Vehicle registration is an important part of being a responsible owner. There are different requirements in North Carolina than in other states.
You may be wondering how to register a vehicle in North Carolina. What documents are required to register your vehicle? What if you’re a newcomer to the state?
Continue reading to learn more about the documents needed to register a vehicle, how to register your vehicle, and items that may interfere with vehicle registration.
The more you understand how to register a car in North Carolina, the easier it will be.
Table of Contents
How to Register a Motor Vehicle in North Carolina
New North Carolina residents who want to register a vehicle for the first time must obtain a North Carolina driver’s license. New residents need to visit one of the state’s license plate agencies to complete the registration.
Following are the five items needed to complete North Carolina vehicle registration:
- Vehicle registration (or registration card if a lender holds the title)
- MVR-180 Odometer Disclosure Official MVR-1 Title Application (for vehicles less than ten years old)
- Driver’s license from North Carolina (or NC Temporary Driving Certificate)
- Valid North Carolina automobile insurance
- Inspection requirements for vehicles
In North Carolina, newly titled cars do not require a vehicle inspection when first registered. Still, vehicle owners should be prepared to obtain one after a year when the vehicle is due for its first renewal.
North Carolina Vehicle Registration Fees
When contemplating North Carolina vehicle registration, count in the following fees:
- Title fee
- Highway-use tax
- County fee
- $56 fee for a new title in North Carolina
The state highway-use tax is 3% of the vehicle’s purchase price. The fee will be at most $250.
The county in which the vehicle is registered receives the third registration fee.
Fees range from $38.75 to $53.75, with Durham, Wake, and Orange counties requiring the higher amount.
How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in North Carolina
Your vehicle registration in North Carolina must be renewed every year. Count with a vehicle safety inspection on renewing your vehicle registration. You may also be required to pass an emissions test, depending on where you live.
The NC DMV will mail a renewal notice to the address on file 60 days before your vehicle registration expires. The notice will include the vehicle registration fee and any outstanding property taxes. These fees and registration renewals can be paid online, in person, or by mail.
If you choose to renew your registration online, you must prepare your vehicle’s license plate number and the last five numbers of the vehicle title number. You’ll also need to pay a $3 convenience fee.
How to Replace a Lost License Plate or Registration Sticker
Have no fear if you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of dealing with a lost or stolen registration sticker or license plate!
You can request a duplicate for a lost or damaged registration sticker on the NC DMV website. You must apply for a duplicate license plate in person at a DMV office.
What Happens if You Don’t Register Your Car on Time in North Carolina?
Sadly, there is no grace period for expired tags in NC. The only option is to renew your expired tags after paying the late fee penalty, which is usually between $15 and $25.
If your vehicle registration expires in less than a month, you must pay a $15 late fee penalty. If the expiry period is more than one month but less than two months, a $20 late fee penalty will be assessed. A fee of $25 will be charged if the expiry period exceeds two months.
Final Verdict
To wrap it up, there is no grace period for registration expiration in North Carolina.
In 2016, there was a 15-day grace period. In recent years, renewing your registration after it has expired has resulted in a late renewal fee ranging from $15 to $25, depending on the time since expiry.
Registration in North Carolina is valid for one year and must be renewed annually. Residents in Florida, for example, can renew their registration for one or two years. In North Carolina, registration renewal can be completed at a DMV office or online using the PayIt platform. Renewal via the Payit portal incurs a $3 processing fee.
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