The process of obtaining a car title and license plate in North Carolina can be eased by being aware of the requirements, procedures, and fees ahead of time.

In the case of new residents, you must register your motor vehicle at the expiration of the time granted by reciprocity agreement between North Carolina and your prior state of residence (usually 30 days) or when gainful employment is accepted, whichever occurs first.

Most Vehicle & License Plate Renewal Offices are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. For a complete listing of the offices visit here.

Identification Requirements 

As of September 15, 2007, you must present a valid North Carolina Driver's License or a North Carolina Identification Card to register a vehicle in North Carolina. However N.C. General Statute 20-52 allows valid driver's licenses from other states to be accepted for vehicle registrations with documentation 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.

For information on getting a North Carolina Driver License visit here.

Registration Scenarios

Registering a vehicle in North Carolina falls into one of four categories:

• vehicle purchased from an individual;
• vehicle previously titled in another state in the same owners name;
• vehicle with an out-of-state title held by a recorded lienholder; or
• vehicle purchased from a dealer.

Each category has its own conditions and requirements. For a complete listing, as well as Fee Requirements visit the N.C. DMV registration website here.

Insurance Requirements

Insurance requirements within North Carolina require that you provide a proof of insurance when registering your vehicle.

Acceptable proofs of insurance include the owner providing the Insurance Company name and policy number (Self Certification) or a Certificate of Insurance (FS-1), obtained from an Insurance Company that is licensed to do business in North Carolina.

The minimum requirements of liability insurance for private passenger vehicle licensing are $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 insurance companies to notify the DMV when coverage has been cancelled.

For a more in depth explanation of Insurance Requirements visit here.

For more information on all the services offered by the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles, visit their official website here.