From barbecue joints in Lexington to breezy drives along the Outer Banks, North Carolina lives and breathes local pride. Here, your license plate isn’t just a number; it’s a chance to say who you are, where you’re from, or what you stand for. Whether you’re backing your alma mater or honoring your service, there’s a special license plate category with your name written all over it.
Want the short answer? A personalized plate in NC lets you:
- Rep your Tar Heel pride or Wolfpack loyalty
- Show love for the mountains or coast
- Flex your sense of humor (yes, DMV-appropriate)
- Celebrate Carolina roots with real flair
Now, let’s talk specifics. Our expert team at Seat Cover Solutions is diving into the most popular license plate categories across North Carolina, walking you through how to apply for them, and sharing tips to help you personalize your ride from license plate to interior.
Most Popular License Plate Categories in North Carolina
North Carolina drivers have over 80 personalized license plate categories to choose from. It gives you plenty of ways to express your identity, honor your service, or support a cause that matters. Whether you're a college alum, a military veteran, or want your vehicle to say something personal about who you are, there's a specialty plate that fits your story.
#1 - Collegiate Plates in North Carolina
Show your school spirit everywhere you go. These license plates are perfect for students, alumni, and lifelong fans of North Carolina’s top universities.
- Appalachian State University – For proud App State supporters.
- A&T State University – For alumni or fans of NC A&T.
- Auburn University – For Auburn alumni living in NC.
- Campbell University – For Camel fans and grads.
- Clemson University – Show your Clemson Tiger spirit.
- Davidson College – For supporters of this prestigious NC college.
- Duke University – Let your Blue Devil pride roll.
- East Carolina University – For die-hard Pirate fans.
#2. Commercial and Specialized Vehicle Plates in North Carolina
If your vehicle pulls double duty on the farm, on the job site, or in a commercial fleet, these specialty license plates are built to match those professional needs.
- Dealer Transporter Plate – Issued to dealers for moving inventory.
- Farm Vehicle – For trucks used primarily for farming.
- For-Hire – For taxis, Ubers, and delivery vehicles.
- Apportioned Vehicle – Commercial use across state lines.
- Permanent Apportioned Trailer – For trailers with multi-year registration.
- Permanent Apportioned Vehicle – For commercial trucks operating interstate.
- Permanent Motorcycle – Long-term motorcycle registration.
- Permanent Vehicle – Multi-year registration for qualifying vehicles.
- Permanent For-Hire – Long-term registration for hire vehicles.
- Permanent Private Trailer – One-time trailer registration.
- Permanent Commercial Truck – For long-haul rigs and fleet trucks.
- Special Mobile Equipment – For construction and maintenance vehicles.
- State-Owned Vehicle – Vehicles owned by the NC state government.
- State-Owned Motorcycle – For state-registered motorcycles.
- Taxi – For vehicles operating as cabs.
- Permanent Multi Year Trailer – For trailers needing multi-year validation.
- Temporary Multi-Use Tag (Small) – Short-term use for various small vehicles.
- Temporary Multi-Use Tag – Standard temporary multi-purpose tag.
- Van Pool – Vehicles used for commuter vanpooling.
#3. Service Branch & Reserve Plates in North Carolina
These custom license plates honor those who serve or have served in the U.S. military, including every major branch and reserve unit.
- U.S. Army Veteran – For Army vets with honorable discharge.
- U.S. Navy Veteran – For former Navy personnel.
- U.S. Air Force Veteran – For former Air Force members.
- U.S. Marine Corps Veteran – For proud Marine vets.
- U.S. Coast Guard Veteran – Honors service in the Coast Guard.
- U.S. Army Reserve – For past or present Army Reserve.
- U.S. Navy Reserve – Recognizing Navy Reservists.
- U.S. Air Force Reserve – For Air Force Reserve service.
- U.S. Marine Corps Reserve – For Marine Corps Reserve personnel.
- U.S. Coast Guard Reserve – For Coast Guard Reserve members.
- Retired Army – For Army retirees.
- Retired Navy – For Navy retirees.
- Retired Air Force – For Air Force retirees.
- Retired Marine – For those retired from the Marines.
- Retired Coast Guard – For Coast Guard retirees.
- Retired National Guard – For Army/Air National Guard retirees.
#4. War & Conflict Veteran Plates in North Carolina
Show your pride and legacy with commemorative specialty license plates designed for veterans of major American wars and combat operations.
- World War II Veteran – Honoring WWII military service.
- Korean Conflict Veteran – For Korean War veterans.
- Vietnam Era Veteran – For service during the Vietnam era.
- Desert Storm Veteran – For Operation Desert Storm service.
- Afghanistan Veteran – For Afghanistan conflict veterans.
- Iraq Veteran – Recognizing deployment to Iraq.
- War on Terror Veteran – For post-9/11 military service.
#5. Military Award & Valor Plates in North Carolina
Reserved for those awarded military distinctions, these personalized license plates reflect extraordinary service and personal sacrifice.
- Bronze Star Recipient – For Bronze Star awardees.
- Bronze Star (Valor) – For combat valor Bronze Star recipients.
- Silver Star Recipient – Silver Star Medal honorees.
- Distinguished Flying Cross – For aerial excellence.
- Distinguished Service Cross – For extreme heroism.
- Legion of Merit – For exceptional service.
- Legion of Valor – Honors top-tier valor.
- Purple Heart Recipient – For combat wounded or killed.
- Silver Star Disabled Veteran – Valor + injury recognition.
#6. Special Veteran Designation Plates in North Carolina
These custom license plates are meant for veterans with unique honors, service-related disabilities, or family legacies in military sacrifice.
- Disabled Veteran – For vets with full VA disability.
- Partially Disabled Veteran – For partial disability status.
- Ex-Prisoner of War – For those held as POWs.
- Pearl Harbor Survivor – For survivors of the 1941 attack.
- Gold Star Lapel Button – For families of fallen service members.
- U.S. Navy Submarine Veteran – Submarine force veterans.
- Semper Fidelis (Marine) – Marine pride plate.
- 82nd Airborne Division – Honors this elite NC-based unit.
#7. Civic Club Plates in North Carolina
Proudly display your involvement in local and national civic organizations with these specialty license plates made for dedicated members.
- Amran Temple – For members of Amran Temple.
- Fraternal Order of Police – For FOP members.
- Knights of Columbus – For KOC members.
- Lions Club – For Lions Club supporters.
- Marine Corps League – For League members.
- Masonic Temple – For Masonic Temple members.
- NC Police Benevolent Association – For NC PBA members.
- Oasis Temple – For Oasis Temple members.
- Prince Hall Shrine – For members of the Prince Hall Shrine.
- Rotary International Club – For Rotary members.
- Ruritan Club – For Ruritan Club affiliates.
- Sons of Confederate Veterans – Heritage plate.
- Sudan Temple – For Sudan Temple members.
#8. Specialty Plates in North Carolina
Whether you're raising awareness or supporting a nonprofit, these personalized license plates let you stand behind the causes you care about.
- ALS Research – Supports ALS funding.
- Amateur Radio Operators – For licensed HAM operators.
- American Legion – Honors Legion members.
- Animal Lovers – Supports animal rescue.
- ARTS NC – Promotes NC arts programs.
- Aurora Fossil Museum – Supports fossil education.
- Autism Society of NC – For autism awareness.
- Battle of Kings Mountain – Historical tribute.
- Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament – Sportfishing support.
- Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation – Supports the parkway.
- Breast Cancer Awareness – Promotes awareness and research.
In North Carolina, folks choose vehicles that suit how they live. From mountain roads to coastal drives, the right ride matters. And pairing it with a personalized license plate? That’s how you make it yours.
- Rural families across the state lean on reliable trucks like the Ford F-150, Chevy Silverado, and Ram 1500 for hauling gear, tending land, or weekend getaways. These pickups are made for long days and muddy boots.
- In mountain towns and outdoor hubs like Boone or Asheville, adventurous drivers prefer the Toyota Tacoma, Jeep Wrangler, and Subaru Outback for their all-wheel drive and room for camping gear.
- In urban areas like Charlotte, Raleigh, or Durham, you’ll spot practical favorites like the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Ford Escape, perfect for daily commutes, grocery runs, or road trips to the beach.
Costs of Personalized License Plates in North Carolina
Knowing the costs ahead of time helps you plan your license plate purchase confidently. Here’s a clear breakdown of what you can expect to pay when ordering a personalized or specialty license plate in North Carolina:
|
Cost Type |
Amount |
Details |
|
Personalized Plate Fee |
$30 per year |
Charged annually along with your vehicle registration |
|
Specialty Plate Surcharge |
$10 to $50 per year |
Depends on the design category such as military, university, or nonprofit |
|
Standard Registration Fee |
$36 to $71 per year |
Based on your vehicle’s weight, class, and county |
|
Plate Application (Mail or In Person) |
$5 to $10 one-time |
Covers form processing and postage for non-online applications |
How to Apply for a Personalized License Plate in North Carolina?
Getting a custom license plate in North Carolina is easier than you might think. Just follow these clear steps to make your plate idea a reality.
1. Check Your Eligibility
Before anything else, make sure your vehicle is titled and registered in North Carolina. Only North Carolina residents with registered vehicles in the state can request personalized or specialty license plates.
2. Choose How You Want to Order
You have three ways to place your license plate request. Pick the one that works best for you.
Online
Use the official myNCDMV portal. To apply, you will need:
- Your current license plate number
- The last five digits of your vehicle title number
By Mail
Complete the plate application form and send it along with your payment to:
N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles
Specialized and Personalized Plates
3155 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, North Carolina 27697-3155
In Person
Visit any NCDMV license plate agency across the state to submit your application directly.
3. Fees
Every personalized plate comes with a $30 annual fee in addition to your standard registration fees. This amount is charged when you first order your license plate and again each year when you renew your registration.
4. Follow the Plate Customization Guidelines
Personalized license plates allow a mix of letters, numbers, and select symbols. Just make sure your idea fits the character limit based on your vehicle type:
- Standard cars and trucks can have up to eight characters.
- Motorcycles can have up to seven characters.
- Trailers allow eight characters.
- Disabled plates are limited to six characters.
- Specialty plate backgrounds may allow four characters.
You can use symbols like ampersands, number signs, and question marks. However, characters that take up half a space; such as apostrophes, commas, and dashes—are not allowed on motorcycle plates. You can also view the NCDOT RTCS Procurement Guide – Attachment 21 (PDF), which offers insight into how registration and plate logistics are structured statewide.
All custom messages are reviewed. If your license plate text is offensive, misleading, or not family-friendly, it will be denied.
5. Wait for Delivery
Once your personalized plate is approved, it usually takes between four to eight weeks to arrive. You can choose to pick it up at your local DMV office or have it mailed to you, depending on your application method.
Customization Tips for North Carolina Vehicles
Once you’ve picked a license plate that reflects your North Carolina spirit, the next step is making sure the rest of your vehicle lives up to it. A sleek exterior and a comfy, durable interior go hand-in-hand with a custom plate.
Seat Cover Solutions has North Carolina-ready products designed to keep your vehicle’s interior clean, stylish, and practical. Whether you’re heading to a tailgate in Chapel Hill or hauling gear out in Boone, their seat covers and accessories handle it all.
Built for everyday messes and unexpected adventures, their gear is made to match your lifestyle, from red clay roads to beachside drives.
Interior Customizations That Matter
- Waterproof seat covers: Perfect for muddy hikes in the Appalachians or sandy days on the Outer Banks.
- Pet-proof designs: Durable enough to handle paws, claws, and fur.
- Steering wheel covers: Keeps your grip cool in summer and cozy in winter.
Conclusion
A personalized license plate in North Carolina is not just a number on your bumper. It is your story, your community, and your pride rolled into one clean, standout message.
With more than 100 specialty and personalized license plate categories available in North Carolina, drivers have more ways than ever to make their vehicles truly reflect who they are. Whether you are honoring your military service, showing off your school colors, supporting a cause close to your heart, or simply adding a touch of personality, there is a license plate that fits your journey.
Once your custom plate is on your vehicle, make sure the rest of your ride matches the vibe. A standout exterior deserves a comfortable, durable, and clean interior. That is where we come inReady to bring your vehicle’s personality full circle?
Explore rugged, stylish, and pet-proof interior accessories made for North Carolina roads at Seat Cover Solutions. From daily drives to mountain detours, we have you covered!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long does it take to get a personalized license plate in North Carolina?
Typically, it can take up to 8 weeks from the time of order.
Can I use special characters in my personalized plate?
Yes. You can use &, #, and ?, but some symbols like dashes or commas take up half a space.
What happens if my personalized plate idea is denied?
The NCDMV will contact you and you’ll need to submit a new plate request.
Do I need to renew my personalized plate every year?
Yes. The $30 personalization fee is charged annually along with standard registration renewal.
Can I order multiple plates with different messages for the same vehicle?
No, you can only have one plate per registered vehicle at a time.