North Carolina Vehicle Registration

In North Carolina, all vehicles must be properly titled and registered. In order to complete the titling and NC vehicle registration process, there are some requirements that must first be satisfied before applying for a NC registration:

• The individual applying for a NC vehicle registration must have a valid Driver License.
• If there are other owners that will be recorded on the title of the vehicle, bring a copy of the other owners’ valid ID/Driver License.
• If you are mailing title work to the Division of Motor Vehicles, you must provide a copy of your current North Carolina Driver License.
• If you are a new resident of North Carolina from out-of-state, you need apply for your NC registration after you receive your official North Carolina Driver License. A Temporary Driving Certificate cannot be used to complete the NC vehicle registration process.
• You must have fully paid your property taxes for the motor vehicle you are attempting to register.

Documentation for a North Carolina Vehicle Registration

In order to apply for a North Carolina vehicle registration, you will need the following documentation ready for the Division of Motor vehicles.

• Valid Driver’s license or ID for proof of identity.
• Copies of alternative vehicle owners’ ID/driver’s license to proof of identity of co-owners that will show up on the vehicle’s title.
• Proof of liability insurance that is acceptable in North Carolina.
• For non-residents of North Carolina, you will need to show one of the following documents in order to complete a NC vehicle registration: current college enrollment in a North Carolina school, active military duty in North Carolina, co-ownership of the vehicle, registration of a motor home, documentation of a medical condition, or the vehicle being garaged in North Carolina for at least half the year.

Necessary Forms for North Carolina Vehicle Registration

Depending on the type of North Carolina registration for a vehicle, you will need to complete the appropriate documents and forms. Regardless of what form of North Carolina vehicle registration, all of them will require a valid driver’s license when being processed in person. The following describes the necessary documents for North Carolina vehicle registrations.

North Carolina Vehicle Registration (bought from a dealer):

• Notarized Vehicle Title.
• Bill of Sale which shows the purchase price of the vehicle.
• Notarized Form MVR-1 or the Title Application which declares all liens.
• Form MVR-180 Odometer Disclosure Statement for any vehicle less than ten years old.
• Form MVR-181 Damage Disclosure Statement
• Form MVR-615 Declaration of Eligible Risk.

North Carolina Vehicle Registration (bought from an individual):

• Notarized Vehicle Title.
• Lien release form if any liens are on the vehicle title
• Notarized Form MVR-1 or the Title Application which declares all liens.
• Form MVR-180 Odometer Disclosure Statement for any vehicle less than ten years old.
• Form MVR-615 Declaration of Eligible Risk.

North Carolina Vehicle Registration (out of state vehicles):

• Current Out-of-State Registration Card
• Form MVR-180 Odometer Disclosure Statement for any vehicle less than ten years old.
• Notarized Form MVR-1 or the Title Application which declares all liens.
• Form MVR-615 Declaration of Eligible Risk.

Fees for North Carolina Vehicle Registration

Any payment for a transaction at a Department of Motor Vehicles office for a NC registration is limited to cash, personal checks, or money orders. Credit and debit cards are not accepted. The following fees are applicable for a NC vehicle registration:

• $40.00 Certificate of Title
• $75.00 Instant Title
• $28.00 Plate Fee for Private Passenger Vehicles
• $28.00 Plate Fee for Private Trucks under 4,000 lbs
• $5.00 Fee in Wake, Orange, and Durham Counties
• $1.00 Randolph County fee
• $15.00 Transfer of Plate

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