Frequently Asked Questions

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are there times I won’t be allowed to renew registration?
You should renew your vehicle registration before it expires in order to avoid any late fees and penalties. If a significant amount of time has passed since your registration expired, contact the NC DMV for information on how you should proceed. Keep in mind that you should also receive a renewal notice 60 days prior to the expiration date of your car registration.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in North Carolina

Can somebody else renew my registration for me?
It is best that you, not another individual, renew your North Carolina vehicle registration. And with the convenience of renewing either online or in person, you can select the option that facilitates matters for you. Make sure to bring the following documentation with you when renewing your registration in person:
  • Your North Carolina drivers license
  • Proof of car insurance
  • Payment for renewal fee

Keep in mind that your driver’s license must be valid and current.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in North Carolina

Do boats need to be registered?
Boat registration in North Carolina is handled by the Wildlife Resources Commission.

The following types of vessels must be registered:

  • Any boat that is deemed a motorized vessel used on public waters.
  • Any United States Coast Guard Documented Vessel that has been operating in NC for a period longer than three months.
  • Any sailboat on public waters if it is longer than 14 feet at the load waterline.

Visit the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission website to read more about boat registration.

For more information: How to Register a Boat or Water Craft in North Carolina

Do I need to file a police report if my registration was lost or stolen?
Although it is not mandatory, it is highly recommended that you do file a police report in the event that you have lost car registration or stolen car registration. With this report, you may be able to have your car registration fee waived at the local North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles office. Additionally, you will reduce your chances of identity fraud or unauthorized use of your registration.

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in North Carolina

Do I need to return my license plate if I move out of the state?
When registering car documentation in a different state, North Carolina requires drivers to surrender their license plate prior to moving. You can do so in person or by mailing your plate to the following address:

N. C. Division of Motor Vehicles 3148 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699

Prior to moving, contact the DMV of your new state at your earliest convenience to find out about their mandatory guidelines when it comes to registering your vehicle. When scheduling an appointment at the DMV, make sure to bring proof of identity, such as your driver’s license.

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in North Carolina

Do I need to turn in my damaged registration?
If you have a damaged registration on your person, you should turn it in at a DMV office so you can properly be issued you a North Carolina car registration copy. You may be required your NC driver’s license as proof of identity, plus you should have payment at hand for the duplicate registration fee. If you would like any further clarification about what you should do, contact the NC DMV at 919-715-7000.

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in North Carolina

Does a motorized scooter need to be registered?
For information regarding whether or not a motorized scooter needs to be registered in the state of North Carolina, contact the NC DOT at 919-715-7000. In terms of mopeds, although you are not required to obtain a driver’s license, you must be at least 16 years of age and you must wear a helmet at all times when riding on North Carolina highways.

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in North Carolina

Does my vehicle qualify for a smog inspection?
Yes, several vehicles in North Carolina are required to undergo an emissions inspection prior to car registration. However, there are a few exceptions, such as the following:
  • Vehicles more than 35 years old
  • Electric vehicles (but must complete a safety inspection)
  • Vehicles from 1995 or older
  • Diesel-operated vehicles
  • Farmer rate vehicles

Contact the North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles website to find out more about emissions inspections.

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in North Carolina

How can I renew my vehicle registration?
In North Carolina, you have the option to renew car registration in person or online.

In Person

To renew your car registration at a DMV office, you will need to bring the following documentation with you:

  • Your NC drivers license
  • Proof of car insurance
  • Payment for renewal fee

Online

You can renew your vehicle registration online by visiting the NC DMV Vehicle Registration Renewal page.

Prior to beginning your transaction, make sure to have the following information with you:

  • Your plate number
  • Your title number
  • Your credit card number for payment

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in North Carolina

How can I transfer my registration to another state?
In order to transfer your DMV car registration, you should contact the DMV of the new state in which you will be residing in for information about how to complete the process. You may need to present documents that show proof of identity, as well as your car insurance. Also have payment available for any registration related fees.

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in North Carolina

How do I apply for a disabled person parking placard or plates?
You must present the NC DMV with an Application for Disability Parking Placard (MVR-37A) form, which should be partially filled out by your physician.

You must also be ready to make payment for any applicable fees.

For a Handicap Registration Plate:

You must present the NC DMV with an Application for Handicap Driver Registration Plate, which must be certified by your physician.

You must also be ready to make a payment for any applicable fees.

If you would prefer to submit the aforementioned items by mail, you can send them to the address below:

Vehicle Titles/Registration 3148 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in North Carolina

How do I file a police report if my car registration was stolen?
In order to file a report, you should make your way to a local police station and explain the situation to an officer. After a police report has been filled out, you can take it with you to a nearby DMV office and request a NC duplicate car registration in no time.

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in North Carolina

How do I obtain a duplicate car registration?
In North Carolina, you have the option to replace car registration online, in person or by mail. Choose the method that is most convenient for you.

Online

To replace car registration online, visit the NC DMV Duplicate Registration page. Once there, you will need to enter your license plate number, your title number and your credit card number.

In Person

To apply in person, make sure you are ready to present the below documents:

By Mail

Send the aforementioned items to the address below:

NC Division of Motor Vehicles 3148 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in North Carolina

How do I obtain car registration?
To apply for NC car registration, you will have to make a visit to your DMV office and complete the following requirements:
  • Bring your North Carolina drivers license or ID.
  • Show proof of car insurance.
  • Complete any applicable forms. Keep in mind that the form you will be required to fill out will vary, depending on whether you purchased your vehicle from a private party or a dealer.

If you are currently in the military and stationed outside of North Carolina, you may register your vehicle by mail. Send the aforementioned items to the below address:

N. C. Division of Motor Vehicles 3148 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in North Carolina

If I do not renew on time, will there be an additional fee?
North Carolina offers a grace period of 15 days after your car registration expires to complete the renewal process without any penalty charge. However, it is in your best interest to renew your registration prior to the expiration date. Not only will this give you peace of mind, but it will also save you any trouble or hassle related to late fees.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in North Carolina

Is there a different process I must follow if I lost personalized plates?
You should follow the same process as you would to replace standard plates. If you wish to obtain replacement plates in person, make sure to bring the proper documentation and correct form of payment with you. When making your payment at a driver license office, only cash, money order or personal checks will be accepted. However, if making a payment at a license plate agency office, credit cards are also accepted.

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in North Carolina

Should I carry the registration on me or in the car?
You should keep your car registration in your vehicle at all times. Should you be pulled over by a police officer, you will have this documentation readily available. You should also have your North Carolina driver’s license on your person, along with a copy of your car insurance, such as your insurance card.

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in North Carolina

What are the most common reasons why I would need to replace my registration?
You may require NC car registration replacement due to the following:
  • Your registration was lost
  • Your registration was stolen
  • Your registration was damaged

If any of the aforementioned apply to you, then you should obtain your duplicate registration either by mail, in person or online. The process in person will require you to present proof of car insurance, your driver’s license and license plate number. Additionally, you will need to fill out an Application for Duplicate and/or Additional Registration Certificates (MVR-10) form.

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in North Carolina

What are the required fees for my vehicle registration?
North Carolina DMV car registration fees will vary, depending on several factors, including the weight of your vehicle. For example, a plate fee for passenger vehicles less than 4,000 pounds is $48. Keep in mind that you will need to pay license plate fees and state taxes as well.

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in North Carolina

What are the required fees to get replacement registration?
The car registration replacement fee is $15 (fees may vary). If you are applying to obtain a duplicate registration online, the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles will only accept a debit card or credit card, such as Visa, MasterCard or Discover. If you are requesting a replacement in person, find an office near you with our DMV locator and have your North Carolina driver’s license with you when you go.

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in North Carolina

What are the required fees to renew my registration?
The standard car registration renewal fee for passenger vehicles is $28 (fees may vary). However, you may also have to pay select county taxes and an emissions/safety inspection fee. For more specifics, visit the North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles website.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in North Carolina

What documents do I need to present to get a replacement car registration?
Apply for your car registration replacement by presenting these documents:

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in North Carolina

What documents do I need to present to get new registration?
If you are getting car registration, you will need to present one proof of identity, such as your NC driver s license, when visiting a local DMV office. If you do not live in the state of North Carolina, you will also be required to hand one of the documents below:
  • Court-ordered sale of a car
  • Proof of active military duty in NC
  • Record of NC college enrollment
  • Record of a medical condition
  • Record of vehicle co-ownership
  • Record of car garaged in NC for half the year
  • Registration for a motor home

In addition, you will need to fill out any appropriate forms and present proof of car insurance, along with your car title.

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in North Carolina

What documents do I need to present to renew my car registration?
If you wish to complete NC car registration renewal in person, then you should gather the following documents and bring them with you to the DMV:
  • Your NC drivers license
  • Proof of car insurance
  • Payment for renewal fee

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in North Carolina

What should I do if I have not received my registration tags or stickers?
If you have not received your renewal documentation, you should contact the NC DMV at 919-715-7000 for information about your registration status. You can also make an in-person visit to a local DMV office. If you have proof of your renewal transaction online, such as a receipt, you may be able to obtain your registration after speaking to a driver’s license agent.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in North Carolina

When does my car registration expire?
Your NC DMV car registration must be renewed prior to the expiration date on your registration documentation. As a friendly reminder, in case you lose track, the North Carolina DMV will also send you a renewal notice 60 days before it expires. If a sufficient amount of time has passed and you have yet to receive your renewal notice, the contact the North Carolina DOT at 919-715-7000 to inquire about the status of your renewal.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in North Carolina

Where can I find a local tax county collector office?
In terms of replacing car registration, you can find a tax county collector s office by visiting the NC DMV Office Locations page. It is highly recommended that you call the office beforehand in order to find out what you will need to bring. Aside from your North Carolina driver’s license, a duplicate car registration will also require proof of insurance. Get in touch with the North Carolina DMV by calling them at 919-715-7000.

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in North Carolina

Will I need to fill out an application to replace my car registration?
Yes, when renewing car registration you will need to complete an Application for Duplicate and/or Additional Registration Certificates (MVR-10) form. You will be required to input key information on this application in order to complete your request. Some of this information includes the following:
  • Year of vehicle
  • Make of vehicle
  • Title number
  • Vehicle Identification Number
  • Number of duplicate cards you need
  • Name of registered owner
  • Address of registered owner
  • Signature of owner

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in North Carolina

Will I receive a renewal registration notice in the mail?
Yes, the state of North Carolina sends out a courtesy reminder prior to your car registration renewal date. Make sure that the DMV has your correct mailing address on file, so that you receive your renewal notice on time. Upon renewing your car registration, make sure to have your plate number, driver’s license and credit card information readily available to complete the transaction. If you have not received your registration notice in the mail, contact the North Carolina DMV at 919-715-7000.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in North Carolina

Will my registration expire on my birthday or birth month?
Your car registration expires on the date listed on your registration document. Up to 60 days before its expiration date, you should receive a friendly renewal notice from the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles. With this renewal notice, you can easily renew your registration at a local DMV office. Gather all other necessary documents as well, such as your NC driver’s license and proof of car insurance, so to ensure a seamless and smooth transaction.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in North Carolina