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Renew Your Registration

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Where can I​ renew my vehicle registration?​

Using online services or a self-service kiosk is the easiest and fastest way to renew your registration.​

I am still not sure how I want to renew

There are two other ways you can renew.

What if I did not get my renewal notice or lost it?

You need:

  • ​​License plate number​
  • Last five digits of vehicle's title (found by logging into MyDMV​)​​

Renew online​​

1. Get your vehicle inspected

Get your vehicle inspected at an authorized service center or garage no more than 90 days before your registration expires. The vehicle must pass a state inspection before you can renew your registration.

2. Gather your documents and renew online

Be sure to have the following handy before you start your online renewal. This can also be found on your renewal notice or by logging into MyDMV​:

  • License plate number
  • Last five digits of vehicle's title
  • Current insurance information

Renew now

Please note: NCDMV uses an online service called PayIt that allows you to complete transactions online. PayIt collects a $3 fee per online transaction plus a 1.85 percent card processing fee. The State of North Carolina does not collect or benefit from these fees.​

​3. Effective Oct. 1, you will no longer receive a physical license plate sticker or printed registration card in the mail​.​ 
​If you want a printed copy, you can download and print a copy of your registration from our website for free.​​

Renew by self-service kiosk

1. Get your vehicle inspected

Get your vehicle inspected at an authorized service center or garage no more than 90 days before your registration expires. The vehicle must pass a state inspection before you can renew your registration.

2. Gather your documents and head to a kiosk

Be sure to have the following handy before you start your online renewal. This information can also be found on your renewal notice or by logging into MyDMV​:

  • License plate number
  • Last five digits of vehicle's title
  • Current insurance information​

Find a kiosk

3. Effective Oct. 1, you will no longer receive a physical license plate sticker or printed registration card at the end of your transaction. 

If you want a printed copy, you can download and print a copy of your registration from our website for free.​​​​


Renew in-person

1. Get your vehicle inspected

Get your vehicle inspected at an authorized service center or garage no more than 90 days before your registration expires. The vehicle must pass a state inspection before you can renew your registration.

2. Gather your documents and find a license plate agency

Be sure to have the following handy before you head to a license plate agency. This can also be found on your renewal notice or by logging into MyDMV:

  • License plate number
  • Last five digits of vehicle's title
  • Current insurance information​​

Find a license plate agency

3. Effective Oct. 1, you will no longer receive a physical license plate sticker or printed registration card once you complete your service. 

If you want a printed copy, you can have a copy printed at the license plate agency for an additional fee or you can download and print a copy of your registration from our website for free.​​


Renew by mail

​1. Get your vehicle inspected

Get your vehicle inspected at an authorized service center or garage no more than 90 days before your registration expires. The vehicle must pass a state inspection before you can renew your registration.

2. Fill out your registration renewal card and send it to NCDMV

First, review your information on your renewal card to make sure it is correct.

Once your information is verified, detach the lower portion of the renewal (where indicated) and send it along with your payment to:

NCDMV Vehicle Services
PO Box 29620
Raleigh, NC 27626-0620

3. Once your renewal is processed, your receipt will arrive in the mail within 20 business days

Effective Oct. 1, you will no longer receive a physical license plate sticker or printed registration card in the mail​.​​ ​​If you want a printed copy, you can download and print a copy of your registration from our website for free.​​


What are the renewal fees and taxes?

View registration fees

Can I appeal my vehicle’s tax value?

Questions regarding vehicle values and appeals on tax values must be directed to the tax assessor in the county​ where the vehicle is registered, not NCDMV.

Registration renewal late fees

Although you can legally operate your vehicle up to 15 days after your registration expires (referred to as the "valid through" date), NCDMV charges a late fee up to $25 on all registration renewals paid after the license plate's expiration date.

Interest is also charged on late registration renewals. It accrues at a rate of 5 percent for the remainder of the month following the date in which the registration expired. Beginning the second month following the due date, interest accrues at .75 percent per month until the taxes and fees are paid. ​

​​Renewal restrictions​

Under certain circumstances, you may not be able to renew your registration because of a registration stop or “block.” These are referred to as registration stops, or "blocks." Before you start, check this list of registration stops and take the required steps to clear them before continuing.

List of registration stops​

10/1/2026 9:16 AM

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