North Carolina uses a staggered vehicle registration system. Your plate expires on the last day of the month and year currently displayed on your plate. Although an individual can legally operate their vehicle up to 15 days after their registration expires ("valid through" date), the N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles charges a late fee up to $25 on all registration renewals paid after the expiration date.
When it is time to renew your vehicle's registration, you will receive a renewal card in the mail. If you do receive a registration renewal card, please see below.
- Have your vehicle inspected no more than 90 days before you renew your registration.
- Make sure no taxes are delinquent on the vehicle
- Note any changes of address or insurance information on the front of the registration card.
- Visit our office.
- Upon payment(cash, checks with 2 forms of ID, money order, Visa, MC, Discover, AMEX) of the appropriate fee, you will be issued new stickers to indicate the new period of valid registration. We cannot accept starter checks or two-party checks. Phone number and driver's license number are required on checks.
If you did not receive a registration renewal card:
- Make sure there are no outstanding registration blocks (tax, insurance, child support etc.)
- Have your vehicle inspected no more than 90 days before you renew your registration.
- Visit our office and bring your license plate number and insurance information
- Upon payment(cash, checks with 2 forms of ID, money order, Visa, MC, Discover, AMEX) of the appropriate fee, you will be issued new stickers to indicate the new period of valid registration. We cannot accept starter checks or two-party checks. Phone number and driver's license number are required on checks.