Special Cases

​​Titling requirements for vehicles that are bonded, leased, salvaged, abandoned or in a trust differ from requirements for titling most other vehicles.

Bonded Vehicles

An individual who does not have proof that they own a vehicle can title it using an indemnity bond – a security bond written by an insurance company – or a cash bond.

• To obtain a vehicle title using a bond, the title applicant must:
• Submit required documents
• Have the vehicle inspected by the N.C. State Highway Patrol's Investigative Services Unit​​
• Have the vehicle appraised
  
• Acquire an indemnity bond
  
• Have the vehicle undergo an emissions inspection
• Pay relevant taxes and fees​

Required documents

To obtain a vehicle title using a bond, the following documents listed in the table below must be submitted and requirements met.

Vehicle inspections

To apply for a vehicle title using a bond, an inspector with the N.C. State Highway Patrol's Investigative Services Unit must inspect the vehicle being titled.

A Title Application (MVR-1) and Affidavit of Facts (MVR-92H) are required at the time of inspection.

NCDMV will not issue a registration until the vehicle has been deemed operable and an operable title application has been submitted.  If the vehicle is not in operable condition at the time of the inspection, then an Inoperable Title will be issued.

Vehicle appraisal

​A vehicle appraisal is necessary to obtain a vehicle title using a bond.

The vehicle's value is determined from the current Value Schedule and can be obtained by visiting a license plate agency or by calling the NCDMV Customer Contact Center at (919) 715-7000.

For mobile homes and vehicles not listed in the Value Schedule, two appraisals from different North Carolina dealers are required. The appraisals must be on the dealers' letterhead.

Acquire an indemnity bond

An indemnity bond can only be written by an insurance company licensed to write Surety Bonds in North Carolina. The bond must be for one and one-half times the value of the vehicle (with a minimum of $100).

The bond will remain on file with NCDMV for three years.

Bonds are not acceptable:

• On abandoned vehicles
• For mechanics and storage liens
• If there is an outstanding lien and a cancellation cannot be issued
• If litigation is pending
• For vehicles not housed in North Carolina
• For non-North Carolina residents when the vehicle is not registered in North Carolina
• For vehicles branded parts-only, non-rebuildable or declared junked
• For vehicles declared a total loss by an insurance company and never titled in the insurance company's name (G.S. 20-109.1)
• For vehicles declared a total loss by an insurance company and sold without a title​​

Emissions inspection

The vehicle must pass a state emissions inspection by an authorized inspection station before a license plate is issued.​

Fees & taxes

A Certificate of Title fee and taxes must be paid on the vehicle.

​​ View list of current vehicle fees ​
​
Leased Vehicles

In cases in which a vehicle is being leased in North Carolina, the vehicle's owner and operator share the responsibilities of titling and registering the vehicle.​

Leased vehicles are titled in the name of the lessor – the legal owner of the vehicle. The license plate, however, can be issued to the lessor or the lessee – the individual leasing the vehicle – depending on who carries the liability insurance.

To title and register a leased vehicle, the title applicant must:

• Submit required documents
• Have the vehicle undergo an emissions inspection
• Pay relevant vehicle registration and license plate fees​

Requirements & documents

The required documents to obtain a title for a leased vehicle depend on whether:

• The vehicle is to be licensed in the lessor's name
• The vehicle is to be licensed in the lessee's name
• The lessee is moving to North Carolina​

Vehicle to be licensed in lessor's name

If a vehicle is to be licensed in the name of the legal owner of the vehicle (the lessor), the documents in the table below are required.​

If a vehicle is to be licensed in the name of the individual leasing the vehicle (the lessee), the documents in the following table are required.

Lessee is moving to North Carolina

If the individual leasing the vehicle (the lessee) is moving to North Carolina, the documents in the following table are required.

Emissions inspection

The vehicle must pass a state emissions inspection by an authorized inspection station before a North Carolina license plate is issued. Emissions inspection is not required for out-of-state or Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin title processes.​

Fees & taxes

A Certificate of Title fee and taxes must be paid on the vehicle as well as applicable license plate fees.​

​ View a list of current vehicle fees​ ​
​
Sal​vaged & Abandoned Vehicles

The NCDMV must be notified when transferring titles for salvaged vehicles, and other requirements might apply.

​Vehicles in a Trust

A trust is a separate legal entity capable of owning property through a trustee – the individual charged with managing the property held by a trust.

The identity of the owner and the trustee may be the same regarding the trust, however they are two separate entities. When property is transferred, legal ownership has changed.​

Registering a vehicle to a trust

When registering a vehicle to a trust, indiviudals must complete the Title Application (MVR-1) form (declare all liens; notarization is required).

Transferring a vehicle registration to a trust

The documents listed in the table below are required to transfer a vehicle registration to a trust.

Fees & taxes

A Certificate of Title fee and taxes must be paid on the vehicle.

View a list of current vehicle fees​​