North Carolina Vehicle Registration

Registration of Vehicles for New Residents in North Carolina

Residents new to North Carolina must adhere to specific requirements when registering their vehicles. Typically, registration for new residents involves acquiring an NC driver's license, titling, and registering the car 30 days after establishing residency.

To apply for an NC driver's license, new residents must visit an NCDMV office. They must provide proper documentation verifying their identity, age, Social Security number, North Carolina residency, and legal presence in the US, if applicable. Passing the required driver exams and paying the necessary fees are also mandatory.

Once the driver's license is obtained, residents can proceed to register their vehicles. This involves visiting an NCDMV location and presenting their newly acquired NC driver's license. If the physical license has yet to arrive, they must bring their license from outside the state and a certificate of temporary driving issued during the NC license application process.

Additionally, proof of vehicle insurance, a vehicle title (or current registration from out of state if a lienholder exists), a furnished Title Application Form (MVR-1), and payment for applicable fees are required.

New residents will receive registration certificates and license plates upon fulfilling these requirements.

Remember that although initially exempt from a vehicle inspection, new residents must have their vehicle inspected before their registration renewal, up to 90 days before expiration.

Registration of Purchased or Gifted Vehicles in North Carolina

Individuals can register a newly purchased or gifted vehicle in North Carolina by mail or in person.

When registering a vehicle in person, residents must visit an NCDMV location and provide several vital documents. These include an ID card or valid NC driver's license, proof of auto insurance, and a vehicle title.

Applicants should also furnish their registration from outside the state and odometer disclosure if a lienholder holds the title. If the vehicle has multiple owners, all necessary paperwork must be completed for each co-owner.

Additionally, several forms must be completed, such as Form MVR-1, Damage Disclosure Statement Form (MVR-181), and Odometer Disclosure Statement Form (MVR-180) for cars less than ten years old. A bill of sale and payment for applicable fees are also required.

For those unable to register in person due to being out of state, a registration by mail option is available. This method necessitates sending all pertinent documents outlined for in-person registration and a driver's license copy to the designated address:

Vehicle Registration for Military Members in North Carolina

Military members stationed in North Carolina can register their vehicles using their outside-the-state driver's license and supporting documents indicating their duty station within the state. However, this procedure has specific taxes, especially for vehicles purchased overseas.

A 3% tax applies based on the purchase price if the vehicle is purchased from a dealer. On the other hand, a computer schedule value applies if the car is purchased from a private party, with a maximum tax limit of $250. Additionally, a 3% tax based on the price on the bill of sale is applicable if a car was purchased without registration.

To complete the registration, a furnished bill of sale and a North Carolina vehicle inspection are necessary.

For military members outside North Carolina, vehicle registration can be accomplished through mail.

To do so, individuals must prepare a valid North Carolina driver's license or ID card, proof of car insurance, a vehicle title, a completed Form MVR-1, Form MVR-181, and Form MVR-180 for vehicles less than ten years old.

Additionally, a bill of sale and payment for relevant fees must be included in the application.

The completed package, along with a driver's license copy, should be sent to the address below:

North Carolina Registration Service Stops

The NCDMV can stop any vehicle registration process in North Carolina for various reasons. These issues must be resolved first before individuals can proceed with registration.

One common issue vehicle owners face is outstanding NCDMV debts, which must be settled before registration. Additionally, individuals who have previously issued bad checks to the NCDMV must contact any of the division's offices to clear this stop.

Moreover, failure to pay child support results in a stop that requires resolution through the Department of Health and Human Services.

Meanwhile, issues related to vehicle documentation, such as discrepancies in titles or VINs (vehicle identification numbers), loans, or application problems, also prevent registration until resolved.

In more severe cases, individuals who have lost their driver's license due to driving while impaired (DWI) charge must consult the Administrative Office of Courts to address the stop. If a vehicle was stolen, clearance must be obtained from the NCDMV License and Theft Bureau.

These criteria, among others, can impede vehicle registration in North Carolina. For further details on common registration stops, their causes, and resolution procedures, refer to the Registration Service Stops page on the official NCDMV website.

North Carolina License Plates

North Carolina license plates are essential for vehicles registered in the state. The NCDMV issues them when a vehicle is titled, registered, and has passed the requisite safety and emissions checks.

The NCDMV issues a standard license plate for all motor vehicles registered within the state. This plate has three designs and is available for private passenger and private hauler vehicles.

One of the standard plate designs is the "First in Flight" plate, which pays homage to the Wright Brothers' historic first powered flight in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, in 1903. Another design is the "First in Freedom" plate, commemorating two significant milestones in North Carolina's role in the American Revolution.

The last standard plate design incorporates the "In God We Trust" motto of the United States and the "To Be Rather Than to Seem" North Carolina motto.

In addition to the standard plates, the NCDMV offers specialty license plates representing over 100 causes and interest groups. These plates allow individuals to showcase their support for various organizations and initiatives.

Furthermore, the standard and specialty plates can be personalized for an additional fee, allowing drivers to add a personal touch to their vehicles.

How To Obtain Vanity License Plates in New Hampshire?

Acquiring a vanity or personalized plate in North Carolina involves several straightforward steps. Interested individuals can only obtain these unique plates if their vehicle is registered, and they can apply online, in person, or by mail.

To apply online, users need to follow the procedures outlined in the myNCDMV platform. Individuals will need their vehicle's license plate number and the last five digits of the vehicle title number, typically found on renewal notices or registration cards when applying for vanity plates online.

For in-person applications, applicants must complete a Personalized Plate Application Form and submit it at any NCDMV office. Similarly, those opting for mail-in applications can send the completed form along with the required fee ($30) to the designated address:

When selecting personalized plates, applicants are limited to eight characters for standard vehicles and seven for motorcycles. These characters can include letters, numbers, or special characters; however, the chosen combination prohibits offensive content or duplicates of existing plates.

Applicants whose text choices are rejected will receive notification by mail and can submit alternative selections at any time.

Online Registration Renewal

Those opting to renew their vehicle registration online in North Carolina can do so through the myNCDMV platform.

When using this method, individuals must input their license plate number and the last five digits of their vehicle title number. They must also pay the applicable renewal fee and the online transaction fee.

In-Person Registration Renewal

For in-person vehicle registration renewal in North Carolina, interested parties must visit any NCDMV location.

During this visit, individuals must submit their renewal notice or a license plate number if the notice is unavailable. They must also bring proof of vehicle insurance, such as their insurance policy or card. To complete the renewal process, the renewal fee must be paid.

Fees for Late Registration Renewal in North Carolina

The NCDMV offers a 15-day grace period post-expiration, during which owners cannot be ticketed. However, the division can incur late fees for delayed renewal. These late registration renewal fees are as follows:

• $15 for less than one month of delayed registration renewal
• $20 for one to two months of delayed registration renewal
• $25 for two or more months of delayed registration renewal