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Registering Your Vehicle in North Carolina

By Addie Rising, About.com

Need assistance driving in Charlotte? Here is a guide to registering your vehicle with the state of North Carolina including fees and required documents. If you need assistance obtaining a driver's license, visit the guide to obtaining a North Carolina Driver's License.

After I move to Charlotte from out-of-state, how long do I have to register my vehicle with the state of North Carolina?
You must register your motor vehicle at the expiration of the registration of your vehicle in your prior state of residence (usually 30 days) or when gainful employment is accepted, whichever occurs first.

Where do I go to register my vehicle?
You need to apply in person at the nearest Vehicle Registration and License Plate Renewal office.

Where are the Charlotte-area Vehicle Registration and License Plate Renewal offices located?

  • Charlotte (State Office)
    6016 Brookshire Blvd.
    Charlotte, NC 28216
    704-399-8306
    Monday-Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
  • Charlotte
    6058 E. Independence Blvd.
    Charlotte, NC 28212
    704-535-2525
    Monday-Friday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
  • Charlotte
    4200-H South Blvd.
    Charlotte, NC 28209
    704-525-3832
    Monday-Friday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

What documents do I need to bring with me to register my vehicle?
You need to bring each of the following with you:

  • Proof of Identification: As of September 2007 you are required to present a valid North Carolina Driver's license. However, another state's vald license may be accepted if you can provide proof of one of the following: Military active duty stationed in N.C.; college enrollment in an N.C. school; vehicle garaged in N.C. for a minimum of 6 months; court-ordered sale of a vehicle; vehicle is co-owned; registration for a motor home; or documented medical condition
  • There are four different cases to registering a vehicle and all require slightly different documentation. Please visit the North Carolina DMV site for specific document requirements.

What are the fees associated with registering your vehicle in North Carolina?

  • Certificate of Title - $40.00
  • Instant Title - $75.00
  • License Plate Registration Fee for Private Passenger Vehicles - $28
  • License Plate Registration Fee for Private Truck Under 4,000 lbs - $28.00
  • Transfer of Plate - $4.00
  • Highway Use Tax: Based on Vehicle's Purchase Price or Value - 3%

What are the insurance requirements in the state of North Carolina?
The state of North Carolina requires proof of automobile insurance carrying the minimum requirements of liability insurance for a private passenger vehicle which is is $30,000 for bodily injury for one person; $60,000 bodily injury for two or more people and $25,000 property damage. North Carolina law requires each company to notify the DMV when coverage has been canceled.

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