While driving in the mountains, I swerved to miss a large skunk and struck a tree stump. The car is fine, but my front license plate is bent in half like a beach towel over a clothes line. Do I have to replace it?

Afraid so. Plates, when displayed, must be legible. To replace complete a Replacement Plate Application and drop it off at any Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office. Cost: $15.

Walked out to my car this morning and zingo (!) my license plates, both front and back, were gone. I suspect it was the work of some local hooligans. What should I do now?

Regardless of the how or why you will need to apply for new license plates. To do so complete a Replacement Plate Application and drop it off at any DMV office. Cost: $15.

How I can I replace a lost plate if I live out-of-state?

Good question. To replace, complete a Replacement Plate Application and mail it, along with a check for $15, to:

• The Division of Motor Vehicles

• 3148 Mail Service Center

• Raleigh, N.C. 27699-3148

If I'm putting a car in storage for an extended period of time, can I surrender the plates so as to not have to pay for registration and insurance?

Indeed you can. But be sure you surrender the license plates to the DMV before canceling your car insurance. Otherwise, due to North Carolina's law mandating that cars must be insured at all times while registered, you will be whacked with a $50 fine.

If I want to transfer my license plates to a different vehicle, are there any instances where I do not have to pay the DMV's $15 transfer fee?

Yes, there are. You do not have to pay the fee if the plates are going from single ownership to joint ownership, or vice versa, provided one of the names is the same.

Can special license plates be transferred to a surviving spouse?

Unfortunately, no. Prisoner of War plates, however, are the lone exception, provided the spouse does not remarry and renews the plates annually.

How can I get antique plates for my vehicle?

For antique plates, your vehicle must be at least 35 years old. Apply for the plates at your local DMV office. The plates cost $38.

If I move out of state, do I need to surrender my license plates?

Yes. Take the plates to any DMV office, or, if you've already moved, mail them to:

• DMV Vehicle Registration Section

• 3148 Mail Service Center

• 1100 New Bern Avenue

• Raleigh, NC 27699-3148

Make sure to state in your letter where the vehicle is now registered, and ask for a receipt.

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