Beginning Oct. 1, 2026, the N.C. Department of Motor Vehicles is changing some things.

Here are the changes:

No plate stickers – You will not get a physical sticker for your license plate upon renewal

No paper cards – Printed registration cards will no longer be automatically mailed or handed out.

Digital tracking – Law Enforcement will check your registration status instantly by scanning or typing your metal plate number into law enforcement databases.

What Stays the Same

Mandatory renewals – You must still renew your vehicle registration annually and pay all required fees and property taxes.

Vehicle inspections – Standard annual safety and emissions inspections remain mandatory before you can renew.

If you still want a physical paper registration card, the NCDMV will provide a way to print one or request a mailed copy.

For more information visit www.PolkNC.gov/DigitalVehicleRegistration or call the Polk County License Plate Agency at 828-89-8500.