How To Get a Car Title in North Carolina 2026
North Carolina law (NCGS § 20-52) requires owners of motor vehicles subject to registration to obtain a certificate of title from the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles. The statute requires individuals to secure proper ownership documentation for vehicles model year 1973 and newer, with applications processed through the Division of Motor Vehicles within the Department of Transportation.
Where to Apply for a North Carolina Certificate of Title
North Carolina processes title applications exclusively through authorized agents designated by the Division of Motor Vehicles. Applications cannot be submitted directly to state headquarters but must proceed through approved channels:
- County License Plate Agencies – Locally operated offices functioning in each of North Carolina's 100 counties, serving as primary transaction points
- Driver License and Vehicle Registration Facilities – Full-service state locations offering comprehensive MVD transactions
- Authorized Dealerships – Licensed motor vehicle dealers submit electronic applications through approved systems at the point of sale
- Mail Processing – Completed applications forwarded to the Title Services Bureau for remote processing
Required Documents for Title Application in North Carolina
North Carolina administrative regulations establish specific documentary prerequisites for title issuance, varying according to transaction type and vehicle origin. All submissions must satisfy baseline requirements, while certain circumstances demand supplementary materials.
Primary Documentation
| Document Type | Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Properly Assigned Ownership Certificate | Previous title bearing signatures of all registered owners with completed assignment section | North Carolina titles require notarization; out-of-state titles follow originating state requirements |
| Vehicle Title Application (MVR-1) | Completed and notarized form signed in ink by all owners | Applicant completes form with all required information; notarization by authorized public notary is required |
| Valid Driver License or Identification | North Carolina license, temporary driving certificate for new residents, or qualifying out-of-state license | Co-owners must provide photocopies of identification or execute Power of Attorney (MVR-63) |
| Liability Insurance Verification | Current policy from North Carolina-licensed carrier | Minimum coverage: $30,000 bodily injury per person, $60,000 per accident, $25,000 property damage |
Additional Documentation Requirements
Specific transaction scenarios necessitate supplementary materials beyond baseline requirements:
| Document Type | Purpose | Application Circumstances |
|---|---|---|
| Odometer Disclosure Statement (MVR-180) | Record mileage at time of ownership transfer | Required for vehicles less than 10 years old; form must bear signatures of transferor and transferee |
| Damage Disclosure Statement (MVR-181) | Declare previous damage or salvage history | Mandatory for all transfers; indicates whether vehicle sustained damage exceeding 25% of its value |
| Lien Release Documentation | Demonstrate satisfaction of security interest | Required when previous title shows lien notation; must identify vehicle and creditor |
| Highway-Use Tax Exemption Certificate (MVR-613) | Establish eligibility for tax exemption | Transfers between spouses, parents and children, or stepparents and stepchildren |
| Current Out-of-State Registration | Verify existing registration status | Required for vehicles titled in another jurisdiction with outstanding lien |
| Bill of Sale | Document purchase terms and consideration | Necessary when title assignment section remains incomplete |
North Carolina Title Fees and Costs
The Division of Motor Vehicles assesses statutory fees for title services and registration transactions, with rates established through legislative appropriation and administrative rule.
Standard Title Fees
| Service Category | Fee Amount |
|---|---|
| Original Certificate of Title | $66.75 |
| Duplicate Certificate | $25.50 |
| Title Correction | $25.50 |
| Lien Release Processing | $25.50 |
Additional Processing Fees
Supplementary charges apply based on transaction characteristics and service selection:
| Fee Category | Amount | Application |
|---|---|---|
| Highway-Use Tax | 3% of purchase price or NADA valuation | Assessed on vehicle cost; exemptions available for family transfers per MVR-613; capped at $250 maximum |
| Vehicle Registration | $46.25 (standard passenger vehicle) | Annual registration for private passenger vehicles |
| License Plate Issuance | $25.50 | Plate replacement or transfer |
| Instant Title Service | $105.75 | Expedited same-day or next-business-day issuance at participating locations |
| Notary Public Services | Up to $6.00 per signature | Per signature authentication (maximum three signatures per transaction) |
| County Administrative Fees | Variable by jurisdiction | Local processing charges determined by county government |
Step-by-Step Title Application Process
Step 1: Verify Applicant Eligibility and Secure Insurance Coverage
Confirm possession of a valid North Carolina driver's license or temporary driving certificate issued to new residents within the previous 60 days. Non-residents must present qualifying documentation, including military identification, student enrollment verification, or Form MVR-614 demonstrating vehicle garaging in North Carolina. Obtain liability insurance from a North Carolina-licensed carrier meeting statutory minimum coverage requirements ($30,000 bodily injury per person, $60,000 per accident, $25,000 property damage) before initiating the application process.
Step 2: Assemble Ownership Documentation and Release Materials
Collect the existing certificate of title or manufacturer's certificate of origin. For transfer transactions, complete the assignment section on the title reverse with purchaser information, sale date, and odometer reading. North Carolina titles require notarization of all signatures; out-of-state titles follow the requirements of their issuing jurisdiction. Obtain lien release documentation from the creditor if a security interest appears on the current title, ensuring the release specifically identifies the vehicle identification number and describes the automobile.
Step 3: Execute Required Disclosure Statements
Complete the Odometer Disclosure Statement for vehicles less than 10 years old, recording the precise mileage shown on the vehicle at the time of transfer. Both the transferor and the transferee must sign the disclosure form. Execute the Damage Disclosure Statement indicating whether the vehicle has sustained damage exceeding 25% of its value in a single incident or carries salvage history.
Step 4: Calculate Highway-Use Tax and Processing Fees
Determine the applicable highway-use tax by computing 3% of the vehicle purchase price or NADA valuation (if applicable), capped at a maximum of $250. Add the $66.75 title fee and $46.25 registration fee for standard passenger vehicles. Transfers between spouses, parents and children, or stepparents and stepchildren qualify for tax exemption through submission of Form MVR-613. Verify that county property taxes have been satisfied before proceeding.
Step 5: Submit Application Through Authorized Agent
Present all assembled documentation, identification, and payment to a county license plate agency or Division of Motor Vehicles office. The authorized agent will accept your completed and notarized Form MVR-1 with all required documentation. For mail submission, forward completed materials to:
Vehicle Titles and Liens
North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles
3148 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27697-3148
Standard processing requires 10 to 15 business days for applications submitted at facilities; mail applications may require 6-10 weeks for processing and delivery. Select instant title service at participating locations for same-day or next-business-day issuance with payment of the $105.75 expedited processing fee.
Step 6: Receive Certificate of Title
The Division of Motor Vehicles will mail the completed certificate to the owner's address of record following processing completion. When a security interest exists, the title proceeds directly to the lienholder, who retains custody until debt satisfaction. Verify receipt within the standard processing timeframe and contact the Title Services Bureau if the certificate fails to arrive within the expected timeframe.
Exemptions from Title Requirements
North Carolina statute (NCGS § 20-51) exempts certain vehicle categories from titling requirements:
- Farm tractors and implements of husbandry operated exclusively for agricultural purposes on private property or within a 10-mile radius of farm premises
- Special mobile equipment, including construction machinery, ditch-digging apparatus, and well-boring equipment not designed or used for passenger or property transportation
- Vehicles owned and operated by government entities for official purposes
- Mopeds: Must be registered with NCDMV but are explicitly exempt from obtaining a certificate of title
- Certain trailers used exclusively for agricultural purposes (farm trailers, tobacco trailers, tow dollies under 5,000 pounds)
- Vehicles operated exclusively on private property with no access to public highways
Important Clarification: Most standard trailers and boat trailers require both title and registration in North Carolina. Do not assume a trailer is automatically exempt; verify specific exemption criteria with the NCDMV.
Contact Information
For inquiries concerning title applications, documentation requirements, or processing procedures, contact the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles.
North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles
1515 N. Church Street
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
Phone: (919) 715-7000
Official Website: North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles
