CHAPEL HILL — If you need a new license plate, you may need to drive a few miles.

The only state license tag office in Chapel Hill has closed its doors.

The state Division of Motor Vehicles says the office at University Mall closed Friday because the private contractor who ran the office, Robert Simpson, didn't renew his lease.

The DMV is looking for a new contractor to run a Chapel Hill office, but a DMV spokeswoman could not say when the office would reopen.

Meanwhile, the closest offices for Chapel Hill residents are at the N.C. 54 Executive Park or in Northgate Mall, both in Durham.

Unlike some other states, North Carolina allows private contractors to run tag offices. The state provides supplies to the contractors, but the contractors pay salaries, rent and utility bills.