How to Transfer a Car Title in North Carolina
With proof of insurance, ID, your title, and money for the fees, you can complete a North Carolina title transfer at the DMV or by mail.
Written by Cynthia Williams
Reviewed by Carrie Adkins
If you’re selling or buying a vehicle in North Carolina, you need to do a title transfer at the DMV or by mail before you can register the vehicle.
- The fee is $56 to transfer a title, plus the base registration fee of $38.75 per year, county taxes, and other fees.
- Title transfers in North Carolina are completed at the DMV for private sales.
- Dealers handle the title transfer process if you’re buying a car at a dealership.
- Bring proof of ID, proof of insurance, the vehicle title, and payment for the fees.
- The fee is $56 to transfer a title, plus the base registration fee of $38.75 per year, county taxes, and other fees.
- Title transfers in North Carolina are completed at the DMV for private sales.
- Dealers handle the title transfer process if you’re buying a car at a dealership.
- Bring proof of ID, proof of insurance, the vehicle title, and payment for the fees.
What is a title transfer?
A title dictates ownership of a vehicle—so when you transfer a title, you’re transferring vehicle ownership.
The transaction to transfer ownership involves separate steps for each party:
- Seller: Releases ownership by signing the original title
- Buyer: Takes the signed title to the DMV, where the state will issue a new title and registration
Title transfers make it possible for the Department of Motor Vehicles to keep track of who has legal ownership of a specific vehicle. Vehicle registration is the next step after the new owner completes the title transfer and has proof of ownership.
Who does the vehicle title transfer?
In a private sale: The buyer is responsible for most of the North Carolina title transfer process. Typically, the only responsibility of the seller is to fill out and sign the back of the NC title.
If the vehicle is purchased from a dealership: The dealer will complete the entire title transfer and the buyer will receive the new title from the DMV via mail.
Reasons for a title transfer
The most common reasons for a title transfer are buying, selling, or changing residency.
Here are a few other reasons why vehicle owners may need to transfer a title:
- Donating a vehicle
- Gifting a vehicle
- Inheriting a vehicle
- Paying off a vehicle loan
Car title transfer in the state of North Carolina
Where: In-person at your local Division of Motor Vehicles agency or by mail
When: Within 28 days from the date of signing the title—otherwise, you will be fined a late fee of $20
How: Fill out the information on the back of the title and get it notarized.
On the back of the title, fill out the following information:
- Buyer name and address
- Date of sale
- Seller's signature and hand-printed name
The NC DMV requires a title to be notarized to complete a title transfer. This means that a notary of the public must be present when the title is signed.
Out-of-state titles only need to meet the requirements of the state named on the title. Once you have the certificate of title, you can register for local license plates.
Additional documents needed:
- Valid North Carolina driver’s license/ID OR valid out-of-state license and one of the following: North Carolina Temporary Driving Certificate, military ID (if active duty and stationed in North Carolina), student ID (must show enrollment in a North Carolina College or University)
- Proof of auto insurancefrom the insurance company
- Title Application Form MVR1—you can complete this form at the DMV orfill it out onlineif you’re doing the title transfer by mail
- Payment for the title transfer fee of $56 plus the highway use tax and other fees
If you’re eligible for the highway tax exemption, file the
MVR-613 form
. Be aware that there may be an additional fee if you need a duplicate title.Registering a car in North Carolina
To
register your car in North Carolina
after the title transfer, you’ll need a current safety and emissions inspection. You must also pay any applicable taxes for the vehicle plus the registration fee. The base registration fee for a vehicle in North Carolina is $38.75 per year, plus applicable county taxes. Your local DMV office can explain the relevant fees.
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