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How to Replace Your Vehicle Registration in North Carolina
If you have a lost car registration in North Carolina, it is crucial that you obtain a replacement as soon as possible. You must always have a valid registration card with you when you are driving because driving without a registration can result in serious consequences from law enforcement. Therefore, it is important that you obtain a copy of vehicle registration if your certificate is lost or stolen in the State of North Carolina.
You have three different options to replace a lost registration in North Carolina. You can either process your request online, in person or by mail. Regardless of the option you choose, you must provide certain information such as your address, vehicle identification number (VIN) and more. Also, to replace car registration you must pay the applicable registration fee. After you have submitted everything that is required of you, you will receive your new registration documents. If you are interested in learning more about replacing your lost vehicle registration card, read the sections below.
When do you need to get a copy of your vehicle registration in North Carolina?
There are a few different situations in which getting a replacement vehicle registration is necessary. One of the most common situations is losing your registration documents. Misplaced registration documents must be completely replaced if you are unable to find them.
Also, if you believe that you have a stolen car registration, you must replace your documents immediately. Lastly, you will need to obtain a duplicate if your registration card or sticker is badly damaged to the point where the important information included on them is no longer able to be read.
How to Obtain a Replacement Vehicle Registration in North Carolina
You can get a duplicate car registration through one of three methods in North Carolina. You can choose between getting a duplicate online, in person or by mail. To learn more about which method is best for you, continue reading the sections below.
How to Replace a Vehicle Registration Online
North Carolina has an online registration system that can be used to request a registration replacement card. Replacing your registration online can be very beneficial because everything can be completed quickly and without needing to wait in line at the Department of Transportation (DOT) office.
You are eligible to renew through this online method as long as you are able to provide all of necessary information that is required. To complete this request online, you must follow these steps:
- Provide your license plate number.
- Provide the last five digits of your vehicle title number.
- Provide your email address.
- Verify that all information is correct.
- Pay the applicable replacement fee.
Once you have completed those steps and paid the fee, your request will be received and processed by the North Carolina DOT. You can expect to receive your new registration documentation within a few weeks.
How to Replace a Vehicle Registration by Mail
You also have the option of getting a copy of registration document through the mail as well. If you are unable to access the internet, or prefer to use the U.S. postal service, this option may be beneficial for you. To complete this mail replacement request, you must mail in the following documents:
- A completed Application for Duplicate and/or Additional Registration Certificates form (MVR-10)
- A check for the applicable replacement fee
Mail those items to the following address:
North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles 3148 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699‐3148
After your application has been received by the DOT, as long as you have provided all of the information necessary, your request will be processed. You can then expect to receive your duplicate registration documents in the mail within a few weeks’ time.
How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Person
You can also replace your lost auto registration in person at your local Department of Transportation (DOT) office. To complete this in person process, you must:
- Visit your local North Carolina DMV office.
- Submit a completed Application for Duplicate and/or Additional Registration Certificates form (MVR-10).
- Provide proof of identity (valid North Carolina driver’s license, ID card, etc.).
- Provide proof of auto insurance (if requested).
- Pay the applicable replacement fee.
North Carolina Stolen Car Registration Requirements
Even though it is not a requirement, if you believe that your NC car registration was stolen, it is highly recommended that you file a police report with your local North Carolina law enforcement agency. Also, keep in mind that if you believe your physical license plates were stolen as well, a police report is even more essential.
North Carolina DMV Sticker Replacement
If you need to replace a lost registration sticker because your registration sticker is lost, stolen or damaged, you must follow the same steps that are required for getting a duplicate registration card. This is because you will receive a new sticker when you apply for a new registration document. Once you receive your new sticker, make sure that you place it on your license plates immediately.
North Carolina Vehicle Registration Replacement Fees
It is very important that you pay the replacement registration sticker fee when you request duplicate registration documents. Your application will not be processed unless you provide the correct payment amount. In North Carolina, there is a $20.00 fee for each registration card that you request.
North Carolina Vehicle Registration Replacement Forms
Note: DMV forms change regularly. The forms provided above are current based on the date of writing.
Sources
- Lost Document Replacement from NCDPS.gov
- Vehicle Registration from NCDOT.gov