by Armando Martinez
Buying a car from a private owner in North Carolina can be an exciting experience, but it can also be overwhelming to navigate the registration process on your own. We understand that the process can seem daunting, but registering a car bought in a private owner car sale in North Carolina is a necessary step to legally drive your new vehicle. In this article, we'll guide you through the steps needed to register your car in North Carolina with empathy and understanding.
Step 1: Obtain a Bill of Sale
The first thing you'll need to do is obtain a bill of sale from the seller. This document should include information such as the car's make, model, year, and VIN, as well as the purchase price and the names and addresses of both the buyer and seller. Make sure the bill of sale is signed by both parties.
Step 2: Obtain the Car Title
Next, you'll need to obtain the car title from the seller. Make sure that the title is signed over to you and that all fields are properly filled out. If there are any liens on the car, make sure they are paid off before completing the sale.
Step 3: Make Sure You Have a Valid NC Driver’s License
In NC, the individual(s) who is titling the vehicle must have a valid North Carolina driver license or ID. For new North Carolina residents, a valid out-of-state driver license and their North Carolina Temporary Driving Certificate are required.
Step 4: Obtain Insurance in NC
Before you can title and register your car in North Carolina, you'll need to obtain insurance from an insurance company licensed in NC. Out-of-State policies are not accepted. The state requires a minimum amount of liability coverage, which includes $30,000 for bodily injury per person, $60,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident. For more information regarding NC insurance requirements visit https://www.ncdot.gov/dmv/title-registration/insurance-requirements/Pages/default.aspx.
Step 5: Get Your Car Inspected
A motor vehicle must pass an annual safety inspection before it can be registered in North Carolina. Vehicle safety and emissions inspections can be performed at most service stations, automobile dealerships and vehicle repair garages that are licensed inspection stations.During a safety inspection, a licensed mechanic examines a vehicle's headlights, signals, brakes, steering, windows and tires. Vehicles 30 years old or older may qualify for an antique automobile license plate are exempt from both annual safety and emissions inspections.
Motor vehicles registered in 19 North Carolina counties must also pass an emissions inspection, which is conducted at the same time as the safety inspection. Emissions testing requirements do apply for vehicles less than three (3) years old, have less than 70,000 miles, or are twenty (20) years old or older.
Failure to get a vehicle inspected by the due date will result in a vehicle's registration being blocked until the vehicle is inspected.
Step 4: Complete the Title and Registration Documents needed
Once you have the bill of sale, title, proof of insurance, you'll need to complete the title and registration application as well as some additional required documents. The documentation and forms required for titling a vehicle are based on the situation involving the vehicle. If there are co-owners to be recorded on a title, all signatures on required documents must be notarized and accompanied by a black-and-white copy of the alternate owner’s valid driver license/ID or a Power of Attorney’s signature. Documents you will need to provide to the NCDMV include the current vehicle title properly assigned to you and signed by you and the person(s) listed on the prior title who sold the vehicle to you. In addition, you will need to complete a Title Application (form MVR-1), an Odometer Disclosure Statement (Form MVR-180), a Damage Disclosure Statement (Form MVR-1), and if you are claiming an exemption from use tax, a Highway-Use Tax Exemption Certificate (MVR-613). You may download each of these forms by visiting https://www.ncdot.gov/dmv/title-registration/vehicle/Pages/documents-forms.aspx and clicking on the link for each form. If you have a specialty vehicle such as an antique, classic, some additional forms may be required. Visit https://www.ncdot.gov/dmv/title-registration/vehicle/Pages/vehicle-types.aspx for more details about titling and registering specialty vehicles in NC.
You can apply for an NC title and registration in person at an NCDMV office or via the mail. In NC, title applications typically take between 10-15 days to process unless you request expedited processing or what is referred to as an “Instant Title” by the NCDMV. Instant Titles carry an additional fee above the standard title application fee. “Instant Title requests are processed within one (1) business day after the NCDMV receives your application or if you visit the NCDMV in person, it can be issued the same day over the counter at specific NCDMV offices. For a list of “Instant Title” issuing offices visit https://www.ncdot.gov/dmv/title-registration/vehicle/Pages/instant-titles.aspx.
Step 6: Determine What Fees You Will Need to Pay
When you submit your title and registration application along with other required documents, you'll need to pay certain fees and taxes. These fees include a title fee, registration fee, highway use tax, and any applicable county fees and property taxes. The exact fees will vary depending on where you live, the age and value of the car, and the type of title you are requesting, so make sure to check with the DMV to determine the total amount due. For a chart of title and registration fees due visit https://www.ncdot.gov/dmv/downloads/Documents/MVR-94.pdf. To determine what Highway Use Tax will apply to your car, visit https://www.ncdot.gov/dmv/title-registration/taxes/Pages/default.aspx. To estimate the amount of Property Tax will apply to your car visit: https://www.ncdot.gov/dmv/title-registration/taxes/Pages/vehicle-property-tax.aspx.
Step 7: Submit Your Documents and Fees
Once you have completed the registration application and paid the fees, you'll need to submit your documents and fees to the NCDMV. You can apply for a NC title and registration in person at an NCDMV office or via the mail. In NC, title applications typically take between 10-15 days to process unless you request expedited processing or what is referred to as an “Instant Title” by the NCDMV. Instant Titles carry an additional fee above the standard title application fee. “Instant Title requests are processed within one (1) business day after the NCDMV receives your application or if you visit the NCDMV in person, it can be issued the same day over the counter at specific NCDMV offices. For a list of “Instant Title” issuing offices visit https://www.ncdot.gov/dmv/title-registration/vehicle/Pages/instant-titles.aspx.
Make sure to keep these documents in a safe place, as you will need them to prove that your car is titled to you and is registered and legally allowed to be driven on North Carolina roads.
Step 7: Receive Your License Plate and Registration
After your application has been processed, An individual must visit an NCDMV license plate agency when getting a license plate for the first time. For all motor vehicles registered in North Carolina, NC DMV issues a standard license plate that is available in three designs for private passenger and private hauler vehicles:
- "First in Flight," which commemorates the Wright Brothers' first powered flight at Kitty Hawk, N.C. in 1903
- "First in Freedom," which recognizes two important North Carolina milestones in the American Revolution
- National and state motto, which includes both the United States motto ("In God We Trust") and North Carolina motto ("To Be Rather Than to Seem")
NCDMV also issues specialty license plates representing more than 100 causes and interest groups. If you desire, standard and special license plates can be personalized for an additional fee. License plate fees vary depending on the type of vehicle being plated. Some counties also charge local and regional transportation taxes on certain types of vehicles.
Conclusion
We understand that navigating the process of registering a car bought in a private owner car sale in North Carolina can be overwhelming, but it is an important step to legally driving your new vehicle. By following these steps, you can ensure that your car is properly registered and legally allowed to be driven in the state. If you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to contact your local DMV office for assistance. Visit https://www.ncdot.gov/dmv/contact/Pages/default.aspx for how to contact the NCDMV. We're here to help you every step of the way.
This article was written by Armando Martinez. Armando Martinez is among the nation’s experts on automotive titling, registration, DMV services and document operations. With nearly two decades of experience across a broad range of financial services functions and some of the largest names in auto, from Wells Fargo to Uber, Armando combines vision and ingenuity with a wealth of information so auto shoppers and sellers can learn from his experience.
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