About

​​​​​​​​​​The NC General Assembly created the NC Division of Motor Vehicles License & Theft Bureau in 1921, making it the oldest state law enforcement agency in North Carolina. The original mission of the License & Theft Bureau was to prevent auto theft and to apprehend offenders.

Legislation at the end of 2024 made the License & Theft Bureau part of the NC State Highway Patrol where it was renamed the Investigative Services Unit

Today, the unit employs more than 195 law enforcement agents who primarily investigate:

• Vehicle theft
• Title fraud
• Driver license and identity fraud
• Vehicle odometer fraud

Inspectors also enforce the rules and regulations governing:

• Vehicle dealers
• Vehicle safety and emissions inspection stations
• ​Vehicle repair businesses

During states of emergency, the Investigative Services Unit assists local law enforcement with police duties and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Administration by providing humanitarian relief to victims in disaster areas.

Our employees have a proud heritage and commitment to excellence and professionalism that helps ensure the safety of North Carolina’s citizens and visitors. Daily contact with vehicle owners and drivers puts them on the front line of public service.