North Carolina plate replacements require a notarized application, Form MVR-18, submitted at a license plate agency. The standard replacement fee is $21.50. Plates that are worn or faded beyond legibility may be replaced free of charge.
The NCDMV does not require a police report to replace lost or stolen plates, but filing one is strongly recommended to protect you from violations traced to the stolen plate number.
Your North Carolina Plate Was Stolen? Do This First
A stolen North Carolina plate can be placed on another vehicle and used to evade toll cameras, commit traffic violations, and generate citations that initially trace to your registration. North Carolina’s urban areas, the Triangle, Charlotte, the Triad, and the I-95 corridor, have extensive automated enforcement networks. Acting quickly after a theft limits how much activity can accumulate under your plate number.
Step 1: File a Police Report
Contact your local law enforcement agency. Although the NCDMV does not require a police report for plate replacement, having one is essential for disputing any violations traced to the stolen plate. Request the incident report number.
Step 2: Notify Your Insurer
Report the theft to your auto insurance carrier with your policy number and the police report number.
Step 3: Complete Form MVR-18
Download Form MVR-18 (Application for Replacement Plate and/or Sticker) from ncdot.gov/dmv or pick one up at any license plate agency. Complete the form and have your signature notarized before submitting; un-notarized forms are not accepted.
Step 4: Submit Your Documents
Bring the notarized Form MVR-18, your completed Form MVR-18A (License Plate Turn-In Verification for lost or stolen plates), proof of insurance, and your North Carolina driver’s license to any license plate agency.
Step 5: Monitor for Violations
Watch your mail for camera citations, toll violation notices, and enforcement correspondence bearing your old plate number. Dispute each one with your police report number and the confirmed theft date.
How to Get a Replacement North Carolina Plate
North Carolina plate replacements must be handled at a license plate agency in person. There is no online replacement option for physical plates. If you are currently outside North Carolina, you may submit the replacement application by mail.
In Person at NCDMV License Plate Agency
Visit any North Carolina license plate agency with:
- Notarized Form MVR-18
- Completed Form MVR-18A for lost or stolen plates
- Proof of car insurance
- North Carolina driver’s license
- Payment for applicable fees
If plates are available in inventory, your replacement is typically issued the same day.
By Mail for Out-of-State Residents Only
Mail your notarized Form MVR-18, Form MVR-18A, proof of insurance, a copy of your driver’s license, and a check or money order for $21.50 to:
NC Division of Motor Vehicles
3148 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27697
Document Checklist
Have all documents ready before visiting a license plate agency. One of the most common reasons replacement applications are delayed is arriving with an un-notarized form.
Required for All Replacements
- Completed and notarized Form MVR-18
- Valid North Carolina driver’s license or state ID
- Proof of current North Carolina insurance
- Payment for the replacement fee
Additional Documents for Lost or Stolen Plates
- Completed Form MVR-18A
- Police report number (strongly recommended)
Additional Documents for Damaged Plates
- Damaged plate to surrender
- Supporting documentation if requesting a free replacement due to fading or wear
Replacement Fees
| Fee / Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Standard plate replacement (lost, stolen, or damaged) | $21.50 |
| Worn or faded plate replacement | No charge (notary fee may apply) |
| Replacement sticker only | Contact NCDMV for current fee |
If your plate is older than seven years, the NCDMV may automatically replace it during a future renewal cycle. Review your renewal notice for any automatic replacement information.
Damaged or Lost Plates, What to Know
Damaged Plate
If your plate is bent, cracked, or otherwise physically damaged, it should be replaced before continuing to operate the vehicle. Bring the damaged plate with you when submitting your replacement application. The standard replacement fee applies.
Worn or Faded Plate
Older North Carolina plates may eventually become faded, peel, or lose reflectivity. If a plate becomes difficult to read under normal conditions, the NCDMV may replace it at no charge.
Bring the worn plate to a license plate agency for inspection. If the damage is determined to be the result of normal wear rather than abuse, the replacement may be free, although the required notarization may still involve a small fee.
Lost Plate
If your plate is lost and theft is not suspected, complete Form MVR-18 and Form MVR-18A, have the application notarized, pay the replacement fee, and submit the paperwork through a license plate agency.
Although a police report is not required, filing one may still be beneficial if there is any possibility the plate was stolen rather than simply lost.
What Can Delay a Plate Replacement?
Several issues can slow down the replacement process:
Missing Notarization
Form MVR-18 must be notarized before submission. Applications without notarization will not be processed.
Missing Insurance Verification
Current North Carolina liability insurance must be on file and verified before a replacement plate can be issued.
Incomplete Documentation
Missing forms, identification, or plate turn-in documentation may require an additional visit to the license plate agency.
Specialty or Personalized Plates
Replacement of specialty and personalized plates may take longer because the plate must be recreated rather than issued from existing inventory.