04/07/2026
NEW COMMERCIAL SERVICES AT THE LICENSE PLATE AGENCY
The Mitchell County License Plate Agency is pleased to announce the addition of new services that benefit commercial and for-hire businesses. The office in the Spruce Pine Shopping Center now offers International Registration Plan (IRP) services, saving those needing these services from having to travel to DMV elsewhere to access them.
“We have been working to enhance our offerings to residents in the area,” said Shelley Buchanan, the Director of the agency. “IRP will benefit those who operate commercial trucks or anyone operating vehicles hauling people or goods across state lines.”
The International Registration Plan is an agreement among the 48 contiguous United States, the District of Columbia, and 10 Canadian provinces that allows commercial vehicles to be registered in their base jurisdiction yet legally operate in other states and provinces. The IRP allows these other agencies to recognize one license plate and cab card issued by the home jurisdiction. IRP is required for vehicles over a combined gross vehicle weight over 26,000 pounds or with 3+ axles regardless of weight, allowing those who operate these vehicles to cross state and province lines to legally conduct business operations. Fees are based on distance traveled and are renewed yearly.
In the past, companies and individuals had to go to the DMV in Asheville or Morganton to make or update IRP registrations. Now, paperwork and payment for IRP can all be completed in Spruce Pine. The agency is open Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and it is recommended that those seeking IRP services call ahead before traveling to the office. The agency’s phone number is 828-520-1134.
For more information on the new IRP services or to get details on other DMV services offered by the Mitchell County License Plate Agency, call 828-520-1134 during business hours or visit mitchellcountync.gov/departments/license-plate-agency.
