THE NORTH CAROLINA TAG PROGRAM - Frequently Asked Questions:

How does this help the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation?

What will be my total annual fee?

Where does my $30 fee for the specialty license plate go?

What if my car is registered in another state?

Do I have to wait until my current plate expires before I can purchase my Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation specialty license plate?

May I purchase a Blue Ridge Parkway Specialty License Plate when I purchase a new car?

Can I relinquish my tag to someone else?

What if I change my mind?

Personalized Plates

Can I personalize my specialty license plate?

Where does my $60 fee for a personalized specialty license plate go?

How does this help the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation?

The Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation raises private funds for the Blue Ridge Parkway.  Its authority to request and receive funds is vested in a cooperative agreement with the National Park Service and  the Department of Interior.  Funds derived from the "Tag Fund" are used for projects and programs which have a lasting value and enhance the quality of the visitor experience.  The Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation's NC Solicitation License Number is SL002495; its Federal tax ID number is 37-1512730.

What will be my total annual fee?

For a car or private truck under 4,000 lbs., the total fee is $58.  $28 is the standard vehicle registration fee collected by DMV. 

Additional standard vehicle registration fees:

Private trucks under 5,000 lbs. = $43.50

Private trucks under 6,000 lbs. = $61.50

Where does my $30 fee for the specialty license plate go?

After DMV collects your standard vehicle registration fee, the additional fee is allocated:

$20 to the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation in support of its Parkway projects and programs; and

$10 to the Special Registration Plate Account (SRPA).  Funds from the SRPA are distributed for operating the seven state welcome centers, promoting tourism within the Department of Commerce, maintaining the state roadside wildflower program, and to promote  travel accessibility for disabled persons.

What if my car is registered in another state?

All vehicles must be registered with the North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles before this application is submitted.

Do I have to wait until my current plate expires before I can purchase my Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation specialty license plate?

You can purchase your specialty license plate any time.

The Department of Motor Vehicles will not process a specialty license plate application if your current plate expires within a 90-day period.  You must renew your current plate prior to mailing in your specialty license plate application.

You are not paying extra fees to renew early; your Blue Ridge Parkway specialty license plate will have the same expiration as your current plate.

The Department of Motor Vehicles will allow you to renew your current plate up to 6 months prior to expiration.  (You may only do this at a license plate agency or through the mail. Online renewal will only accept renewals that are less than 90 days from expiration.)

May I purchase a Blue Ridge Parkway Specialty License Plate when I purchase a new car?

The Department of Motor Vehicles requires that a standard plate is issued to all new vehicle owners.  Once you have received your standard license plate, you may purchase a specialty plate.  You will only need to pay the specialty ($30) or personalized ($60) plate fee because you paid your standard vehicle registration fee when your purchased the vehicle.

What if I change my mind?

You may go back to your regular license plate at any time.  If your specialty plate is still a valid plate, then you turn it in and receive a regular plate.  There are no refunds given for the unused portion of special fees.

Can I relinquish my tag to someone else?

Only personalized plates can be relinquished.  Once a numerical tag expires without renewal, that number can never again be reissued.

Personalized Plates

Can I personalize my specialty license plate?

Your Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation license plate can be personalized.  There are four spaces available for personalization.  There is an additional $30 fee for a personalized plate.  You may request your personalized plate at any time.

Personalized plates may be alpha or alpha/numeric; they can not be all numeric.

Please allow 4-6 weeks for receipt of your personalized plate.

On the DMV site, these instructions will be helpful in checking availability of your personalized plate.

1. Upon entering the DMV site, you will see Online Services in the far left column. Click on Personalized Plates in this column.
2. In the next window, click on Order a Personalized Plate.
3. In Step 1, click on Private Auto or Motorcycle or Trailer AND then click on Special Interests.
4. You will then see the various choices. Click on Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation and a sample license plate will appear.
5. Now in Step 2, you can enter your 4-character id and click Check Availability. It's as easy as that! And you can see the finished product! If your selection is not available, you will see a message: not available. Try another.
6. Experiment and purchase when you find your choice available. And share your purchasing journey with your buddies.

Where does my $60 fee for a personalized specialty license plate go?

After DMV collects your standard vehicle registration fee, the additional fee is allocated:

$20 to the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation in support of its Parkway projects and programs;

$20 to the Special Registration Plate Account (SRPA).  Funds from the SRPA are distributed for operating the seven state welcome centers, promoting tourism within the Department of Commerce, maintaining the state roadside wildflower program, and to promote  travel accessibility for disabled persons; and

$10 to the National Heritage Trust Fund.

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