Quick Guide on How to Register a Car in NC (North Carolina)
Published January 16, 2023
Contrary to common belief, it takes some time and effort to be able to drive a new car. Not only do you need to get a car title, but you must also register it in your state. In doing so, you’re essentially informing the state of the existence of your car and that a law-abiding citizen owns it.
Without registration, you’ll face fines and other penalties if you’re caught driving the vehicle. If you’re situated in North Carolina, read on as we discuss how to register a car in NC.
Requirements for North Carolina Car Registration
The first thing you need to do to register a vehicle in North Carolina is to obtain the necessary documents for the transaction. The requirements may vary according to your circumstances, whether you’re a resident of North Carolina or not, and whether the car is relatively new or old.
With that said, let’s take a closer look at each requirement for North Carolina car registration:
Proof of Ownership
To prove that you’re truly the vehicle owner, you must provide the vehicle’s notarized and signed car title. Naturally, you need your name to be in that title. If you don’t have a title, then you need to take a step back and get a title first. Here’s a quick guide on how to get a car title in NC:
- Gather the necessary requirements and documentation. These include:
- a valid North Carolina driver’s license or any ID,
- a lien release if you got the vehicle from an individual or if it was gifted,
- a bill of sale if you got the vehicle from a dealer, and
- a certificate or any proof of liability insurance.
- Fill up the necessary forms, including:
- the Title Application (MVR-1) form,
- the Odometer Disclosure Statement (MVR-180) form, and
- the Damage Disclosure Statement (MCR-181) form.
- Go to your local DMV office and submit the requirements and forms.
- Pay the relevant fees.
Proof of Identity and Residence
The proof of ownership or car title will be pointless if you cannot prove that you’re the same person referred to as the owner in the title. So, you must also provide proof of your identity and residence.
Usually, a valid North Carolina driving license is all that’s needed. It proves your identity, and it shows that you’re indeed a resident of the state. However, if you’re a new resident or not an NC resident at all, you will have to get a temporary driving certificate from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
Proof of Insurance
North Carolina requires all vehicles registered under the state to have liability insurance coverage.
Therefore, the agency may ask you to provide proof of your liability insurance, which is usually just a certificate from the insurance provider. This document should be easy to come by if you have a title.
After all, proof of insurance is one of the requirements to get a car title.
Relevant Fees
Just like when you get a car title, you will have to pay the relevant fee for car registration. Since the exact amount varies according to the circumstance, it’s best to refer to their page instead.
How to Register a Car in North Carolina
Once you have the aforementioned requirements, all that’s left is to submit them to your local DMV office. Unlike the process of getting a title, however, you will not need to fill up any application form.
Just submit the documentation, and you’re pretty much done. If you want, you can also mail the documents to the corresponding mailing address, which should be the following:
Vehicle Titles/Liens, Duplicate Registration
3148 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27697-3148
Wrapping Up
Though it’s by no means an easy or effortless process, you shouldn’t delay your car registration. It’s advisable to register the car as soon as you get a hold of it. After all, emergencies may occur that may require you to drive your car. Without registration, you’re only asking to get in trouble.
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About The Author
Lenard Arceo is an experienced blogger and writer who enjoys learning to code in his spare time. His commitment to delivering factual content is what has helped him create hundred of helpful articles that have reached millions of people.