When to Get Inspected

You must have your vehicle inspected no more than
90 days before your plate expires.

A renewal reminder card will be sent to you by the DMV just prior to time for renewing your vehicle’s annual registration. This is a courtesy offered by the DMV. You should always know when your vehicle needs to be inspected and its registration renewed.

Curious to know when these dates occur? Look at your previous registration card or the month sticker located in the upper left corner of the vehicle’s license plate. The vehicle’s inspection and registration are due in the same month indicated by the sticker.

How to Renew, Steps

Step 1, Meet the Requirements

First, to start Registration Renewal in NC you'll need to meet these requirements:

• Your vehicle must have a current NC Inspection prior to renewal (If not, check to see if your vehicle qualifies for a waiver)

Vehicle Taxation & Inspection

Property taxes for the vehicle you are attempting to register must be paid.

• Requirements & Information

Registration Stops or "Blocks"

Under certain circumstances, you may not be able to register your vehicle. These are referred to as Registration Stops or "Blocks." Please review the list of Registration Stops and take the required steps to clear them before continuing.

• Registration Stop List

Minimum liability insurance requirements for private passenger vehicles

• $30,000 – bodily injury, one person
• $60,000 – bodily injury, two or more people
• $25,000 – property damage

Proof of Liability Insurance

• You will need 1 document from this category.
• Acceptable Documents

Step 2, Inspection

Next, you'll need to get your vehicle inspected. You can find more information about NC Inspections and Inspection Station locations here:

• Emissions & Safety Inspection Information
• Inspection Station Locations

Step 3, Submit & Pay Your Application

Payment for transactions at DMV Offices are limited to cash, money order or personal checks[?]. No other forms of payment are accepted, including debit and credit cards.

Renewal, Safety, On-Board Diagnostic Inspections Fees
Plate Fee, Private Passenger Vehicles	$28.00
Regional Transportation Authority Registration Tax for Vehicles Registered in WAKE, DURHAM, ORANGE Counties, & Research Triangle [?]	$5.00
Piedmont Authority for Regional Transportation Tax for Vehicles Registered in RANDOLPH County [?]	$1.00
Safety Inspection [?]	$13.60
On-Board Diagnostic Emissions Inspection [?]	$30.00

Safety & On-Board Diagnostic Inspections, Contact Information

Visit Us:

• Inspection Station Locations

Vehicle Fees, Contact & Delivery Information

Email Us:

• Contact Us

Visit Us:

• License Plate & Registration Renewal Offices

Mail Us:

N. C. Division of Motor Vehicles

3148 Mail Service Center

Raleigh, NC 27699

Lost or Never Received Renewal Registration Card

If you never received your Renewal Card and your vehicle has a current inspection you can:

• Go Online:
  Online Registration Renewal
  You will need your license plate number and the last five digits of your title number.
  (This information can be found on your current registration card)
• Email us:
  Contact Us
  Request a registration renewal card to be mailed to you.
• Call us:
  (919) 715-7000
  Request a registration renewal card to be mailed to you.
• Visit us:
  Registration Office
  Bring your plate number and insurance information.

Forgot to Renew Your Registration?

Life can be hectic. If you forget to renew your registration during the allotted month there is a grace period of 15 days.

If your vehicle failed to pass inspection, you may obtain a 10-day trip permit from the DMV to allow you to drive to an inspection station to have it re-inspected once it’s repaired.

If you have questions regarding the 15 day grace period and 10 day permit:

• Vehicle Registration Contact Us