How Much Does It Cost To Register a Car in North Carolina From Out of State
Registering an out-of-state vehicle in North Carolina requires adherence to regulations established by the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles. Individuals establishing residency in North Carolina must complete vehicle registration within 60 days of relocating to the state. The registration process involves payment of multiple fees and taxes administered through the Division's offices located throughout the state.
Base Registration and Title Fees
Transferring vehicle ownership in North Carolina requires payment of certificate of title fees, registration fees, and plate issuance charges. The North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles maintains standardized fee schedules applicable to all motor vehicle transactions conducted statewide.
Standard State Fees
Registration charges in North Carolina vary according to vehicle classification and weight specifications.
Registration Fees by Vehicle Classification:
| Vehicle Classification | Annual Registration Fee |
|---|---|
| Private passenger vehicles | $46.25 |
| Motorcycles and mopeds | $25.50 |
| Private bus (15 passengers or more) | $51.50 |
| House trailer and/or camping trailer | $18.00 |
| Trailer or semi-trailer | $32.25 |
| Private truck (4,000 pounds) | $46.25 |
Additional Registration Charges:
- Personalized plate: $30.00
- License plate transfer: $25.50
- Electric vehicles (on top of vehicle registration fee): $214.50
- Hybrid vehicles (on top of vehicle registration fee): $107.25
- Plug-in hybrid vehicles: $107.25
Title Fees
Certificate of title fees apply to motor vehicles designated for highway operation, as regulated by the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles.
Title Application Fees:
| Fee Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Certificate of title | $66.75 |
| Corrected or substitute certificate of title | $25.50 |
| Duplicate title with reassignment | $92.25 |
Highway Use Tax
North Carolina assesses a highway use tax on motor vehicle ownership transfers rather than imposing a traditional state and local sales tax. The North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles administers highway use tax collection for all title transfer transactions throughout the state.
The highway use tax on vehicles is assessed based on the retail value of the motor vehicle at the time of title transfer, as codified in North Carolina General Statutes § 105-187.3.
Highway Use Tax Rates for Vehicles:
| Tax Category | Rate |
|---|---|
| Standard Highway Use Tax | 3.00% |
| Maximum tax for commercial motor vehicles | $2,000.00 |
Reduced Tax for Previously Titled Vehicles
North Carolina provides a reduced maximum tax assessment for vehicles titled in another state for at least 90 days preceding application for a North Carolina title. The maximum tax assessment for qualifying out-of-state vehicles is $250.00, providing significant tax relief for new residents transferring previously owned vehicles into the state.
Vehicle Inspection Requirements and Fees
North Carolina mandates annual safety inspections for motor vehicles operated on public highways. The North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles coordinates inspection requirements with the Department of Environmental Quality for emissions testing in designated counties.
Safety and Emissions Inspection Fees
Annual inspection requirements vary by county designation and vehicle classification, with fees established by the North Carolina General Statutes § 20-183.7.
State-Mandated Inspection Fees:
| Inspection Category | Maximum Inspection Fee | Authorization Fee | Total Maximum Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Safety inspection only | $12.75 | $0.85 | $13.60 |
| Emissions and safety inspection | $23.75 | $6.25 | $30.00 |
| After-factory tinted window inspection | $10.00 | N/A | $10.00 |
Emissions inspections are required in 19 designated counties, including the Charlotte, Raleigh, Greensboro, and Winston-Salem metropolitan areas. Vehicles registered in the remaining 81 counties require safety inspections only. Inspection stations may charge the maximum fee or any lesser amount for emissions and safety inspections, but safety-only inspection fees cannot be adjusted.
Government Agencies and Contact Information
North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles
1515 N. Church St., Rocky Mount, NC 27804
Phone: (919) 715-7000
Official Website: North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles
The North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles operates as a component of the Department of Transportation, administering vehicle titling, registration, and inspection programs. The Division maintains authority over motor vehicle regulatory compliance and coordinates with county offices to deliver services throughout the state.
North Carolina Driver License Offices
The North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles delivers registration and licensing services through driver license offices in all 100 North Carolina counties. Complete office location information is accessible through the Driver License Office directory.
East Charlotte Driver License Office
6635 Executive Circle, Charlotte, NC 28212
Phone: (704) 531-5563
Official Website: North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles
West Charlotte Driver License Office
6016 Brookshire Boulevard, Charlotte, NC 28216
Phone: (704) 392-3266
Official Website: North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles
Avent Ferry Shopping Center Driver License Office
3231 Avent Ferry Road, Raleigh, NC 27606
Phone: (919) 816-9128
Official Website: North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles
Spring Forest Pavilion Driver License Office
2431 Spring Forest Road, Unit 101, Raleigh, NC 27615
Phone: (919) 855-6877
Official Website: North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles
License Plate Agency at the Golden Gate Shopping Center
2218 Golden Gate Drive, Greensboro, NC 27405-4302
Phone: (336) 275-7715
Official Website: North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles
License Plate Agency at the Parkway Plaza Shopping Center
4215 University Drive, Suite 8, Durham, NC 27707
Phone: (919) 286-4908
Official Website: North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles
Winston-Salem North Driver License Office
3637 North Patterson Avenue, Winston-Salem, NC 27105
Phone: (336) 761-2259
Official Website: North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles
License Plate Agency at the Eutaw Village Shopping Center
815 Elm Street, Fayetteville, NC 28303
Phone: (910) 485-1590
Official Website: North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles
License Plate Agency at the Market Plaza Shopping Center
13 South Kerr Avenue, Wilmington, NC 28403
Phone: (910) 228-5708
Official Website: North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles
Asheville Driver License Office
1624 Patton Avenue, Asheville, NC 28806
Phone: (828) 782-9600
Official Website: North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles
