A certificate of title is a document that confirms ownership of a car. Transferring ownership is one of the most important steps when you buy or sell a used car in North Carolina.
The transfer of title should be a safe and streamlined process. So how to transfer a car title in NC? Follow the article below!
What Are North Carolina’s Title Transfer Requirements?
The NC title transfer is extremely necessary. You need to know some requirements when transferring car title NC.
General Requirements
- A valid NC driver’s license or ID is required of the individual titling the car. The new NC residents must have their state Temporary Driving Certificate and a current state driver’s license.
- All signatures on the required documents for vehicles owned by many individuals have to be notarized. There must also be a black-and-white copy of the alternate owner’s valid driver’s license or government-issued identification.
- Additionally, the car co-owner may sign through a Power of Attorney(s). If the authorization letter marks the document, you must bring a valid driver’s license copy.
- If mailing the paperwork, the individual titling the vehicle must send a copy of their valid North Carolina driver’s license with their title certificate.
- Make sure the property tax on the registered vehicle has been paid.
Special Requirements
Vehicle types such as antiques, replicas, mobile homes, motorcycles, mopeds, and trailers will be subject to additional requirements.
These may also apply in some special cases, such as leased cars, rescue vehicles, abandoned vehicles, or owners who fail to provide ownership documentation.
New & Non-N.C. Residents
Before registering a vehicle, new residents of North Carolina or non-residents who recently purchased one must have it titled in the state.
In addition to a driver’s license, non-residents of North Carolina must also present one of the following documents:
- Active military personnel stationed in NC bring their military ID.
- Students at NC colleges and universities must bring their student ID.
- Bring the MVR-614 document proving that the vehicle spent at least 6 months and 1 year being stored in NC.
- Motorcycle registration certificate.
Proof of Liability Insurance
All state-registered and named vehicles in North Carolina must maintain ongoing liability insurance. A licensed provider in North Carolina offers this insurance. It is required before calling a car.
How To Transfer A Car Title in NC
North Carolina car title transfer will cover some of the following specific cases:
Transferring a Car’s Title As a New Resident of North Carolina
As a new NC resident, you must promptly complete the out-of-state vehicle title transfer process with the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office locations.
In NC, you will apply to transfer ownership of your vehicle and complete your vehicle registration process.
NC vehicle title transfer requires a valid NC car insurance policy and a valid NC driver’s license. Once you have these documents, bring the following to your local NY DMV office:
- Proof of ownership
- Odometer disclosure if your car is less than 10 years old.
- Application for registration of vehicle title transfer (Form MVR-1)
- Proof of Identity (NC driver’s license or out-of-state driver’s license).
- Documentation for every vehicle owner listed.
- Proof of NC car insurance policy.
- Payment of fees, including NC vehicle ownership transfer fee ($56), highway use tax (3%), and NC vehicle registration fee.
Transferring the Title of a Car Purchased From a Private Seller
If you buy a used car from someone else, you must complete the process of transferring ownership of the NC vehicle.
You have 28 days to complete that from when the vehicle title is notarized or received. A late NC title transfer will cost you a $20 late fee.
To complete the procedure for transferring ownership of the NC vehicle, go to the NC DMV office and submit the following:
- All documents provided by the previous legal owner.
- The title application was signed and notarized.
- Proof of valid NC vehicle insurance policy
- NC residents must provide an NC driver’s license or ID.
- Pay all fees, including Vehicle title transfer fee of $56; highway use tax of 3%; freeway use tax exemption certificate fee (Form MVR-613); and registration fee.
Transferring the Title of a Car You’re Selling
After selling the car, you need to provide the new vehicle owner with the necessary information, such as:
- Complete and notarize the vehicle title document with the buyer’s and your signatures.
- Provide a damage declaration (Form MVR-181)
- A lien release
- An Odometer Disclosure Statement (Form MVR-180) is required for vehicles under ten years old.
You can make a duplicate title application if you don’t have the vehicle’s title. North Carolina title transfer will become easier if the above information is full
FAQs
Where Can You Complete A Title Transfer In NC?
It would be best to go to your local NC DMV office to accomplish your car title transfer NC. You can look for an office in your county using the DMV office locator map.
It’s a good idea to contact ahead for the latest closing and opening times as business hours may vary depending on location.
How Soon Can I Transfer My Car Title?
After the buyer presents the required paperwork to the DMV and pays the required fee, the vehicle records are updated. Within 10 to 15 days, the new owner will receive the registration card.
How Much Is A Car Title Transfer In NC?
You want to know how much it costs to transfer a car title in NC?”
The NC DMV levies the $56 certification fee and 3% highway use tax.
When you buy or receive a car and wait over 28 days for the title to be properly transferred, they also charge a $20 late fee.
You will also be charged an additional ownership transfer fee if you choose instant titles. In addition to the original title fee, an instant title costs $98.
Additionally, the NC DMV levies a $20 cost to issue duplicate documents, remove liens, correct errors and change names on existing records.
How to Transfer a Car Title When the Owner is Passed Away?
You need to take a few steps to convert car ownership if the original owner has passed away.
If you are a spouse, joint owner, or beneficiary, you can legally transfer ownership of the car to someone else if your loved one passes away.
Conclusion
The above article has answered the question “how to transfer a car title in NC” in the most detail.
Transferring ownership does not take long, but you must have the necessary documents. Don’t forget that you may have to pay $20 if you’re late!