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

The office had been operated at University Mall since 1999 by a private contractor, Caprina Kirkpatrick of High Point. DMV said a review by its 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. Kirkpatrick could not be reached for comment.

The investigation should take “one or two months at the most,” DMV spokeswoman Marge Howell said. Then DMV officials will make sure there is a viable location in Chapel Hill for a new office.

“We don’t want anybody to undergo any hardship and not be able to get the services they need,” Howell said. “We want to be certain that a license plate agency in Chapel Hill is appropriate for the area.”

DMV files show that the Chapel Hill office handled about 80,000 transactions a year. It was one of about 120 license plate agencies across the state.

Until DMV completes its investigation and hires a new contractor in Chapel Hill, most Orange County car owners will have to drive to offices in Durham, Burlington or Siler City for license plates, registrations and vehicle titles.

Here are the closest DMV license plate agencies for Orange County drivers, all open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.:

• 1058 W. Club Blvd., Suite 6, Durham. 919-286-4908.

• 5410 Hwy. 55, Suite AB, Durham. 919-544-3662.

• Town Hall, 311 N. 2nd Ave., Siler City. 919-742-1307.

• 85 Plaza Shopping Center, 2668 Ramada Road, Burlington. 336-228-7152.