How to transfer a car title in North Carolina
For private sellers and buyers in North Carolina. A dealer trade-in follows the dealer's own process.
To transfer a car title in North Carolina, the seller fills in the back of the title with the buyer, signs it in front of a notary, removes the plates and hands over the title with the car. The buyer files the Title Application (MVR-1) at a license plate agency or by mail within 28 days of the sale.
What do the buyer and seller each do in North Carolina?
Seller
- Fill in the back of the title with the buyer, and sign it in front of a notary.
- Remove your license plates.
- Give the buyer the signed title when you hand over the car.
- If you don't move the plates to another car, surrender them to NCDMV.
Buyer
- Fill in your name and address on the back of the title with the seller.
- Fill out the Title Application (MVR-1), the Odometer Disclosure Statement (MVR-180) and the Damage Disclosure Statement (MVR-181).
- Apply for the new title within 28 days.
If you're not sure what you need, check with the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles before you go: ncdot.gov
How do I sign over a car title in North Carolina?
Step 1 · Seller
Fill in the back of the title with the buyer.
The buyer's name and address, the date of sale, your signature and printed name, the odometer reading and the damage disclosure.
ncdot.gov checkedStep 2 · Seller
Sign in front of a notary.
A North Carolina title assignment must be notarized.
ncdot.gov checkedStep 3 · Seller
Never hand over a title signed in blank.
Giving or taking a title with the buyer left blank is a misdemeanor in North Carolina.
ncleg.gov checkedStep 4 · Seller
Remove your license plates.
Keep them to move to another car, or surrender them to NCDMV right away.
ncleg.gov checkedStep 5 · Seller
Give the buyer the signed title with the car.
Hand it over when you deliver the car.
ncleg.gov checked
We have not confirmed whether North Carolina requires a bill of sale. Check with the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles before you sell.
North Carolina bill of saleHow do I put a car title in my name in North Carolina?
Step 1 · Buyer
Get the signed, notarized title from the seller.
Check your name and address, the date of sale and the odometer reading on the back.
ncdot.gov checkedStep 2 · Buyer
Fill out the title application.
Use the Title Application (MVR-1), with the odometer (MVR-180) and damage (MVR-181) disclosure statements. The application must be notarized.
MVR-1 · Title Applicationncdot.gov checkedStep 3 · Buyer
Apply within 28 days.
At a license plate agency or by mail. A late application costs an extra fee.
ncleg.gov checked
After NCDMV processes your papers, it issues the new title in the new owner's name. See Processing in the At a glance box for how long that takes.
North Carolina guides
- You're reading this guideSell or buy a carSteps to sell a car in North Carolina · Steps to buy a car in North Carolina
- North Carolina bill of saleWhat to include. No official form found
- Replace a lost title in North CarolinaDuplicate title (MVR-4)
- Car title after a death in North CarolinaThe steps depend on the estate and who the title names
How much does a title transfer cost in North Carolina?
| Fee | Amount | Who pays | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certificate of title fee | $66.75 | Buyer | ncdot.gov Checked |
| Highway-use tax (paid instead of sales tax) | 3% of the car's value (caps apply in some cases) | Buyer | connect.ncdot.gov Checked |
| Late title fee after 28 days (if it applies) | $20 | Buyer | ncdot.gov Checked |
| Total of required fees, before tax | $66.75 |
Fees can change. Check the official page before you pay. Tax depends on the price and on who is buying. The tax rules are on the site of the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (highway-use tax).
Special cases
- Giving a car as a giftNot confirmed yet Gift steps for North Carolina are being checked.
- Lost titleUse the Application for Duplicate Title (MVR-4).
- The owner diedThe steps depend on the estate and who the title names.
Common questions
How long do you have to transfer a car title in North Carolina?
28 days after the car is transferred to you. After that, NCDMV charges a $20 late fee.
Does a North Carolina title need to be notarized?
Yes. When the title is a North Carolina title, the assignment on the back must be notarized.
ncdot.gov checked
Does the seller keep the license plates?
Yes. The seller removes them. If the plates are not moved to another car, the seller surrenders them to NCDMV.
How much is the title fee in North Carolina?
$66.75 for the certificate of title. The buyer also pays a highway-use tax of 3% of the car's value (caps apply in some cases).
ncdot.gov checked connect.ncdot.gov checked
How long does NCDMV take to issue the new title?
NCDMV says title applications take 10 to 15 business days to process.
ncdot.gov checked
Sources for this page
- connect.ncdot.gov/business/
dmv/ Checkeddmv%20documents/ nc%20title%20manual.pdf - ncdot.gov/dmv/
downloads/ CheckedDocuments/ MVR-94.pdf - ncdot.gov/dmv/
title-registration/ Checkedlicense-plates/ Pages/ default.aspx - ncdot.gov/dmv/
title-registration/ Checkedvehicle/ Pages/ default.aspx - ncdot.gov/dmv/
title-registration/ Checkedvehicle/ Pages/ documents-forms.aspx - ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/
Statutes/ CheckedHTML/ BySection/ Chapter_20/ GS_20-72.html - ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/
Statutes/ CheckedHTML/ BySection/ Chapter_20/ GS_20-73.html
About this page
This page summarizes official North Carolina sources in plain English. Car Title Steps is not a government website, is not connected to the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles, and does not file or prepare forms. Confirm each step with the agency before you sign, pay or mail anything. Found a mistake? Email mr@marcelruettgers.com.