How to Renew Motor Vehicle Registration in North Carolina?
Vehicle registration renewal is required for all North Carolina residents to maintain legal driving privileges and comply with state motor vehicle laws. The North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV) oversees the state's vehicle registration system and works in conjunction with local license plate agencies to provide registration services throughout the state. North Carolina operates under the Tag & Tax Together program, which combines annual vehicle registration fees and vehicle property taxes into one consolidated payment.
North Carolina Vehicle Registration Renewal Requirements
Essential Documentation and Requirements
North Carolina vehicle owners must satisfy the following requirements when renewing their registration:
- Valid Vehicle Insurance: Proof of continuous North Carolina liability insurance meeting state minimum requirements
- Vehicle Identification: License plate number and last five digits of the vehicle title number
- Government-Issued Photo ID: Current North Carolina driver license or state-issued identification card
- Vehicle Inspection: Annual safety inspection and emissions inspection (if applicable) completed within 90 days of renewal
Vehicle Inspection Requirements
North Carolina requires annual vehicle inspections before registration renewal. The inspection requirements vary based on vehicle age, type, and county of registration.
Safety Inspections
All vehicles less than 35 years old must undergo an annual safety inspection. During a safety inspection, a licensed mechanic examines critical vehicle components including brakes, lights, steering, suspension, tires, horn, windshield wipers, mirrors, and exhaust system. Vehicles 35 years old or older are exempt from safety inspection requirements.
Emissions Inspections
In addition to safety inspections, vehicles registered in 19 designated North Carolina counties must undergo on-board diagnostic emissions inspections to maintain compliance with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency air quality standards.
Vehicles registered in the following counties require emissions inspections:
- Alamance
- Buncombe
- Cabarrus
- Cumberland
- Davidson
- Durham
- Forsyth
- Franklin
- Gaston
- Guilford
- Iredell
- Johnston
- Lincoln
- Mecklenburg
- New Hanover
- Randolph
- Rowan
- Union
- Wake
Use the NCDMV Inspection Station Locator to find certified inspection stations throughout North Carolina.
Emissions Inspection Exemptions
Vehicles are exempt from emissions inspections under the following conditions:
- Light-duty vehicles less than 3 years old or with fewer than 70,000 miles (use the NC DEQ Exemption Calculator to verify eligibility)
- Vehicles 20 years old or older
- Diesel-operated vehicles
- Vehicles registered as farm vehicles
- Vehicles 30 years old or older with antique automobile license plates
Insurance Requirements
North Carolina law requires continuous liability insurance coverage for all registered vehicles. As of July 1, 2025, the minimum liability insurance coverage requirements are:
- Bodily Injury Liability: $50,000 per person / $100,000 per accident
- Property Damage Liability: $50,000 per accident
- Uninsured Motorist Coverage: $50,000 per person / $100,000 per accident (mandatory)
- Underinsured Motorist Coverage: $50,000 per person / $100,000 per accident (mandatory)
Renewal Timeline and Grace Period
- Early Renewal: Vehicle registration renewal can be completed up to 90 days before expiration
- Renewal Notice: NCDMV mails renewal notices approximately 60 days before registration expiration
- Grace Period: North Carolina allows vehicle operation up to 15 days after registration expiration
- Late Fees: Late fees up to $25 apply to all registration renewals paid after the license plate expiration date
- New Residents: Must register vehicles within 60 days of establishing North Carolina residency or when gainful employment is accepted, whichever occurs first
How Much Is Car Registration Renewal in North Carolina in 2025
2025 North Carolina Vehicle Registration Fee Schedule
North Carolina vehicle registration fees increased on July 1, 2024, pursuant to state law. The following table shows the current registration fees by vehicle type:
Vehicle Type | Annual Registration Fee |
---|---|
Private Passenger Vehicles (15 passengers or fewer) | $46.25 |
Private Passenger Vehicles (over 15 passengers) | $51.50 |
Private Motorcycles | $25.50 |
Private Motorcycles with Transport Device | $38.50 |
House Trailers | $18.00 |
Low-Speed Vehicles (Private Use) | $46.25 |
Low-Speed Vehicles (For-Hire) | $85.00 |
For-Hire Passenger Vehicles (15 passengers or fewer) | $128.50 |
For-Hire Passenger Vehicles (over 15 passengers) | $2.55 per passenger |
Dealer Plates | $46.25 |
Electric and Hybrid Vehicle Additional Fees
North Carolina assesses additional annual fees for electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles to offset lost gasoline tax revenue used for road maintenance:
Vehicle Type | Additional Annual Fee |
---|---|
Electric Vehicles (exclusively electric-powered) | $214.50 |
Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles | $107.25 |
These fees are in addition to the standard vehicle registration fee.
Commercial Vehicle Registration Fees
Commercial vehicle registration fees vary based on vehicle type and weight classification:
Vehicle Category | Weight Range | Registration Fee |
---|---|---|
Property Hauling Vehicles (General) | Not over 4,000 lbs. | $1.02 per 1,000 lbs. |
Property Hauling Vehicles (General) | 4,001 to 9,000 lbs. | $1.30 per 1,000 lbs. |
Property Hauling Vehicles (General) | 9,001 to 13,000 lbs. | $1.55 per 1,000 lbs. |
Property Hauling Vehicles (General) | 13,001 to 17,000 lbs. | $2.52 per 1,000 lbs. |
Property Hauling Vehicles (General) | Over 17,000 lbs. | $2.75 per 1,000 lbs. |
Minimum Registration Fee (General) | All weights | $46.25 |
Vehicle Property Taxes
North Carolina's Tag & Tax Together program combines vehicle registration fees with county vehicle property taxes. Property tax amounts vary by county and are based on the assessed value of the vehicle. Vehicle property taxes are calculated using county-specific tax rates and the North Carolina Department of Revenue's vehicle valuation schedule.
Vehicle owners can estimate their property tax using the North Carolina Vehicle Property Tax Estimator. Property tax rates and vehicle valuations vary by county and municipality. Vehicle owners living within city limits may be subject to both county and municipal property taxes.
Additional Mandatory Fees
Registration renewal includes the following state-mandated fees:
Fee Type | Amount | Notes |
---|---|---|
Title Application Fee | $66.75 | When titling is required |
Online Transaction Fee | $3.00 | Applies to PayIt online services |
Card Processing Fee | 1.85% | Percentage of total transaction amount |
Duplicate Registration Card | $25.50 | For replacement cards |
Transfer Registration | $25.50 | When transferring registration |
Replace Registration Plates | $25.50 | For new or replacement plates |
Note: The State of North Carolina does not collect or benefit from online transaction and card processing fees. These fees are collected by PayIt to deliver quality services efficiently with no upfront costs to NCDMV.
How To Renew Vehicle Registration Online in North Carolina
Online Renewal Platforms
NCDMV offers convenient online renewal services through the myNCDMV platform powered by PayIt technology. The online system allows vehicle owners to renew registrations and pay property taxes together through a secure transaction.
myNCDMV Online Portal
The myNCDMV Registration Renewal portal provides secure online renewal services with a user-friendly interface. Vehicle owners can complete multiple services in one secure transaction.
Online renewals include a $3.00 transaction fee plus a 1.85 percent card processing fee. Vehicle owners who prefer not to pay the convenience fee can visit a local license plate agency or mail payment to the address listed on the renewal notice.
Online Renewal Process
Step 1: Verify Eligibility
- Vehicle inspection must be completed within 90 days of renewal
- Current North Carolina liability insurance must be maintained continuously
- No outstanding registration stops or blocks on the vehicle
- Registration must not be expired for more than one year
Step 2: Gather Required Information
- License plate number
- Last five digits of the vehicle title number (found on renewal notice or prior registration card)
- Current insurance policy information
- Payment method (credit or debit card)
Step 3: Complete Online Renewal
- Access the myNCDMV portal
- Enter license plate number and last five digits of title number
- Review renewal fees and vehicle property taxes
- Verify insurance information
- Submit payment for combined registration and property tax
Step 4: Receive Confirmation
- Download temporary registration receipt for immediate use
- New registration sticker will be mailed to the address on record
- Registration documents typically arrive within 7-10 business days
Alternative Renewal Methods
Mail-In Renewal
Submit the following documents by mail:
- Completed renewal notice with payment
- Current vehicle inspection report (if applicable)
- Proof of liability insurance
- Payment for registration fees and property taxes
Mail renewal payments to the address printed on the renewal notice.
In-Person Renewal at License Plate Agency
Visit a local NCDMV license plate agency with:
- Government-issued photo identification
- License plate number or renewal notice
- Current insurance documentation
- Payment for renewal fees and property taxes
Use the NCDMV Office Locator to find the nearest license plate agency. License plate agencies serve walk-in customers without appointments.
Self-Service Kiosks
NCDMV operates self-service kiosks at select Harris Teeter locations throughout North Carolina. The Self-Service Kiosk Locator provides current kiosk locations and available services.
Contact Information
North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles
3101 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-3101
Phone: (919) 715-7000
Official Website: NCDMV
NCDMV Physical Address
1515 N. Church Street, Rocky Mount, NC 27804
NCDMV customer service is available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Vehicle owners can also send a message to NCDMV through the official website.
For questions regarding vehicle property taxes and tax assessments, contact the county tax assessor in the county where the vehicle is registered.