N.C. Gen. Stat. § 58-2-55

In any contested case under this Chapter that is within the scope of the Commissioner's powers and duties, the Commissioner may designate a member of his staff to serve as a hearing officer. When the Commissioner is unable or elects not to hear a contested case and elects not to designate a hearing officer to hear a contested case, he shall apply to the director of the Office of Administrative Hearings for the designation of an administrative law judge to preside at the hearing of a contested case. Upon receipt of the application, the Director shall, without undue delay, assign an administrative law judge to hear the case.