The Battleship North Carolina Memorial has launched the Battleship North Carolina License Plate Project, a statewide campaign to bring a new North Carolina specialty license plate to roads across the state — while helping preserve one of North Carolina’s most treasured historic landmarks for generations to come.
Pre-orders are open now at BattleshipNC.com/license-plate
This new campaign arrives during the Battleship’s 65th Berth-Day year, marking 65 years since the USS North Carolina was permanently berthed in Wilmington as North Carolina’s official World War II memorial. For supporters, history lovers, veterans, and proud North Carolinians alike, the plate offers a new way to show support for the ship and the stories she carries.
A New North Carolina Specialty Plate with Purpose
The Battleship Plate Project includes two important milestones under North Carolina DMV requirements.
If the campaign reaches 300 paid pre-orders, supporters will be able to choose from one of North Carolina’s standard specialty plate designs — “First in Flight,” “First in Freedom,” or “State/National Motto” — each featuring the Battleship’s logo on the left side.
If the campaign reaches 500 paid pre-orders, the plate will become eligible for a fully custom artistic design.
That means every pre-order helps move the project forward — first toward getting the Battleship onto a North Carolina plate, and then toward unlocking a design that is uniquely its own.
“This plate is more than a way to show state pride — it’s a commitment to preserving one of North Carolina’s most significant historic treasures,” said Dr. Jay Martin, Executive Director of the Battleship North Carolina Memorial. “Every pre-order directly supports the Battleship’s mission and strengthens our ability to educate, inspire, and connect future generations with our state’s World War II story.”
Reserve your plate today at BattleshipNC.com/license-plate
What Will the Battleship Plate Look Like?
At the 300 pre-order milestone, the Battleship plate would appear on one of the North Carolina DMV’s standard specialty plate backgrounds, with the Battleship’s logo featured on the left-hand side. See examples below of the layout for each of the standard North Carolina license plates.
At 500 pre-orders, the plate would become eligible for a custom art design created specifically for the Battleship. That design has not yet been developed, but more information will be coming soon regarding the final look of the plate.
How Much Does a Battleship Plate Cost?
A standard Battleship specialty plate with randomly assigned letters and numbers costs $30. Drivers who would like a personalized plate message (up to four spaces, subject to DMV approval) can add that option for an additional $30 fee from the North Carolina DMV, for a total cost of $60.
Click to purchase a standard plate | Click to purchase a personalized plate
Why Supporting Battleship North Carolina Matters
The USS North Carolina (BB-55), affectionately known as “the Showboat,” earned 15 battle stars during World War II — more than any other battleship in the U.S. Navy.
Today, she serves not only as a museum ship, but also as a place of reflection, education, and remembrance. She stands in honor of the more than 11,000 North Carolinians who gave their lives during World War II, while also preserving the stories of the nearly 9,000 young men who served aboard.
For many visitors, stepping onto the Battleship is more than a history lesson. It is a chance to walk the decks, climb the ladders, and experience the spaces where sailors lived, worked, and fought. It is a powerful reminder that history is not abstract — it was lived by real people, many of them not much older than the students and families who visit today.
Pre-order a standard or personalized plate at BattleshipNC.com/license-plate
Every Pre-Order Helps Preserve the Battleship’s Future
The Battleship North Carolina Memorial operates as a self-sustaining institution, relying on earned revenue, donations, and community support to fund its operations.
That support helps make possible:
- Preservation and restoration of the historic ship
- Educational programming for students, families, and lifelong learners
- Public access to one of North Carolina’s most important historic sites
- Visitor experiences and community events that keep the Battleship’s legacy alive
In that way, the Battleship Plate Project is about more than a specialty tag. It is about ensuring that this ship — and the stories she carries — remain accessible, relevant, and cared for long into the future.
Help Bring the Battleship North Carolina License Plate to North Carolina Roads
The Battleship has stood as a symbol of courage, sacrifice, and service for generations. Now, North Carolinians have a chance to help carry that legacy forward — one plate at a time.
Reserve your plate today at BattleshipNC.com/license-plate
Questions? Email marketing@battleshipnc.com