Procedure for NC residents to register and title a vehicle

You must present a valid NC Driver License or a North Carolina Identification Card to register a vehicle in North Carolina. If there are multiple owners to be recorded on a title and only one driver is delivering the paperwork, please bring the alternate owner's valid ID/Drivers License or a copy thereof. 

To register a vehicle purchased from an individual:

1. Furnish the title properly assigned and notarized to you. If any liens are shown on the front of the vehicle's title, you will need a lien release.
2. Complete the Title Application (MVR-1), declaring all liens, signed by all owners in the presense of a notary.
3. If the vehicle is less than 10 years old, you must supply an odometer disclosure statement signed by the seller and the buyer.
4. A Damage Disclosure Statement (MVR-181) is required.
5. If purchased from a NC resident, the owner has to have the vehicle inspected in North Carolina prior to a license plate being issued. If purchased from an individual that resides out of state, the new owner will be issued a plate without requiring an NC inspection.  The plate will not be eligible for renewal one year later unless the vehicle has passed a NC inspection.
6. A Declaration of Eligible Risk (MVR-615) is required.
7. Proof of Insurance must be furnished.

To register a vehicle purchased from a dealer:

1. Furnish the title properly assigned and notarized to you. If any liens are shown on the front of the vehicle's title, you will need a lien release.  NOTE: A titling document may include but is not limited to: A North Carolina Title, an out of state title, or A Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin(MCO)
2. Complete the Title Application (MVR-1), declaring all liens, signed by all owners in the presense of a notary.
3. If the vehicle is less than 10 years old, you must supply an odometer disclosure statement signed by the seller and the buyer.
4. A Damage Disclosure Statement (MVR-181) is required.
5. A bill of sale is needed showing the vehicle's purchase price.
6. If purchased from a dealership in NC, the vehicle must be inspected in North Carolina prior to a license plate being issued. If purchased from an out-of-state dealership, the new owner will be issued a plate without requiring an NC inspection.  The plate will not be eligible for renewal one year later unless the vehicle has passed a NC inspection.
7. A Declaration of Eligible Risk (MVR-615) is required.
8. Proof of Insurance is required must be furnished.