Frequently Asked Questions

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to turn in my damaged car title?
If you have a damaged car title, you should hand it in to your local DMV office in order to avoid any confusion with your car title copy. If you would like further clarification, you can speak to a NC driver s license representative by calling 919-715-7000. You can also stop by any nearby North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles branch for assistance. Bring your NC driver’s license so they can properly identify you and help you with your request.

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

How do I file a police report if my car title was stolen?
You can easily file a police report by venturing to a nearby station and notifying an officer about the incident. Make sure to get a copy of the police report, so that you can present it at a local DMV branch and alert them of your NC stolen car title. Doing so may also reduce your chances of fraud or unauthorized use of your car title.

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

How do I obtain a duplicate car title?
If you lost your original title, you will be required to obtain a duplicate car title in person or by mail. The North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles does not currently offer an online option.

In Person

Gather the following items prior to making your in-person visit at a DMV office:

By Mail

Send your duplicate car title request to the following address:

North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles 3148 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699

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

How do I obtain a salvaged car title?
For information regarding salvaged vehicles, visit the NC DMV website. Generally speaking, if a vehicle claim has been paid off by an insurance company, the DMV must be given notice within 10 days. You can find out more about salvaged car titles in North Carolina by calling them at 919-861-3500.

For more information: Title Transfers or obtaining a New Certificate of Title in North Carolina

How do I transfer my car title between states?
In order to complete a car title transfer to a different state, you will need to contact the DMV of your new state. Make sure to inquire what documents you should bring upon making your in-person visit and what fees you will have to pay. You will most likely need to bring in your driver’s license, as well as proof of car insurance and car registration. It is highly recommended that you write down a checklist of questions you may have for the DMV prior to your move.

For more information: Title Transfers or obtaining a New Certificate of Title in North Carolina

How do I transfer my car title if I lost the original?
If you lost your original title, you will be required to obtain a duplicate car title. Gather the following items prior to making your in-person visit at a DMV office:

If making your payment at a license plate agency office, it is important to note that debit cards are not accepted. However, you can pay in cash, personal check money order or credit card.

For more information: Title Transfers or obtaining a New Certificate of Title in North Carolina

How do I transfer my car title?
If you have acquired a vehicle from a private party:
  • Make sure to get the car title from the seller with complete information, such as their signature, odometer mileage and date of transfer.
  • Submit a completed Title Application (MVR-1) form at the DMV.
  • Present proof of car insurance and your NC driver s license.
  • Make payment for any titling fees.

If you are transferring your car title upon selling your vehicle:

  • Note the odometer mileage on your car title prior to transferring it over to the buyer.
  • Sign, date and have the title notarized.

If purchasing a car through a dealer:

If you are buying your vehicle at a dealership, rest assured that the dealer will take care of the titling process for you.

For more information: Title Transfers or obtaining a New Certificate of Title in North Carolina

How do I transfer the title of my RV?
In order to transfer your RV title, you must follow the same process you would for a regular, passenger vehicle. For example, some of the documentation you will be required to present include:

You will also need to have payment available for the car title fee.

For more information: Title Transfers or obtaining a New Certificate of Title in North Carolina

How long does it take to receive my replacement car title after ordering online?
The state of North Carolina does not currently offer an online option for replacing car titles. Instead you will be required to make your duplicate request in person or via mail. If you wish to order your car title copy by mail, you will need to send your request to the below address:

North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles 3148 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699

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

If a family member dies and leaves his or her car to me, how do I switch over the title?
The process to obtain a car title from a loved one slightly differs than a regular title transfer. To transfer the NC DMV car title of a deceased to your name, you will be required to present the following documents at your local DMV:

For more details pertaining to your individual case, contact the NC DMV at 919 715-7000.

For more information: Title Transfers or obtaining a New Certificate of Title in North Carolina

What are some reasons that may require me to transfer my car title?
You will need to do a NC transfer of title in the following circumstances:
  • You are selling your car.
  • You are donating your car.
  • You are giving your car as a gift.

If any of the aforementioned apply to you, there is a standard procedure you will need to abide by in order to have the car title properly transferred over to a new party. For example, you may need to complete a Bill of Sale that serves as proof of the vehicle sale and an Odometer Reading report.

For more information: Title Transfers or obtaining a New Certificate of Title in North Carolina

What are the required fees to get a replacement car title?
For a duplicate certificate of title, the fee is $15. Keep in mind that fees may vary. The North Carolina driver license offices currently accept cash, money order or personal checks as payment. However, it does not take credit cards or debit cards. If you wish to pay with a credit card, you will need to make a visit to a NC license plate agency office. Visa, MasterCard and Discover are accepted at these locations. For more information, contact the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles.

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

What documents do I need to present for a replacement car title?
To request a car title replacement at a NC DMV, you will have to present the following:

Bring all of these documents with you to your in-person appointment at a local branch.

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

What documents do I need to transfer my car title?
Prior to transferring your NC title for car, make sure to note the odometer mileage, as well as sign and date the document itself.

For a car title to be transferred to your name, you may also be required to present the following at your local DMV:

  • A completed Title Application (MVR-1) form
  • An Eligible Risk Statement for Registration and Certificate of Title
  • Proof of car insurance and your NC driver s license
  • Odometer Disclosure Statement

For more information: Title Transfers or obtaining a New Certificate of Title in North Carolina

What forms must I fill out for a duplicate car title?
The NC DMV requires drivers in need a duplicate car title fill out an Application for Duplicate Title (MVR-4) form. The application will ask you to fill out pertinent details about yourself and your vehicle. For example, you will have to enter the following information:
  • Year of vehicle
  • Make of vehicle
  • Body style of vehicle
  • Title number
  • Vehicle Identification Number
  • Your physical address
  • Your mailing address
  • Lien holder information (if applicable)

After you have submitted this application, you should allow a 15-day waiting period in order for the NC DMV to receive your duplicate request.

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

What if the original is located after my car title replacement has been issued?
Your NC duplicate car title is the only document that will be deemed valid should you find your original title. For more information about what you should do with your original title, contact the North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles. However, to be on the safe side, it is highly recommended that you turn it in to the DMV.

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

What is the process to get a title for a scooter or motorcycle?
The process to obtain a car title for your scooter or motorcycle is the same you would need to follow for a passenger vehicle. If you wish to obtain your car title in person, make sure to bring the necessary documents with you, along with the right form of payment. Some of the documentation you will be required to present include:

For more information: Title Transfers or obtaining a New Certificate of Title in North Carolina

When should I complete a Bill of Sale?
It is highly advised that you fill out a bill of sale when there is a car sale involved between private parties. Whether you are selling or buying a vehicle, the Bill of Sale will serve as essential paperwork to document this transaction, so both parties are protected in the sale and in the exchange of car titles. To learn more about this important document, visit the Bill of Sale page.

For more information: Title Transfers or obtaining a New Certificate of Title in North Carolina

Where can I mail my request for a replacement title?
To obtain a car title copy, you can send your written letter, along with proper payment, to the below address:

North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles 3148 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699

The cost of a duplicate car title is $15. You should also fill out an Application for Duplicate Title (MVR-4) form when submitting your request.

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

Will I need to present proof of insurance to get a car title replacement?
Yes, you are required to show proof of insurance when applying for a North Carolina car title. Additionally, you will need to submit proof of identity, such as your North Carolina driver’s license and an Odometer Reading if your car is less than 10 years old. You should also have your form of payment ready at the time of your DMV visit. If applying at a NC driver license office, take note that credit cards and debit cards are not accepted.

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