CHAPEL HILL — The state Division of Motor Vehicles closed the only license plate office in Chapel Hill today after finding possible illegal activity.

The Chapel Hill License Agency had been operated by a private contractor, Caprina Kirkpatrick of High Point, since 1999. It was located at 201 West Estes Drive.

In a statement released today, DMV said a review by state investigators determined that “inappropriate activities, including accounting irregularities, warranted closure of the office.” The agency did not provide details, but indicated that criminal charges are pending.

There are about 120 license plate agencies in North Carolina, offering vehicle registration services and title transactions, as well as vehicle license plate renewals, replacement tags and duplicate registrations.

Chapel Hill residents are being diverted to the two nearest license plate agencies in Durham, at 1058 West Club Blvd., Suite 626, and at 5410 N.C. 55, Suite AB.