Highway Scene

Leasing a vehicle in North Carolina

The responsibilities of titling and registering a leased vehicle are shared between the owner of the vehicle and the operator of the vehicle.

Who is responsible for the leased vehicle's Title?

Leased vehicles are titled in the name of the lessor, the legal owner of the vehicle.

Who can apply for the License Plate?

The plate can be issued to the lessor or the lessee, depending on who carries the liability insurance.

How to Title & Register a Leased Vehicle

Step 1, Requirements & Documents

Choose one of the below categories that best describes your situation, then complete 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.

Vehicle to be Licensed in Lessor's name
Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin
 Assigned to Lessor
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.
Gross Receipt Declaration ( MVR-608 ) If lessor wants to pay Highway Use Tax directly to Dept. of Revenue
Vehicle to be Licensed in Lessee's name
Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin
 Assigned to Lessor
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.
Application for a Registration Plate or Plate Transfer ( MVR-330 ) For initial registration or transfer of Plate
Gross Receipt Declaration ( MVR-608 ) If lessor wants to pay Highway Use Tax directly to Dept. of Revenue
Lessee is Moving to North Carolina
Out-of-State Title
 Photocopy is acceptable.
Odometer Reading
 Required if vehicle is less than 10 years old.
Title Application ( MVR-1 ) Declare all liens, Notarization Required.
Application for a Registration Plate or Plate Transfer ( MVR-330 ) For initial registration or transfer of Plate
Gross Receipt Declaration ( MVR-608 ) If lessor wants to pay Highway Use Tax directly to Dept. of Revenue
Step 2, Emissions Inspection

Next, you will need to get the vehicle inspected. Before a license plate is issued, the vehicle will need to pass an emissions inspection.

Emissions Inspection is not required for Out-of-State or MCO title processes.

You can find more information about NC Inspections and Inspection Station locations here:

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.

Vehicle Registration Fees
Certificate of Title $40.00
Tax, Vehicles [?] 3% Highway Use Tax
License Plates
Handicapped Placards $5.00 each
House Trailer and/or Camping Trailer $11.00
Motorcycle $18.00
Permanent & State Owned Plates $6.00
Piedmont Authority for Regional Transportation Tax for Vehicles Registered in RANDOLPH County [?] $1.00
Plate Fee, Private Passenger Vehicles $28.00
Plate Fee, Private Truck Under 4,000 lbs $28.00
Plate Fee, Private Truck Under 5,000 lbs $43.50
Plate Fee, Private Truck Under 6,000 lbs $51.60
Plate Fee, Trailer or Semi-trailer $19.00
Private Bus (16 Passengers and More) $31.00
Regional Transportation Authority Registration Tax for Vehicles Registered in WAKE, DURHAM, ORANGE Counties, & Research Triangle [?] $5.00
Transfer of Plate $15.00
U-Drive-It Car $51.00

Vehicle Fees, Contact Information

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