Why is my annual plate now staggered?

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In July 2004, the NC General Assembly ratified Senate Bill 1083 to provide for staggered issuance of commercial license plate, dealer license plates, and motor vehicle dealers and manufacturers licenses.

What is the advantage of the Staggered Renewal System?

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"Staggered Registration" will eliminate the long lines and reduce wait time in State and Local Tag Offices.

When does the Staggered Registration go in effect?

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It goes in effect January 1, 2006.

How much will my 1st year renewal cost?

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There is no set fee. Your fees will be based on your number of months assigned to your plate renewal. You will renew for no less than 7 months and no more than 18 months. After the first year everyone will be on a 12-month renewal cycle.

Will there be a 45-day grace period?

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No, all plates will have a 15-day grace period.

Can I get a personalized For-Hire plate?

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No

Will credit cards be accepted?

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No. We do not accept any major credit cards or bankcards.

Can I renew For-Hire or Weight plate via the Internet?

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No. For-Hire and weighted vehicles carrying over 7,000 pounds can not be renewed on the Internet.

Will I be able to keep my plate if the weight is less than 26,000 pounds?

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No, you will be initially issued a new plate, month, and year sticker. Every renewal thereafter, you will just receive a year sticker. However, Special plates, Pesonalized plates, and Farm plates under 26,000 pounds will keep the same plate.

Will I be able to keep my plate if the weight is 26,001 pounds or more?

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Yes, you will initially keep your same plate and will be issued a month and year sticker. Every renewal thereafter, you will receive a year sticker.

What plates are NOT affected by the Staggered Renewal System?

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Civil Air Patrol Member, Court of Appeals, Consular Corps, NC Dept of Transportation, NC District Attorney, NC House, NC Judicial, NC Magistrate, National Guard Assigned, State Government Official, Register of Deeds, Retired Sheriff, Supreme Court Judge, NC Senate, Sheriff, US District Attorney, US House, US Supreme Court Judge, US Marshal, Clerk of Superior Court and US Senate.

Will partial payments (draft) still be available?

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Yes, bank drafts will be due 6 months from your renewal month and charged the rate of 3% interest.

Will the 2290 still be required at renewal?

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Yes, you must furnish proof of payment of your Federal Heavy Vehicle Use Tax (2290) for all vehicles licensed at 55, 000 pounds or more at renewal. You will be required to furnish the receipt 2290 for the current tax period. If your renewal month is July, August, or September, you will be allowed to furnish the prior year receipted 2290 in order to allow time for you to get the current tax period receipted copy from the IRS. However, you will be required to furnish proof of payment of the current year 2290 prior to December 31, of each year. Failure to furnish the required documents will result in the cancellation of your license plate.

If I purchase a plate for 18 months and the plate cost $60.00 or more, if I turned the plate in would I get a refund for the unused portion of the plate?

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Yes, When a customer turns in a plate or sticker, they may be due a refund of the unused part of the registration fee.