North Carolina Vehicle Registration

North Carolina Vehicle Registration: A Comprehensive Guide

Vehicle registration is a crucial aspect of owning a vehicle in North Carolina. A vehicle cannot be legally driven without proper registration. Therefore, every vehicle owner must register their vehicle with the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Vehicle registration includes obtaining a title, license plate, and registration sticker. This comprehensive guide will provide vehicle owners with detailed information about vehicle registration in North Carolina, including registration requirements, fees, and renewal procedures.

Vehicle Title in North Carolina

A vehicle title in North Carolina is a legal document that shows ownership of the vehicle. Vehicle owners must obtain a title before registration. A title transfer is necessary when a vehicle is bought or sold, gifted or inherited. The DMV provides a detailed guide for obtaining a title in the state for different types of vehicles, such as cars, trucks, motorcycles, boats, and trailers. The following are the basic requirements for obtaining a vehicle title in North Carolina:

– Completed Title Application form

– Proof of vehicle ownership, such as Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MCO) or Bill of Sale

– Proof of Identification, such as a driver’s license or passport
– If applicable, a lien release from the loan company
– Payment for fees

After submitting the necessary documents and fees, the DMV will process the title within ten business days.

North Carolina Vehicle Registration

Once the vehicle title is obtained, the owner must register the vehicle. North Carolina requires all vehicles to be registered with the DMV, including cars, trucks, trailers, motorcycles, and boats. The registration process includes obtaining a license plate and registration sticker. The following are the basic requirements for vehicle registration in North Carolina:

– Completed Registration Application form

– Proof of vehicle ownership, such as Title, Bill of Sale or MCO

– Proof of car insurance coverage

– Payment for the registration fee

After submitting the necessary documents and fee, the DMV will issue a registration sticker and license plate. It is important to note that registration fees vary depending on various factors, including vehicle type, weight, and the County of residence.

Vehicle Registration Renewal in North Carolina

Vehicle registration in North Carolina has to be renewed every year. The renewal process includes obtaining a new registration sticker. The DMV will send a renewal notice approximately 60 days before the expiry date. Vehicle owners have two options for renewal: online or by mail. To renew your vehicle registration online, the following requirements should be met:

– Valid North Carolina driver’s license

– Last 5 digits of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

– Proof of liability insurance coverage

– Payment for the registration fee

Renewing a vehicle registration in North Carolina is quick and easy. Vehicle owners can access the online renewal process 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The renewal notice can also be completed by mail by sending the necessary information and payment to the DMV.

Vehicle Inspection

In North Carolina, all vehicles are required to undergo an annual safety inspection to ensure they are safe for road use. The inspection covers various safety aspects of the car, including brakes, headlights, mirrors, and seat belts. The purpose of this inspection is to ensure that every vehicle on the road is safe and roadworthy.

Vehicle inspection is required before registration renewal. The inspection station will provide a report detailing the results of the inspection. If the vehicle passes the inspection, the owner will receive an inspection certificate, which should be presented at the DMV to obtain the registration renewal sticker. If the vehicle fails the inspection, the necessary repairs should be made, and the car re-inspected before getting the registration renewal.

License Plate

Each registered vehicle in North Carolina must have a license plate on both the front and the rear. The license plate is required to be visible and legible at all times. License plates in North Carolina consist of a combination of letters and numbers. Drivers are not allowed to use a custom license plate until the vehicle is registered with the DMV. All newly registered vehicles in North Carolina will get a temporary license plate that must be replaced within 30 days of registration.

Registration Fees

Vehicle registration fees in North Carolina vary depending on the vehicle’s weight, type, and County of registration. Registration fees are divided into two parts. The first part is the license fee, which is based on the vehicle type and its weight. The second part is the Highway Use Tax (HUT), which is based on the cost of the vehicle and the date it was bought. The following are the estimated registration fees applicable in North Carolina:

– For a Passenger Vehicle weighing less than 4,000 pounds: License fee – $28, HUT – 3% of the vehicle’s value

– For a Commercial Vehicle weighing less than 4,000 pounds: License fee – $43, HUT – 3% of the vehicle’s value

– For a Passenger or Commercial vehicle weighing more than 4,000 pounds: License fee – $43, HUT – 3% of the vehicle’s value

Conclusion

Vehicle registration in North Carolina is a crucial aspect of owning a car. It is important to follow the necessary steps to obtain a vehicle title, register the car, and obtain a license plate and registration sticker. Vehicle registration fees vary depending on the type, weight, and County of registration. Vehicle owners must remember to renew their vehicle registration before the expiry date to avoid penalties. Finally, it is essential to undergo an annual vehicle inspection to ensure your vehicle is safe and roadworthy. By following these guidelines and adhering to the rules and regulations, vehicle registration in North Carolina can be a smooth and hassle-free process.

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