North Carolina handicap dashboard placards allow you to park in designated "handicapped only" parking spaces. These are different from the specialized/personalized handicap license plates that are mentioned above. In order to be able to park in handicap spots, you will need to complete a form and have it signed by your physician, plus pay a small fee. See our page on drivers with disabilities for more information.

Surrendering Your Plates

North Carolina wants its license plates back if you move out of state. Surrender the plates at any DMV office, or, if you've already moved, mail them to:

• DMV Vehicle Registration Section

• Mail and Distribution Unit

• 3148 Mail Service Center

• 1100 New Bern Avenue

• Raleigh, NC 27699-3148

Make sure to state in your letter where the vehicle is now registered, and ask for a receipt. You can claim a refund on the unused portion of your registration.

If you sell your vehicle and do not transfer the license plates, donate a vehicle to charity, take a vehicle off the road for an extended period of time, or drop your liability insurance coverage on a vehicle, surrender the plates to the DMV. There's a $50 fine in North Carolina if you interrupt insurance coverage on a registered and plated vehicle.