How To Cancel Vehicle Registration Online in North Carolina in 2026
North Carolina requires vehicle owners to cancel their registration through the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV) when transferring ownership or removing a vehicle from operation. The NCDMV does not currently offer an online cancellation system for vehicle registration. Owners must complete the cancellation process by visiting a local license plate agency or by returning their license plates through the mail.
When Registration Cancellation May Be Needed
North Carolina vehicle owners encounter numerous situations requiring registration cancellation:
- Completing a private vehicle sale or dealership trade-in transaction
- Transferring vehicle ownership through donation to an organization or individual
- Establishing residency in another state and registering your vehicle there
- Returning a leased vehicle to the leasing company at contract end
- Disposing of your vehicle through a salvage yard or recycling facility
- Insurance company declaration of total loss following an accident
- Filing a stolen vehicle report with law enforcement without recovery
- Maintaining a vehicle in storage without active insurance coverage
- Settling an estate and transferring vehicle ownership to heirs
- Removing a vehicle permanently from roadway use
License Plate Return Options
North Carolina law mandates the physical return of license plates when canceling registration. The NCDMV provides two methods for plate surrender, both of which result in the official cancellation of your vehicle registration.
In-Person Plate Return
Visit any NCDMV office throughout North Carolina to surrender your plates directly. Locations accept plate returns during regular business hours without requiring an appointment.
Required Items:
- Current license plates (front and rear if applicable)
- Vehicle registration card or title
- Valid photo identification
Processing Procedures:
Present your license plates and documentation to the agency representative. Staff will verify your identity and vehicle information before accepting the plates. The agency issues a Plate Surrender Receipt (Form FS-20) immediately upon completion of the process. Retain this receipt as proof of cancellation—your insurance company requires this document to terminate your motor vehicle liability policy. Vehicle insurance must be maintained until the license plate is returned to avoid a fine for failure to maintain continuous insurance coverage.
The NCDMV processes the cancellation in its system within one business day. Your registration becomes invalid immediately upon plate surrender, regardless of the original expiration date shown on your registration card.
Mail-In Plate Return
Vehicle owners unable to visit an agency location may mail their license plates directly to the NCDMV central office. This method requires additional processing time but provides the same legal effect as in-person surrender.
Mailing Address:
North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles
3148 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-3148
Required Materials:
- License plates (securely packaged to prevent damage during transit)
- Letter stating your name, address, and reason for plate surrender
- Copy of vehicle registration card or title
- Copy of driver's license or state-issued identification
- Completed Notice of Transfer/Insurance Cancellation Form if applicable
Processing Timeline:
The NCDMV does not routinely issue receipts for mailed plate returns. To confirm your cancellation, contact the NCDMV Customer Service Center at (919) 715-7000. Representatives can verify cancellation status using your license plate number or vehicle identification number.
Property Tax Relief Information
Surrendering your North Carolina vehicle registration may entitle you to property tax relief from your county tax office instead of registration refunds. Vehicle property taxes are assessed and collected by individual counties rather than the state. Registration cancellation does not automatically generate tax relief—you must apply directly through your county tax assessor.
Tax Relief Eligibility Standards
North Carolina counties grant property tax relief when specific conditions are satisfied:
Qualifying Events:
- Permanent relocation of your residence to another state
- Sale or transfer of vehicle ownership documented by bill of sale or title transfer
- Vehicle declared total loss with insurance documentation
- Reported vehicle theft with law enforcement case number
- Vehicle destruction or disposal confirmed by salvage receipts
Non-Qualifying Situations:
You cannot obtain property tax relief if you cancel registration but maintain vehicle ownership within North Carolina or if you relocate to a different North Carolina county.
County Tax Relief Application
Contact your county tax assessor's office where the vehicle was registered on January 1 of the tax year. Each of North Carolina's 100 counties maintains independent procedures for processing tax relief requests.
Required Documentation:
- Copy of your Plate Surrender Receipt from the NCDMV
- Bill of sale, title transfer documentation, or other ownership change proof
- Insurance total loss settlement letter if claiming vehicle loss
- Police report with case number if claiming vehicle theft
- Documentation establishing out-of-state residency change, if applicable
Application Deadlines:
Counties typically require tax relief applications within the same calendar year as the qualifying event. Some counties extend deadlines into the following year for transactions made in December. Verify specific deadlines with your county tax office to preserve your relief eligibility.
Governing Laws and Regulations
North Carolina vehicle registration cancellation requirements are established through state statutes:
- North Carolina General Statutes § 20‑52 establishes rules on motor vehicle application for registration and certificate of title
- North Carolina General Statutes § 20-309 requires all motor vehicles to be covered by financial responsibility for the entire registration period, which may be in the form of a liability insurance policy, a financial security bond, a financial security deposit, or self-insurance
- North Carolina General Statutes § 105-330.6 addresses the motor vehicle tax year, plate transfer, and surrender of plates
Government Agencies
North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles
North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles
3101 Mail Service Center, 1515 N. Church St., Rocky Mount, NC 27804
Phone: (919) 715-7000
Official Website: North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles
NCDMV License Plate Agencies in Major Cities
The following NCDMV license plate agencies throughout North Carolina accept license plate returns for registration cancellation:
Charlotte License Plate Agency
3250 Wilkinson Blvd G, Charlotte, NC 28208
Phone: (980) 237-9598
Official Website: Charlotte License Plate Agency
Raleigh License Plate Agency
4121 New Bern Ave, Raleigh, NC 27616
Phone: (919) 715-7000
Official Website: Raleigh License Plate Agency
Greensboro License Plate Agency
2218 Golden Gate Dr, Greensboro, NC 27405
Phone: (336) 275-7715
Official Website: Greensboro License Plate Agency
Durham License Plate Agency
4215 University Dr #8, Durham, NC 27707
Phone: (919) 286-4908
Official Website: Durham License Plate Agency
Winston-Salem License Plate Agency
1141 Silas Creek Pkwy, Winston-Salem, NC 27127
Phone: (336) 725-2795
Official Website: Winston-Salem License Plate Agency
Fayetteville License Plate Agency
815 Elm St, Fayetteville, NC 28303
Phone: (910) 485-1590
Official Website: Fayetteville License Plate Agency
Cary License Plate Agency
1387 SE Maynard Rd, Cary, NC 27511
Phone: (919) 468-0319
Official Website: Cary License Plate Agency
Wilmington License Plate Agency
2390 Carolina Beach Rd #108, Wilmington, NC 28401
Phone: (910) 763-6752
Official Website: Wilmington License Plate Agency
Asheville License Plate Agency
780 Hendersonville Rd, Asheville, NC 28803
Phone: (828) 277-7767
Official Website: Asheville License Plate Agency
Gastonia License Plate Agency
246 N New Hope Rd, Gastonia, NC 28054
Phone: (704) 864-4856
Official Website: Gastonia License Plate Agency
