
How to get a temporary license plate NC?
You will need the following for a replacement license plate or sticker:
- The Application for Replacement Plate and/or Sticker (Form MVR-18).
- Proof of your car insurance, such as your insurance card.
- Payment for the relevant fee: $21.50 for a license plate. Notary fees: $2 for 1 signature at a NC DMV office. $5 for 1 signature at a contracted agent's office. ...
How do you surrender a license plate?
You must cancel your registration and surrender your license plates if:
- You have dropped the vehicle liability insurance for any reason. ...
- You have sold or otherwise disposed of a vehicle and will not use the plates on another vehicle.
- Your vehicle will be stored or under repairs for an extended period and you do not wish to keep the liability insurance or registration in effect.
What license plates are available in North Carolina?
- Owner Information
- Vehicle information, including the year, make, and model & VIN Number
- Safety & Recall Information
How to replace lost, stolen or destroyed license plates?
- A notarized Affidavit of Loss/Release of Interest, or a notarized letter addressed to the Department of Licensing, saying that your vehicle license plates have been lost, stolen, destroyed, or mutilated.
- A completed License Plate Replacement Application.
- Photo identification.
- Cash or check for the fee (depends on the plate design ).

What do I do with my old North Carolina license plate?
Once replaced, the old plates will no longer be valid, and DMV would like people to return them to their local license plate agency office so they won't be used for nefarious purposes. But there is no penalty for not returning one.
Do you get a refund for returning plates NC?
If you no longer own the vehicle, returned your North Carolina license plate to the NC DMV and have at least one (1) month remaining on your North Carolina registration, you may be entitled to a prorated refund of property taxes.
Can I mail my plates to the DMV NC?
You may visit any DMV office, even those outside of where you live. Or, you may mail your plate to the NCDMV Vehicle Registration Section at: Renewal Title Plate Unit. 3148 Mail Service Center.
Do NC license plates need to be returned?
Once an individual establishes a permanent residence outside North Carolina and takes the proper steps to become a licensed driver there, they must surrender their North Carolina license plate and driver license to the N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles.
Do I have to pay taxes on a car I don't have anymore in NC?
Cancellation of a license plate alone does not warrant an abatement of motor vehicle excise tax. If you are still in possession of the vehicle, you owe the tax through the end of the calendar year. All vehicles registered as of January 1st will receive a tax bill from the community in which your vehicle is garaged.
How do I get a refund from NCDMV?
To obtain a refund, the purchaser must apply to the Division for a refund within 30 days after receiving the replacement vehicle or refund of the purchase price. APPLICATION MUST BE SIGNED IN INK BY OWNER AND NOTARIZED.
Where do I send my N.C. vehicle registration?
By mail: P.O. Box 29620, Raleigh, NC 27626.
Where do I mail NCDMV?
1501 Mail Service Center, Raleigh NC 27699Our mailing address is 1501 Mail Service Center, Raleigh NC 27699-1501.
Is the NCDMV taking walk ins?
NCDMV encourages online appointment scheduling for weekday visits to driver license offices. However, walk-in customers are welcome.
What happens if you don't return your N.C. license plate?
Failure to respond within the required amount of time (10 days) can result in the loss of your license plates for at least 30 days and your registration may be suspended. After the revocation period, you must pay a $50 restoration fee, $50 service fee and appropriate license plate fee.
How do I contact NCDMV?
View the frequently asked questions below for quick answers to common topics. For additional questions or concerns, send a message or call the NCDMV Customer Contact Center at (919) 715-7000 from 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on weekdays. For additional information about using this service, view the online terms of service.
Is there a grace period for expired tags in N.C. 2021?
Registration Renewal Late Fees 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 Vehicle charges a late fee up to $25 on all registration renewals paid after the license plate's expiration date.
What happens if you cancel your license plate insurance?
Canceling liability insurance before returning the license plate incurs a civil penalty for failure to maintain continuous insurance coverage.
Does North Carolina require liability insurance?
North Carolina law requires liability insurance from a North Carolina-licensed provider on a vehicle the entire time it is registered with the state and the vehicle's owner has possession of the North Carolina license plate.
What is the sticker on a North Carolina license plate?
Your North Carolina license plate must have a validation sticker to show that your registration is up to date.
How to get a copy of NC title?
To request a receipt, contact the NC Vehicle Vehicle Titles/ Liens, Duplicate Registration office at (919) 715-7000. You MUST receive a proof of surrender if you wish to apply for a refund of your property tax paid on the vehicle (see below).
What happens if you sell your car in NC?
If you sell your vehicle or move out of state, you may be eligible for the property tax portion of your registration fees that you paid on the vehicle . You must FIRST surrender your plates to the NC DMV and receive a proof of plate surrender (Form FS20).
How to apply for a license plate?
To apply for a license plate, you'll register your vehicle with the DMV in person. Renew your tags by renewing your registration. When you buy a new car, truck, or other vehicle, you can often transfer your license plate. If your license plate or sticker is damaged or missing, you can order replacement tags in person or by mail (if out of state). ...
What is the MVR-18 form?
The Application for Replacement Plate and/or Sticker (Form MVR-18).
When will NC DMV start offering first in freedom plates?
Beginning July 1, 2015, the NC DMV will offer a "First in Freedom" as an alternative to the "First in Flight" plate. Keep checking here for more information about "First in Freedom" plates as it becomes available. Your North Carolina license plate must have a validation sticker to show that your registration is up to date.
How long is a temporary license plate good for?
Each temporary license plate is valid for up to 30 days and can be extended if necessary.
Before You Begin
The N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles uses an online service, called PayIt, that allows you to take advantage of completing multiple services in one secure transaction.
Other Renewal Options
Prefer not to pay the transaction fee? You can renew your vehicle registration at an NCDMV license plate agency, or send in your renewal to the address on your renewal notice.
How to get a new license?
In Your New State 1 Apply for a new driver's license. After establishing residency most states require that this be done within a set amount of time, usually ranging between 30 and 60 days. 2 Apply for a new registration. This too must be completed within a set amount of days after establishing residency. 3 Apply for new license plates. This generally coincides with the registration process. 4 Apply for a new vehicle title. Unlike the aforementioned, applying for a new title generally, depending on your state, is not mandatory. If you plan on selling your vehicle, only then will you need an updated title to correspond with your new state. 5 If you're a prospective new driver, you will need to check if your permit is honored in your new state. 6 If you completed a driver education course in your old state you will also need to investigate whether your new state will honor the completion certificate. 7 Learn if your new state requires vehicle inspections. 8 Check out our New to Your State? section for more information.
How long does it take to get a new driver's license?
After establishing residency most states require that this be done within a set amount of time, usually ranging between 30 and 60 days.
Donate Your Old Car In North Carolina
Donate your old car in North Carolina to Wheels For Wishes, benefiting Make-A-Wish kids from Charlotte to Asheville:
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How long does it take to renew a license plate in NC?
Overall, an NC license plate renewal can happen in person or by mail up to 90 days before your car tag expires. In order to request a renewal, you must have a valid auto insurance policy and current safety and emissions inspection certificate.
Who processes NC registration plates?
Overall, new registration plates in NC are processed by the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) of the state’s Department of Transportation (DOT). Vehicle owners may choose from a variety of types of car tags, such as standard or personalized license plates. Then, motorists must be mindful of when to renew, replace or transfer these credentials. Learn more about how to get a license plate by reading the sections below.
What is a standard license plate in North Carolina?
Standard car registration plates are permanent credentials that are most often seen on vehicles registered in North Carolina. However, there are two standard DMV license plate choices in the state. One option, called the “First in Flight” tag, is a more traditional license plate. The other option, called the “First in Freedom” tag, is the newer version of a standard plate.
How many designs are there for a license plate?
Specialized and personalized plates come in nearly 200 designs representing a wide range of interests, groups, affiliations and academic institutions. You may also get license plate numbers and letters configured into names or sayings, thus further customizing your car tag.
What is a disability parking plate?
Disability parking plates are issued by DMV agents to individuals with disabilities, who must file a specific application form. Moreover, this particular document must be certified by a physician. These permanent plates help people with disabilities by allowing them to park in designated handicapped parking spots.
What do you need to get a license plate?
When visiting a license plate agency, you must provide your title number, vehicle identification number (VIN) and proof of liability insurance.
How long can you drive a car in North Carolina?
These car tags allow you to drive your car up to 30 days, or until your permanent tags arrive in the mail. Standard car registration plates are permanent ...
What to do if your license plate is revoked?
If your license plate was revoked and you want it reinstated because believe your lapse in coverage was not your fault, you can request a hearing. You need to file a liability hearing request form and pay a $60 fee. You can also call the NCDMV at 919-715-7000 for more information about arranging a hearing if you believe your lapse in coverage was not your fault.
How long does it take to get your license plate back after a revocation?
Failure to respond within the required amount of time (10 days) can result in the loss of your license plates for at least 30 days and your registration may be suspended. After the revocation period, you must pay a $50 restoration fee, $50 service fee and appropriate license plate fee.
