Registration FAQs

How do I renew my registration?

Before your registration expires, you will receive a reminder card in the mail. You do not need this card to renew your registration, but if you don't receive one, you can request it by calling (919) 715-7000.

To renew, you must fill out a registration renewal application form and pay the appropriate fee. You can renew in person, online, or by mail. To renew in person, visit any Vehicle and License Plate Renewal office and if you don't have a reminder card, bring your license plate number and insurance information.

You can also renew online. If you don't have your reminder card, you will need your license plate number and the last five digits of your title number (you can find this on your registration card).

If you renew by mail, include a $1 fee for postage. Mail your renewal application to:

• NC Division of Motor Vehicles

• Post Office Box 29620

• Raleigh, NC 27626-0620

Once the Division of Motor Vehicles receives your renewal application and fees, they will issue you new stickers to put on your license plate.

What do I do if I don't get my registration renewal?

If you never received a renewal card for registration, you can call (919) 715-7000 and request that one be mailed to you. With your license plate (tag) number and the last five digits of your title, you can renew online. Or, you can visit any Vehicle and License Plate Renewal office with your insurance information and license plate number to renew your registration in person.

How do I get a duplicate registration?

If you have lost your registration card, there is a $15 fee to get a replacement. The easiest way is to apply online. You can also visit any Vehicle and License Plate Renewal Office. Or, you can mail a request to the DMV along with your license plate number or title information and a $15 fee:

• NC Division of Motor Vehicles

• Vehicle Registration Section

• Mail and Distribution Unit

• 3148 Mail Service Center

• Raleigh, NC 27699-3148

How do I get a duplicate title?

Did you lose your original title? You can obtain a duplicate by completing an Application for a Duplicate Title in front of a notary and paying a $15 fee. If there is a lien on the vehicle, the lienholder must complete the lienholder portion of the form in the presence of a notary, or furnish a lien release.

How do I get a replacement license plate?

As long as your registration has not expired, if your plate is lost or stolen you can get a replacement at your local Vehicle and Plate Renewal Office. Simply complete an Application for Replacement Plate and/or Sticker in the presence of a notary and pay a $15 fee. You will need your insurance company's name and your policy number.

To receive your plate when you are out of the state, be sure to complete the replacement application with your vehicle information and sign it in the presence of a notary. Mail it to:

• The Division of Motor Vehicles

• 3148 Mail Service Center

• Raleigh, NC 27699-3148

After the DMV receives your form and payment, it will mail your replacement plate or sticker to you.

I love the soft ground here in North Carolina and I like to go off-roading. Do I need to register my ATV?

ATVs are usually made for off-road use. Even if you were to change the tires, it still would not be safe enough to use on the roads. Because they don't meet DOT safety standards, you cannot drive them on the road. Therefore, you do not need to register and title your ATV.

Do I need to register my trailer?

You register a trailer just like you register cars. If you are moving here from a state that does not register trailers, call (919) 715-7000 to ask what to do in your case.

I'm a native North Carolinian and I'm proud of North Carolina's tobacco heritage. How can I say that on a license plate?

You can order a specialized license plate with a Tobacco Heritage design. There are more than 100 designs available, if you decide you'd rather identify as a firefighter or an animal lover. You can even personalize your plates! To order specialized or personalized plates, visit the online service.

I built a car out of spare parts from the junkyard. How do I register it?

This would be considered a "reconstructed" vehicle, which is registered the same way as a custom-built car. See Custom Built Car Registration for the steps to take.

If I'm putting a car in storage, or if my vehicle will be nonoperable for an extended period of time, can I surrender the plates to avoid paying for registration and insurance?

Indeed you can. Be sure you surrender the license plates to the DMV before canceling your car insurance. Otherwise, you might get whacked with a $50 fine, thanks to North Carolina's law mandating that cars must be insured at all times while registered.

I’ve heard the IRS honors a tax deduction that has to do with my vehicle registration fees. Is this true?

Yes. The scoop is that the IRS counts a vehicle registration fee that's based on your vehicle's value as a personal property tax, which is deductible. This is true even if your state calls the fee a "registration fee" or a "vehicle use fee." Check out page 146 of the IRS's Publication 17 for more details.

But before you start entering your registration fees on line 7 of the 1040A form, double check to make sure your state calculates the car registration fee based on the car's value. For example, if your state charges you 1% of the car's value each year as a vehicle fee, and you pay $100 based on your car's value ($10,000), then you can deduct $100. If your state charges you for 1% of the car's value, plus a bunch of other miscellaneous fees, then you can still only deduct the $100. The fees might be itemized on your vehicle registration card or registration renewal form.

Other states ignore the car's value and charge only based on the vehicle weight; in those cases, you can't take the deduction.

If you aren't sure about whether the state charges this fee or you can't find the fee, contact your local motor-vehicle office. If you have questions about taking the deduction, call a tax professional or the IRS.

Where can I get more information?

On the following pages you will find answers to most of your questions about registering and titling vehicles in North Carolina:

• Car Registration

• Title Transfers

• Boat Registration

• Registering Motor Homes

• Emissions Inspections

• License Plates