License Plate Designs and Customization in North Carolina

1. What License Plate Designs are Available in North Carolina?


In North Carolina, the Division of Motor Vehicles offers several license plate designs including the standard North Carolina plate, Collegiate plates, special interest plates, personalized plates, Military and Veteran plates, and Outdoor Heritage plates.

2. Are Custom License Plates Available in North Carolina?


Yes, North Carolina offers custom license plates. Drivers can choose from a variety of designs, including special plates for veterans, personalized plates, and collegiate and organizational plates.

3. How Can I Personalize My License Plate in North Carolina?


To personalize your license plate in North Carolina, you must submit an application to the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV) along with the appropriate fees. You can find application forms on the NCDMV website. Your proposed personalized plate must meet certain criteria, such as being seven characters or less and not containing offensive language or symbols. Once your application is approved, you will receive a new custom license plate with your personalized message.

4. Are Special License Plate Designs Available in North Carolina?


Yes, North Carolina offers special license plate designs. Examples include plates designed for organizations such as the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Ducks Unlimited, and the Red Cross; plates that honor the military and veterans; plates that recognize colleges and universities; and specialty plates featuring images of wildlife.

5. How Much Does it Cost to Design a Custom License Plate in North Carolina?


It costs $30 to design a custom license plate in North Carolina.

6. What are the Rules and Restrictions for License Plate Designs in North Carolina?


The North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has specific rules and restrictions for license plate designs.

* Custom license plates must have at least three characters and no more than seven characters.

* The characters must be a combination of letters and numbers. Special characters and symbols are not allowed.

* The license plate design must not contain any profane or offensive language or images.

* No logos or trademarks can be used, except those allowed by the DMV.

* The design must be approved by the DMV before it can be issued.

7. What Is the Process for Obtaining a Special Plate in North Carolina?


To obtain a special plate in North Carolina, you must first visit your local DMV office. You can find the closest one to you by using the NCDOT’s online tool. When you arrive, you will need to complete an application for the particular type of plate you are looking for. Depending on the type of plate, additional documentation may be required. You will also be required to pay a fee. Once your application is processed, your plate will be issued and mailed to you.

8. How Long Does It Take to Get a Personalized License Plate in North Carolina?


It typically takes up to 8 weeks to receive your personalized license plate in North Carolina.

9. Are There Any Fees Associated with Customizing a License Plate in North Carolina?


Yes, there are fees associated with customizing a license plate in North Carolina. The fee for a personalized plate is $30.00. The fee for a special prestige plate is $50.00. The fee for a disabled veteran plate is $15.00. All fees are subject to change.

10. Are There Any Age Restrictions on Customizing a License Plate in North Carolina?


Yes, there are age restrictions on customizing a license plate in North Carolina. Drivers must be at least 16 years old to purchase a personalized license plate. Drivers younger than 16 are not eligible and cannot purchase a personalized license plate.

11. Are There Any Registration Restrictions on Customizing a License Plate in North Carolina?


Yes, there are registration restrictions on customizing a license plate in North Carolina. The North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has a list of approved special characters and combinations of letters, numbers and symbols. The DMV also requires that custom license plates cannot exceed seven characters; however, there is an exception for certain organizations that are recognized by the DMV. Additionally, custom license plates must be approved by the DMV before they are issued.

12. Are There Any Limitations on the Number of Characters on a Custom License Plate in North Carolina?


Yes, according to the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles, the maximum number of characters allowed on a custom license plate is seven.

13. Is It Possible to Transfer My Current License Plate Design to a Different Vehicle in North Carolina?


Yes, it is possible to transfer your current license plate design to a different vehicle in North Carolina. You will need to complete a License Plate Transfer Request Form (MVR-18A) and pay a one-time fee of $20. The new vehicle must be registered in the same county and the same owner must be transferring it. In addition, the vehicle must be of the same type as the original vehicle. For example, if the original vehicle was a passenger vehicle, then the new vehicle must also be a passenger vehicle.

14. What are the Characteristics of the Standard License Plate Design in North Carolina?


The standard license plate design in North Carolina features a white background with blue lettering and a black silhouette of the state. The words “First in Flight” are printed at the top, and the license plate number is printed at the bottom. The state name is located on the left side of the plate, and the slogan “Esse Quam Videri” is printed on the right side. The plate also features a graphic of either a sun, stars, or the state outline in the center.

15. How Do I Apply for a Specialty License Plate in North Carolina?


Apply for a specialty license plate in North Carolina through the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles. Visit the website to find the specialty plate application form. Fill out the form with the correct information, and submit it to your local DMV office along with the applicable fees. You will need to provide proof of ownership for the vehicle and proof of insurance. After your application is processed, you will receive your new specialty plate in the mail.

16. Is it Possible to Receive My Personalized License Plate Through the Mail in North Carolina?


No, in North Carolina, personalized license plates must be purchased in person at a DMV office.

17. What Kinds of Images are Permitted on Customized License Plates in North Carolina?


In North Carolina, images that are permitted on customized license plates must not be obscene, lewd, lascivious, derogatory to a particular ethnic or religious group, or in violation of any state or federal law. Images may also not contain references to alcohol and/or illegal drugs.

18. How Do I Renew My Personalized License Plate In North Carolina?


To renew a personalized license plate in North Carolina, you must apply for a renewal with the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). You will need to provide the DMV with your license plate number and your vehicle registration information, and pay the appropriate renewal fee. If your personalized license plate has expired, you may be required to submit additional documents before your license plate is renewed.

19. Are There Any Costs Associated With Replacing a Lost or Stolen Customized License Plate In North Carolina?


Yes, there is a $20 fee for replacing a lost or stolen customized license plate in North Carolina.

20. Is it Possible to Change or Revise My Personalized License Plate Design In North Carolina?


Yes, you can. The North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV) offers a one-time exchange option for personalized license plates. You must contact your county’s DMV office to initiate the exchange and pay the required fees.