If your vehicle's registration card, license plate(s) or stickers are lost, stolen, or damaged, you may apply for a replacement with the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles. The procedure differs slightly depending on what needs to be replaced.

APPLYING FOR A REPLACEMENT REGISTRATION CARD

You can apply for a replacement registration card if your card is lost, stolen, or damaged by following these steps:

1. Collect your title and the damaged registration card.
2. Pay the duplicate registration fee, currently $15.

An application for a replacement registration card can be made by mail, in person or online. When applying by mail, include a letter requesting a duplicate registration including your license plate number or a copy of your title and fee, and mail to:

North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles
Vehicle Registration Section

Mail and Distribution Unit

3148 Mail Service Center

Raleigh, N.C. 27699-3148    

To apply in person, visit your local DMV Vehicle and License Plate Renewal office.

To apply online, open the DMV's online form and type your title and license plate information in the relevant fields. You need a Visa or MasterCard to request a duplicate registration card online.

APPLYING FOR A REPLACEMENT LICENSE PLATES AND/OR STICKERS

If one or both of your license plates are lost, stolen, or damaged, you must apply for replacement plate(s) immediately. You can obtain replacement plates either in person or by mail.

Applying For Replacement License Plates in Person

1. Visit your local DMV Vehicle and License Plate Renewal office.
2. Complete the application for replacement plates.
3. Bring the damaged plate(s) with you, if you still have them.
4. Bring your valid North Carolina driver's license or State identification card.
5. If your current address differs from the one the North Carolina DMV has on file, you must also provide proof of ownership of the vehicle (a copy of your title or registration card), along with a police report, if your license plates were stolen.
6. Pay the $15 duplicate license plates fee.

Applying For Replacement License Plates by Mail To be eligible to apply by mail, you must be the registered owner of the vehicle, and your current address must match the one the North Carolina DMV has on file.

1. Complete the application for replacement plates.
2. Mail the damaged plate(s) along with the application, if you still have them.
3. Pay the $15 duplicate license plates fee via check only. Mail the application, plate(s) and fee to:

   The Division of Motor Vehicles
   3148 Mail Service Center
   Raleigh, N.C. 27699-3148    

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Note that you cannot obtain replacement license plates or stickers for vehicles that are not currently registered.
• If you have not received your replacement registration card, license plates, or stickers within eight weeks of submitting your application, contact the North Carolina DMV at (919) 715-7000, Monday to Friday between 8 am and 5 pm for assistance.
• See also Vehicle registration and Registration Renewal.
• See also Replacing a Lost Driver's License and Replacing a Lost Title.