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Personalized & Specialized Plates Help

​​The N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles' personalized and specialized plates service allows individuals to order and personalize online license plates about a wide variety of topics and causes.

Note: Only vehicles currently titled and registered in North Carolina may be ordered online or via mail.

View the frequently asked questions below for quick answers to common topics. For additional questions or concerns, send a message or call the NCDMV Customer Contact Center at (919) 715-7000 from 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on weekdays.

Frequently Asked Questions

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  • Can I get a personalized plate when I register for the first time?
  • Why does it take so long to get a personalized plate?
  • What does "plate not available" mean when I order a personalized plate online?
  • What happens if I ordered a special license plate and it is no longer in stock?
  • What text is acceptable?
  • How many character spaces are allowed on personalized plates?
  • Can numbers or special characters be used on personalized plates?
  • Are some special plates only for members of certain groups?
  • Can I order a standard personalized plate by mail?
  • How do I order a personalized plate at a NCDMV Office?
  • How do I transfer a personalized plate to a new or a different vehicle?
  • Can I give a personalized plate to a friend or relative?
  • How do I replace a silk-screened personalized plate with an embossed plate?
  • How do I replace a lost or stolen personalized plate?
  • Can I request a new plate with the same personalized plate text?
  • How do I return an unwanted personalized or special plate to NCDMV?

Last updated Sep. 15, 2020

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