North Carolina has unveiled a new specialty license plate featuring the Acrocanthosaurus atokensis, a massive carnivorous dinosaur that roamed the American South roughly 110 million years ago. The plate, approved by the state’s Division of Motor Vehicles, showcases the skeletal remains of this “Terror of the South,” making it one of the most striking license plate designs currently available.
A Rolling Tribute to Deep Time
The plate’s design is based on a signature specimen from the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, effectively turning a standard aluminum slab into a mobile homage to prehistoric life. The Acrocanthosaurus was an apex predator stretching over 38 feet long – large enough to consume modern vehicles without effort.
This isn’t just about aesthetics; the plate is the only specialty design approved by the North Carolina General Assembly in 2025, making it a unique and highly sought-after item.
Funding Paleontological Research
Beyond its striking appearance, the license plate serves a practical purpose. Each $30 specialty plate fee allocates $20 to the Friends of the N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences. This funding directly supports research, exhibits, educational programs, and conservation efforts.
Personalized plates are also available for an additional fee, allowing drivers to combine the dinosaur imagery with custom messages.
Availability and Future Designs
The DMV has already begun processing applications, and standard plates are slated to ship by the end of September. Personalized plates will follow in late October, with a potential reopening of applications through the DMV’s online system in November.
North Carolina already offers over 100 specialty plates, but this one stands out due to its distinct design. Another design featuring the Venus flytrap, native to the Carolinas, has passed the House but is still under review in the Senate.
This license plate is a unique example of how states are leveraging niche interests to support scientific institutions. It also highlights a growing trend of personalized vehicle designs that blend culture, history, and funding for public programs.
The new Acrocanthosaurus license plate is now available and represents a creative intersection of paleontology, public funding, and individual expression.
