How To Transfer a Car Title in North Carolina 2026
The North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV) is the state authority responsible for administering all motor vehicle title transfers. Under G.S. 20-73, any person to whom a vehicle is transferred must submit an application for a new certificate of title to the Division within 28 days of the date of transfer. Failure to meet this deadline carries a civil penalty of $20.00 and constitutes a Class 2 misdemeanor under state law.
Required Documents for Title Transfer in North Carolina
Documentation requirements vary by transaction type. The checklist below identifies the forms and materials applicable to the most common transfer scenarios.
| Document | Requirement | Form / Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate of Title | Original title with assignment section completed by both parties; notarization required for NC-issued titles | Title Transfers |
| Title Application | Required for all titling transactions; must be notarized | Form MVR-1 (PDF) |
| Odometer Disclosure Statement | Required for vehicles less than 20 years old (2011 model year or newer); vehicles 2010 model year or older exempt at 10 years of age | Form MVR-180 (PDF) |
| Damage Disclosure Statement | Required for all private sales and dealer transactions | Form MVR-181 (PDF) |
| Proof of NC Liability Insurance | Must be issued by a NC-licensed carrier; continuous coverage required; out-of-state policies not accepted | Insurance Requirements |
| Valid NC Driver License or ID | Required for all applicants; limited exceptions apply for non-NC residents | Title Requirements |
| Lien Release | Required if any liens are recorded on the existing title | Issued by the lienholder |
| Highway-Use Tax Exemption Certificate | Required only when transferring between qualifying family members to claim HUT exemption | Form MVR-613 (PDF) |
Step-by-Step Title Transfer Process in North Carolina
Step 1: Assemble All Required Documents
Before initiating the transfer, collect all documentation applicable to the specific transaction type. Verify that the Certificate of Title is the original document. If the title is lost, damaged, or contains altered information, the current owner must first obtain a duplicate title (Form MVR-4) before the transfer can proceed. Applicants should also confirm that any outstanding liens have been formally released, as lien documentation must be submitted alongside the title.
Step 2: Complete the Title Assignment and Obtain Notarization
The seller is responsible for completing the assignment section on the reverse side of the Certificate of Title. All of the following fields must be accurately completed:
- Buyer's full legal name and mailing address
- Date of sale or date of delivery
- Seller's signature and hand-printed name
- Odometer reading (required for vehicles less than 20 years old; 2011 model year or newer exempt at 20 years; 2010 model year or older exempt at 10 years)
- Damage disclosure certification (required for all vehicles)
For North Carolina-issued titles, the completed assignment section must be notarized before the document is submitted. Both parties should retain copies of all executed documents for their records. For vehicles with co-owners, all signatures on required documents must be notarized and accompanied by a black-and-white photocopy of each co-owner's valid driver's license or ID. Alternatively, a Power of Attorney may be signed on behalf of a co-owner.
Step 3: Complete the Title Application (Form MVR-1)
The buyer must complete the Title Application (Form MVR-1) and have it notarized before submission. For transactions qualifying for a highway-use tax exemption, the Highway-Use Tax Exemption Certificate (Form MVR-613) must be completed and submitted alongside Form MVR-1.
Applicants who choose to mail their documents must include a black-and-white photocopy of their valid North Carolina driver's license with the submission package.
Step 4: Secure Proof of North Carolina Liability Insurance
G.S. 20-309 requires continuous liability insurance on all vehicles registered in North Carolina, and coverage must be provided by a carrier licensed to conduct business in the state. Insurance issued by out-of-state providers is not accepted.
Step 5: Submit Your Application to a License Plate Agency
Title transfers in North Carolina are processed at any NCDMV license plate agency across the state. All completed and notarized documents, along with payment for applicable fees and taxes, must be presented at the time of submission.
For applicants who prefer to submit by mail, documents should be directed to the NCDMV Vehicle Titles/Liens address at 3148 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27697-3148.
Step 6: Pay All Required Fees and Taxes
All fees must be remitted at the time of application submission. The table below reflects the current fee schedule for title-related transactions. Note that North Carolina collects a highway-use tax in place of sales tax on all vehicle title transfers.
| Fee / Tax Type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate of Title | $66.75 | Standard title issuance fee |
| Instant Title | $105.75 | Expedited issuance processed at time of agency visit |
| Duplicate Title | $25.50 | Applies to lost, damaged, corrected, or substitute titles |
| Late Transfer Penalty | $20.00 | Assessed when application is filed after the 28-day deadline |
| Passenger Vehicle Registration | $46.25 | Annual registration plate fee |
| Highway-Use Tax (HUT) | 3% of vehicle value | Maximum $2,000 for Class A/B commercial vehicles and RVs; maximum $250 for out-of-state vehicles titled elsewhere for 90+ days |
| Notary Fee — State Offices | $6.00–$8.00 | Per signature; amount varies by number of signatures required |
| Notary Fee — Contract Agents | $8.00–$10.00 | Per signature; amount varies by number of signatures required |
Accepted payment methods include cash, personal checks, and most major debit and credit cards. Online card transactions are subject to a $3.00 processing fee per transaction plus a 1.85% card processing surcharge.
Step 7: Receive Your Certificate of Title
Following submission and payment, the NCDMV will process the title application. Standard processing typically takes 10–15 business days, after which the new certificate of title is mailed to the applicant's address on file. Applicants who require immediate title documentation may request an instant title at select license plate agency locations for an additional fee of $105.75.
Upon receipt, review the title certificate to confirm that all vehicle and owner information is recorded accurately. Any errors or discrepancies should be reported to the NCDMV promptly to initiate an amendment.
Contact Information
North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles
1515 N. Church St., Rocky Mount, NC 27804
Phone: (919) 715-7000
Official Website: NC Division of Motor Vehicles
