Register Car in North Carolina

General Requirements

Registration Renewal

If you've registered the car in this state before, go to Registration Renewals.

First-Time Registration

If you have recently:

• Purchased a car

• Been given a car

• Moved into the state

Then you’ll need to get the car registered.

If you’re new to the state, you must register your car at the end of 30 days or when you accept gainful employment (whichever occurs first).

You must register and title newly-acquired cars right away, or risk a citation.

Get Insurance

The state requires you to have liability insurance in order to register your car. To shop for rates, check out our Insurance Center.

Prepare the Paperwork

Probably the most important piece of paperwork to have at hand is the title, which the previous owner should have signed over to you. If you purchased your vehicle from a dealership, make sure you get the title before you leave. If your title is lost, get a replacement.

Before you go to the DMV's Vehicle & License Plate Renewal Office, have these documents ready:

1. A Title Application. Do not sign until you get the DMV; it needs to be notarized.
2. The odometer statement, if the car is less than 10 years old. Make sure both you and the seller signed it. If you’re transferring your car from out of state, you can simply note the odometer reading on the registration application.
3. Title and lien release, if applicable.
4. A Bill of Sale, if it’s a new car.
5. A Damage Disclosure Statement if you bought the car from a dealer.

Getting a Vehicle History Report for your car is essential if you’re still at the shopping stage. This will tell you the car’s history and whether you’re getting a fair deal.

Calculate the Fees

The DMV bases registration and titling fees on the class of vehicle you are registering. Additionally, there’s a 3% Highway Use Tax every time the title changes hands. If you have a used car, this fee is based on the estimated value, and not what you paid.

Residents of Durham, Orange, and Wake counties must also pay a $5 Regional Transportation Authority Registration Tax.

You may also have to pay for an emissions check, license plate fees, and local fees.

Go to the DMV

Bring all your paperwork to your Vehicle & License Plate Renewal Office. If you haven't done so, they’ll have you fill out a http://www.ncdot.gov/download/dmv/VR_MVR1.pdfTitle Application}, and sign it in the presence of their notary.

If the vehicle was purchased from a dealer, you must declare all liens on this form.

License Plates

You’ll get a license plate in the office, or you may apply for a specialized plate. There are many available. For instance, if you’re a NASCAR fan, you can get a NASCAR plate. You can even personalize your plates with your nickname or favorite saying―just be sure to keep it clean.

Take it one step further with a specialized frame. These can reflect everything from a sports team to a hobby, and make your car stand out further.

Emissions Inspection

After you get your plate, you have 10 days to get an emissions inspection or safety inspection, if applicable. The office will tell you whether it’s required based on your county and car year.

Affix Your Stickers

Your stickers come with your plate. Read the directions on how to apply them, so they don’t come off and so thieves can’t make off with them.

Get a Tax Deduction

Deducting a portion of your registration fees may be possible. The IRS allows you to deduct the amount that’s based on the value of the car, and not on weight or anything else. Your receipt should have a fee breakdown that will tell you what the portion is.

For further questions about your taxes, consult a tax attorney.

Safely Get on Your Way

When you get a new vehicle, it’s a good time to do a few safety checks before you get back out on the road. Are you covered if your car breaks down? A roadside assistance program will come to your aid if you need it; likewise, a car emergency kit is handy to have stashed in your trunk.

And if the breakdown is big, having an after-market warranty covering your major systems can save you a ton of cash. Before anything like that happens, you should find a mechanic that you’re comfortable with.

Along the lines of accessories, you’ll want to make sure you’ve updated your cell phone with a hands-free headset. A child safety seat check is important if you’ve got little ones; make sure it fits your current needs (and your new car).

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