How do I?
Registration Renewal

Online Vehicle Registration Renewal is as easy as 1-2-3. Just remember, you have to have your car inspected first.

Online Registration Renewal

How to Title & Register a Vehicle

In order to avoid inconveniences make sure you have all necessary documents before making your visit to the Vehicle Registration Office.

Step 1, Requirements

  • Must have a valid Driver License.
  • If there are co-owners to be recorded on a title, bring a copy of alternate owner's valid Driver License/ID
  • If mailing in your title work, please provide a copy of your valid North Carolina Driver License.
  • If you are a new North Carolina resident moving from out-of-state, you must wait to register your vehicle until after you receive your official NC Driver License. The Temporary Driving Certificate (TDC) cannot be used to register a vehicle in North Carolina.
Vehicle Taxation & Inspection

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

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.

Step 2, Documents

Proof of Identity
  • Must have a valid Driver License/ID.
  • If there are co-owners to be recorded on a title, bring a copy of alternate owner's valid Driver License/ID

If you are a non-resident of the state of North Carolina, you will need to bring 1 additional document that proves one of the following:

  • Military active duty stationed in NC;
  • College enrollment in a NC school;
  • Vehicle garaged in NC for a minimum of 6 months each year;
  • Court-ordered sale of a vehicle;
  • Vehicle is co-owned;
  • Registration for a motor home; or
  • Documented medical condition

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

Step 3, Complete Appropriate Forms

If you are registering a vehicle you'll need to complete the appropriate forms and documents. Choose one of the below categories that best describes what you're doing, then complete and fill out the corresponding documents and forms.

When completing forms and documents read and follow the complete set of directions. Driver License will be required for all services that are processed in person.

For vehicles purchased from an individual, submit the following:
Vehicle Title
 Notarization Required
Lien Release
 Must be completed if any liens are shown on vehicle's title.
Title Application ( MVR-1 ) Declare all liens, Notarization Required.
Odometer Disclosure Statement ( MVR-180 ) Must be completed if the vehicle is less than 10 years old.
Damage Disclosure Statement ( MVR-181 )
Declaration of Eligible Risk ( MVR-615 )
For vehicles purchased from a dealer, submit the following:
Vehicle Title
 Notarization Required
Bill of Sale
 Needed to show the vehicle's purchase price.
Title Application ( MVR-1 ) Declare all liens, Notarization Required.
Odometer Disclosure Statement ( MVR-180 ) Must be completed if the vehicle is less than 10 years old.
Damage Disclosure Statement ( MVR-181 )
Declaration of Eligible Risk ( MVR-615 )
Vehicle being titled in NC in the registered owner's name & owner has title, submit the following:
Vehicle Title
 Notarization Required
Odometer Reading
 Required if vehicle is less than 10 years old.
Title Application ( MVR-1 ) Declare all liens, Notarization Required.
Declaration of Eligible Risk ( MVR-615 )
For out-of-state vehicles with title held by a recorded lienholder, submit the following:
Current Out-of-State Registration Card
Odometer Reading
 Required if vehicle is less than 10 years old.
Title Application ( MVR-1 ) Declare all liens, Notarization Required.
Declaration of Eligible Risk ( MVR-615 )

Fees

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.

Title & Registration Fees
Certificate of Title $40.00
Instant Title $75.00
Plate Fee, Private Passenger Vehicles $28.00
Plate Fee, Private Truck Under 4,000 lbs $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
Transfer of Plate $15.00
Tax, Vehicles [?] 3% Highway Use Tax
Commercial Plates [?] Call 919-715-7000
IRP Plates [?] Call 919-861-3720

Vehicle Fees, Contact Information

Email Us:
Visit Us:

What is an Instant Title?

  • A quick title service allowing a title to be issued.
  • For a fee of $75.00 in addition to all other fees, an Instant Title (also referred to as Fast Title) may be issued same-day, over-the-counter at the Raleigh & Charlotte State Offices.
  • Instant titles cannot be issued for applications requiring a 15-day waiting period, such as Duplicate Titles or Duplicate Titles with Transfer.

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.

Instant Title Fees
Instant Title $75.00
Tax, Vehicles [?] 3% Highway Use Tax

Vehicle Fees, Contact Information

Email Us:
Visit Us:

Same day service locations

  • Raleigh:
    N. C. Division of Motor Vehicles
    1100 New Bern Avenue
    Raleigh, NC 27697
    (919) 861-3577
  • Charlotte:
    N. C. Division of Motor Vehicles
    6016 Brookshire Blvd.
    Charlotte, NC 28216
    (704) 399-8306

Additional locations

  • Vehicle & License Plate Renewal Offices
  • An Instant Title can be ordered at other office locations. Your paperwork will be delivered via courier to a State Office & the Instant Title will be mailed the next business day.

An instant title will not be issued under the following circumstances;