Registering A Vehicle:

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To register a vehicle:

1. the owner must complete the required application forms; and
   
   
2. pay the appropriate registration fee.

Upon receipt of the application for motor vehicle registration:

• The DMV will issue a registration card, certificate of title, registration plate (license plate) and validation stickers to the owner.
  
  
• The registration card should be kept in the vehicle at all times and must always be available to show a law enforcement officer upon request.
  
  
• The license plate will show the unique number that has been assigned to the vehicle; the expiration date of the registration; and that the vehicle is registered in North Carolina.
  
  
• The license plate must be displayed as required by law.

Remember these things when registering a vehicle:

• Before a vehicle can be registered in North Carolina, the DMV requires proper proof of ownership.
  
  
• For new vehicles, the manufacturer's certificate of origin is the official transfer document.
  
  
• If you purchase a used vehicle which has already been registered, you must present the certificate of title properly assigned by the former owner.
  
  
• To register a used vehicle for the first time in North Carolina, you must present the title from the state where the vehicle was formerly registered.
  
  
• If the used vehicle is from a non-title state, you must present the current vehicle registration card with a properly notarized transfer of ownership on the back or a notarized bill of sale from the former owner and the former owner's proof of purchase.
  
  
• You must present a North Carolina Drivers License or a North Carolina Identification Card. Valid driver licenses or identification cards issued by other states may be accepted for vehicle registrations with documentation of the following:
  • Military active duty stationed in North Carolina;
  • College enrollment in North Carolina;
  • Vehicle garaged in North Carolina for minimum of six months;
  • Court ordered sale of vehicle;
  • Vehicle is co-owned;
  • Registration for motor home: or
  • Documented medical condition for an owner who would otherwise be eligible for a driver license or identification card.

Insurance and Financial Resposibility:

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In addition to proof of ownership, North Carolina law requires that before a motor vehicle can be licensed, the owner must certify that the vehicle is covered by liability insurance; cash or bond deposited with the State Treasurer; or a certificate of self-insurance. This law is enacted to insure that the costs of a crash are paid by those who are responsible.

The minimum amount of liability insurance required is:

• $30,000 for injuries to any one person in a crash;
• $60,000 for all personal injuries in a crash; and
• $25,000 for all property damage in a crash.

The required amount of liability insurance coverage for a commercial motor vheicle is $750,000.00.

If the DMV is notified that a vehicle owner is operating a motor vehicle without proper liability insurance, the vehicle’s license plate might be revoked for 30 days unless proof of insurance coverage can be furnished.

North Carolina law requires the owner of every registered vehicle to maintain continuous liability insurance coverage. The company providing the insurance must be licensed to do business in North Carolina. Liability insurance policies are effective at 12:01 a.m. on the date of issuance, remain in effect for a period of six months and expire at 12:01 a.m., six months later. In North Carolina there is no grace period for coverage.

To avoid a fine or penalty, surrender a vehicle’s valid license plate prior to the termination or cancellation of liability insurance.

Vehicle Registration Renewal:

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Upon expiration of vehicle registration, the vehicle’s owner must renew the registration by submitting a renewal application and paying the appropriate registration fee. Upon payment of the appropriate fee, the DMV will issue license plate stickers to indicate the new period of valid registration. The DMV uses a staggered vehicle registration system. This method of registration staggers registration renewals over twelve months of the year.

Transfer of a Motor Vehicle:

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When a motor vehicle owner wishes to transfer his interest in the vehicle to someone else, reassignment of ownership should be made by using section "A" on side two of the certificate of title. In order for the transfer to be valid, the reassignment must be made in the presence of a Notary Public and the actual delivery of the vehicle to the new owner must be made.

Transfer of License Plates:

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License plates can be transferred from one vehicle to another of the same category provided ownership is in the same name and insurance coverage has been continuous.

Replacement of Lost Title or Registration Card:

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Replacement of Lost Title or Registration Card:

If a certificate of title is lost or stolen, a duplicate title may be obtained by completing an application for duplicate title and paying the appropriate fee. A duplicate title cannot be issued until 15 days after the application and fee are received by the DMV. Application forms are available at any local DMV vehicle registration office. A duplicate registration card can be obtained with payment of the appropriate fee. Application forms are available at any local DMV vehicle registration office.