North Carolina Vehicle Registration

irements for Registering a Car in North Carolina

register a car in North Carolina, you must meet the following requirements:

• Be a resident of North Carolina.
• Have a valid North Carolina driver’s license.
• Have valid North Carolina liability insurance.
• Have a vehicle that has passed a North Carolina safety inspection (if applicable).

Fees for Registering a Car in North Carolina

The fees for registering a car in North Carolina vary depending on the type of vehicle and its weight. Here are the standard fees for most vehicles:

• Passenger vehicles: $36.00
• Electric vehicles: $130.00 (in addition to the regular registration fee)
• Trucks (less than 4,000 lbs): $36.00
• Trucks (4,000 – 5,000 lbs): $56.50
• Trucks (5,000 – 6,000 lbs): $67.00

Additional fees for specialized license plates, late registration, or other circumstances may also exist.

Types of Registrations

In North Carolina, there are several types of vehicle registrations:

• Standard registration: For most passenger vehicles, trucks, and motorcycles.
• Temporary registration: For newly purchased or out-of-state vehicles waiting for permanent registration.
• Commercial registration: For vehicles used for commercial purposes.
• Farm Registration: For vehicles used exclusively for farming purposes.

Forms Needed to Register a Car in North Carolina

To register your car in North Carolina, you’ll need to complete the following forms:

• Title Application (MVR-1): This form is used to apply for a North Carolina title and registration. You can find the form here.
• Odometer Disclosure Statement (MVR-180): If your vehicle is less than 10 years old, you must complete this form to disclose the vehicle’s odometer reading. The form can be found here.
• Damage Disclosure Statement (MVR-181): This form is required for all vehicles and discloses any damage to the vehicle. You can download the form here.
• Liability Insurance Information: You’ll need to provide proof of liability insurance from a North Carolina-licensed insurance provider.

How Long Does It Take to Process a Vehicle Registration?

Once you’ve submitted all required forms and fees, it typically takes about two weeks for the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV) to process your vehicle registration. You’ll receive your registration card, license plate, and expiration sticker in the mail.