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Automotive Plates

From every state excluding truck, motorcycle, bus, government, and specialty.

North Carolina

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plate

As of 2026, the standard North Carolina license plate features a white, blue, and red design with the "First in Flight" slogan, featuring blue lettering and a graphic honoring the Wright Brothers. It typically follows an ABC-1234 format on an aluminum base. Other common options include "First in Freedom" and "In God We Trust".

Key Features of NC License Plates (2026):

Standard Slogan: "First in Flight" (most common).

Alternative Slogans: "First in Freedom" (launched 2015) or "In God We Trust" (launched 2019).

Design & Color: White background with blue text and a stylized graphic. Newer plates often feature a 3M reflective watermark.

Serial Format: Typically three letters followed by four numbers (ABC-1234).

Exceptions: Letters G, I, O, Q, and U are omitted from the serial numbers.

Requirements: Only a rear license plate is required in North Carolina.

Specialty Plates: Over 100 designs are available, including "Friends of the Smokies" or college-affiliated tags.

Older "First in Flight" plates with red lettering, issued in the late 2000s, may still be seen, but the current standard features blue lettering.

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